Imagine a food that provides everything necessary for health, rejuvenation, and detoxification of the body.
Food that can prevent allergies, colds, arthritis, cancer and eye diseases.
Food which provides the necessary energy and vitality, and it helps with weight loss.
Yes, these foods actually exist.
Broccoli is a wonderful food and its health benefits are endless, here are only 13 reasons why you need to include broccoli in your daily menu.
1. Protects against cancer
In the broccoli were found even 3 active ingredients that protect against cancer: dindolilmetan (DIM), glucoraphanin and indole-3-carbinol.
These compounds block the growth of cancer cells and prevent cancer development in stomach, breast, uterus and prostate.
2. Regulates blood pressure
Thanks to the high content of calcium and magnesium, broccoli maintain a blood pressure within normal limits.
3. Boosts immunity
Broccoli contains high amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene, and thus strengthens the immune system and protect against colds and flu.
4. Broccoli is good for pregnant women
It contains high amounts of folic acid, which is essential for prenatal development of the baby.
In addition, folic acid is essential for the regeneration of cells and plays an important role in cancer prevention.
5. Protects against arthritis
Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which protects the cartilage, and flavonoid kaempferol, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Thanks to that broccoli helps in prevent of rheumatic diseases.
6. Regulates digestion
Broccoli is rich in fibers, which regulate digestion and blood sugar levels, and prevent constipation.
7. Broccoli is good for the eyes
It contains high amounts of lutein, vitamin C, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, which prevent eye diseases.
8. Reduces cholesterol
Lutein, dietary fiber, B-vitamins and folic acid, which includes broccoli, are essential to maintain the normal blood cholesterol levels.
Therefore, broccoli is excellent food for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
9. Protects against heart disease
Vitamin B6, folic acid and carotenoid lutein, which includes broccoli, improve artery health and prevent heart disease and stroke.
10. Helps with weight loss
Broccoli is a great food for weight loss. It contains very few calories, but is full of nutrients. Due to the large share of fiber and water, broccoli quickly produces a feeling of satiety.
It is rich in proteins, which are essential for building muscle and burning fat.
One cup of broccoli contains three times more protein than a cup of rice, but five times less calories.
11. Prevents allergies
Broccoli contains high amounts of folic acid and flavonoids kaempferola, which have anti-allergen activity.
Studies have shown that folic acid regulates the immune response of the body. (As we know, allergies are the immune response of the body to defend against harmless substances in our environment.)
Therefore, broccoli is known as the food that prevents asthma and allergies.
12. Broccoli is good for the bones
It is a good source of calcium and vitamin K, which are essential for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.
13. Clean body
Broccoli contains glucoraphanin, glukonasturtian and glucobrassicin. These three ingredients that are naturally present in broccoli, helps eliminate toxins from our body.
How to prepare broccoli?
Raw and steamed broccoli contains most vitamins. However, it is not recommended to cook in the water, because by doing so it loses most of its valuable components. With more cooking, will remain fewer vitamins.
How much is needed to eat?
To enjoy the many benefits of broccoli, eat 1 cup of vegetables per day or 2-3 cups broccoli three times a week.
