Broccoli turns out to have many benefits, from lowering cholesterol to preventing cancer. Know, here are the benefits of broccoli that are good for health.
Broccoli is one of the green vegetables that can meet daily nutritional needs because it contains many nutrients. Not surprisingly, many people like to consume it.
Interestingly, this vegetable can also be eaten raw or cooked. However, it’s a good idea to steam broccoli gently to get maximum benefits.
Come on, find out the health benefits of broccoli through the following review.
1. Rich in Nutrients
The main benefit of broccoli is that it contains lots of nutrients. Delivered by Dr. Atika, broccoli is rich in fiber and various vitamins and minerals.
The following is the nutritional content of broccoli in 100 grams, quoted from the Food Data Central US Department of Agriculture:
- Energy: 34 calories
- Protein: 2,82 grams
- Fat: 0.37 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6.64 grams
- Fiber: 2.6 grams
- Kalsium: 47 mg
- Iron: 0.73 mg
- Magnesium: 21 mg
- Fosfor: 66 mg
- Potassium: 316 mg
- Zinc: 0,41 mg
Apart from that, there are a number of vitamins in broccoli, ranging from vitamin C to vitamin K.
2. Balancing Hormones
Broccoli contains a plant compound called indole-3-carbinol which can regulate estrogen levels so it can help balance hormones.
Apart from that, these compounds can also support reproductive health. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the benefits of this broccoli.
3. Maintain eye health
The benefits of green broccoli can also help maintain eye health. This is thanks to the antioxidant content of lutein and zeaxanthin in broccoli.
Quoted from Nutrients Research, lutein, and zeaxanthin have been proven to reduce the risk of eye disease that can interfere with vision, namely age-related macular degeneration.
4. Maintains heart health
Regular consumption of steamed broccoli can lower cholesterol levels. This can certainly reduce the risk of heart disease.
By steaming broccoli, it can maintain its nutritional content in it, so you can get maximum benefits, including maintaining heart health. Therefore, don’t hesitate to eat steamed broccoli, okay?
5. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Even though cholesterol has an important role in the body, cholesterol levels that are too high are also not good for the body.
The benefits of boiled broccoli can be more effective in binding bile acids produced by cholesterol. This can certainly help reduce cholesterol levels in the body.
6. Healthy Digestive System
Apart from being rich in folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K, broccoli also contains high levels of fiber. These ingredients can help smooth the digestive system. The volume and weight of the stool will increase, making it easier to pass through the intestines.
Even so, it is not recommended to consume broccoli for stomach acid. You see, these vegetables can increase the gas formed from the digestive process.
7. Prevents Cancer
One of the benefits of broccoli for health is that it can prevent a number of cancers.
The antioxidant content in broccoli can help reduce oxidative stress, so it can prevent lung, colorectal, breast, and stomach cancer.
8. Helps Lose Weight
Even though it contains many nutrients, broccoli tends to have low calories. In fact, the calories of boiled broccoli in 100 grams are around 35 calories.
To lose weight, you need to reduce calorie intake in the body. Luckily, broccoli has a low-calorie content. Apart from that, broccoli is also rich in fiber, so it can make you feel full longer.
9. Improves the body’s immune system
Eating broccoli can help improve the immune system. The antioxidant in broccoli, namely glutathione, plays a role in protecting body cells from inflammation.
Apart from that, the sulfur content in broccoli can also support intestinal health, so it can increase the body’s defense against infection.
10. Prevents Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that can be painful. The good news is that consuming broccoli can help prevent gout.
The benefits of broccoli for gout are obtained thanks to its high antioxidant and vitamin C content. The reason is, these two substances can help the body to fight chronic diseases, including gout.
11. High in antioxidants
Broccoli is also a vegetable that contains high antioxidants. The antioxidants contained in broccoli include sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol, carotenoids, kaempferol, and quercetin.
This property of broccoli can certainly help fight free radicals in the body, thereby preventing the emergence of a number of chronic diseases.
12. Maintain a healthy pregnancy
The benefits of broccoli for pregnant women can help maintain a healthy pregnancy. Apart from that, vitamins, minerals and broccoli protein can also support the development of the fetus while it is in the womb.
Even though the benefits are very good, more research is needed to understand broccoli’s link in supporting a healthier pregnancy.
13. Maintains healthy bones and teeth
The calcium, vitamin C, and antioxidants contained in broccoli can help maintain bone health. Of course, this can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Apart from that, eating broccoli regularly can also help improve dental health, including preventing periodontitis or gum infections.
From the many benefits of broccoli above, you don’t need to hesitate to add this vegetable to your daily dishes. Also, make sure to #KeepYourHealthy by meeting your other nutritional needs by consuming nutritious foods.
14. Maintain healthy skin
The bioactive compounds in broccoli can help maintain healthy skin. Moreover, this green vegetable contains high antioxidants which can slow down the aging process.
By consuming broccoli regularly, it can help you to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.