Published By: Sayan Paul

Reasons why you should include broccoli in your diet

Loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, broccoli benefits you a lot more than you could ever imagine.

Broccoli is considered as one of the healthiest vegetables on earth. It provides you a lot of nutrients and if consumed on a regular basis, it prevents several health diseases and improves your overall health. Related to the cabbage family, broccoli can be cooked in different methods which can help you to get the most nutrition from it.

Here, let's take a look at some of the most amazing health benefits of broccoli.

  1. Powerhouse of nutritions: Broccoli is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and bioactive compounds. It's low in calories and high in proteins, so it can provide you a lot of proteins without making you gain weight. One cup of raw broccoli contains:
Fat: 0.3 g

Protein: 2.6 g

Calories: 31

Fiber: 2.4 g

Carbohydrates: 6g

Potassium: 8% of the RDI

Phosphorus: 6% of the RDI

Vitamin: A, C, K - 11%, 135%, 116% respectively of the RDI.

  1. Prevents Cancer: Broccoli contains some anti cancer properties that protect your cells from damage and reduce an estrogen which is known for causing cancer in human body. Eating broccoli on a daily basis may help you prevent certain types of cancer such as breast, prostate, kidney, bladder, stomach etc.
  2. Protects Bones and Joints: Broccoli is a rich source of calcium and vitamin K which strengthen your bones and joints, and prevent several bone diseases including osteoporosis. Broccoli also contains magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin A and C which are good for your bones and joints.
  3. Improves Heart Health: Broccoli reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in your body, which result in improving your overall heart health. While the anti-inflammatory properties in broccoli protect your blood vessels from damage, the vitamins, fiber and fatty acids promote blood flow in your heart. Consuming broccoli on a regular basis reduces the risk of several heart diseases.
  4. Diabetes & Autism: Sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, reduces the risk of type-2 diabetes. Also several studies have shown that consuming this compound on a regular basis is extremely good for people with autism.
  5. Digestion: Broccoli contains fiber and antioxidants which regulate your digestion and improve your overall digestive system. A healthy digestive system helps you prevent colon cancer.
  6. Eye health: Broccoli is a rich source of vitamin A, B complex, C, E, phosphorus, beta-carotene, lutein and several other antioxidants which protect your eyes from macular degeneration and improve your overall eye health.
Broccoli also reduces allergic reactions and detoxification, controls blood sugar, protects your skin and improves immunity, brain functions, metabolism etc. So, include broccoli in your regular diet and see the result.