Broccoli is one of the healthiest plants for humans. Almost any nutritionist in a survey will include it in the top 10 most useful plants. And, in this tableau, our hero will occupy the leading position. And the thing is that this variety of cabbage contains many vitamins. It also has a rich list of nutrients and minerals.[1]

What Are the Benefits of Broccoli?

broccoli vitaminsBroccoli is considered to be very good for health for a reason. It contains such extremely useful trace elements as selenium, silicon, calcium, boron, iodine, and vitamins: A, E, PP, K, and others, as well as fiber, proteins, and many other bioactive nutrients, for example, methionine, choline, amino acids, and so on.[2]

Calcium [3] is required for bone growth, hair growth, and the normal condition of hair and nails. Copper is required for blood formation. Selen is involved in the removal of heavy compounds and harmful substances. Zinc and manganese have a beneficial effect on cell division and muscle formation. Sodium maintains electrolyte balance. Potassium promotes the removal of excess salt.

The Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli

There are the following nutrients in 100 grams of broccoli:

Calories Proteins Fats Carbs Dietary fibre Water
34 kcal. 2.8 g. 0,4 g. 4 g. 2,6 g. 89 g.

Minerals

Amounts Per Selected Serving
Calcium 13.4mg
Iron 0.2mg
Magnesium 7.0mg
Phosphorus 18.5mg
Potassium 91.0mg
Sodium 7.6mg
Zinc 0.1mg
Manganese 0.1mg
Selenium 0.8mcg

So Why Is Broccoli Good?

So why is broccoli good
So why is broccoli good

Broccoli has a high nutritional value, so its use is unquestionable. It:

  • Encourages the elimination of free radicals and toxins. Broccoli is especially recommended for those who live in environmentally deficient or high-radiation areas. Cellulite appears because of excessive liquid in the organism – broccoli helps remove the excess liquid. Broccoli seed decoction is effective in fighting parasites.
  • Is very important for pregnant women’s food. Broccoli contains excessive folic acid, which is necessary for fetus formation. [4]
  • Is also important for diabetic patients.[5] Broccoli contains the nutrients necessary to normalize insulin levels and protect the vascular walls from damage.
  • Is useful for people with mental breakdowns and bad vision.[6]
  • Vitamin A content is raised in broccoli. This is a vitamin of youth and beauty, and amino acids and chlorophyll take part in blood-forming.

What else is there to say about the use of broccoli?

Broccoli containIt has a high content of fiber, – helps cleanse the intestines [7] and normalize digestion. Broccoli contains protein, which is especially valuable due to the high content of isoleucine and lysine, which equates it to the protein of a chicken egg. That is why the vegetable is recommended for patients with heart and vascular disease. Broccoli consumption significantly reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Broccoli for Weight Loss

Broccoli for weight lossBroccoli’s useful properties make it an invariable component of dietary and medical nutrition. It is a part of many diets and menus of people in the postoperative period or after a serious disease. Broccoli is at the top of the list of the most valuable food.

Broccoli is also useful for those who want to lose weight. Nutritionists recommend extensively supplementing the menu with broccoli, as 100 g of this vegetable contains only 30 kcal. It is important to say that regular consumption of broccoli helps you lose several kilograms without hurting your health. B-group vitamins and chlorophyll participate in metabolic processes and help to burn excess fat quickly.[8]

Expert opinion
Adelaida Williams
Nutritionist with over 11 years' experience
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Broccoli’s regular consumption helps to remove excess liquid from the organism. That reduces cellulite generation. Dishes made from this vegetable can stave off hunger for a long time.

The Benefit of Broccoli for Skin

Broccoli cream is one of the best sun protection creams (2). It is quickly absorbed by the skin and blocks the effects of UV rays. Thanks to this property – skin cells are not exposed to aggressive rays. It is also worth noting the therapeutic properties. If you get sunburned, this cream relieves inflammation.
Experts have long noticed the benefits of broccoli on the skin. This plant accelerates the regeneration of the skin. Healing of small wounds, abrasions, and cuts is faster. This vegetable is also often used in cosmetology, improving the skin of the face. Thanks to the accelerated repair of damaged cells – you regain your beauty.
The beneficial substances found in broccoli are effective in fighting cancer. This is especially true for skin cancer. This plant prevents the development of cancer cells. They contain micronutrients that simply block the ultraviolet light from affecting the skin. In addition, this cabbage cleanses the composition of the blood, making it healthier.
Free radicals are a major cause of wrinkles. They also make our skin less strong and elastic. It is these radicals that age us. But, the beneficial substances in broccoli can help fight them. Vitamin C and beta-carotene are two of the most important. These substances destroy free radicals, which slows down the aging process.

What Is Broccoli Good for My Hair?

If you want your hair to be healthy and shiny – broccoli will help you. It contains natural silicon, which creates the effect of shine. Usually, this substance is artificially synthesized and added to shampoos.[9]

The rich vitamin complex contained in broccoli also affects hair growth. Vitamins A and C in particular stimulate hair growth. Also, the calcium contained in the plant – makes them stronger. If you want healthy hair, try eating broccoli every day.
In addition to increasing hair growth – this variety of cabbage makes them more vital. The antioxidants contained in the seeds – strengthen the roots. And vitamin complex and calcium – make hair stronger and more elastic.

But Why Would We Need Chemicals When We Have a Natural Product?

  1. Boil some broccoli.
  2. Then grind it into a homogeneous mass in the form of a paste.
  3. Apply it to your hair.

After a few treatments – you will see positive changes. Your hair will become beautiful and healthy.

Broccoli’s Possible To Harm and Precautions

In addition to the beneficial properties broccoli has several precautions for use:

  • Broccoli is not recommended for people with pancreatic diseases or high stomach acidity.
  • Raw broccoli is forbidden for people to eat after surgery.
  • People with product component idiosyncrasies are recommended to completely exclude broccoli from the menu.

But in order not to provoke the organism’s medical condition, it is necessary to eat the vegetable in moderation – however, like any other product.

Broccoli for Pregnancy

Broccoli for pregnancyThe effect of the plant on the body of an ordinary person is one thing. But the effect on the body of a pregnant woman [10] is another matter. So it is necessary to know what effect broccoli has on pregnancy.

Let me tell you right away that this type of cabbage is 99% safe. It will benefit more than just you if you eat it on a regular basis. It is known that the body of the mother nourishes the body of the unborn child. Therefore, all the minerals and nutrients will get both.

As for the restrictions – women with a sick thyroid are better off refusing broccoli.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Broccoli During Pregnancy?

Here are a few reasons to include broccoli in your diet: [11], [12], [13], [14]

One of the frequent problems of pregnant women is constipation. This is because the body during pregnancy is very turbulent. Hormone levels are constantly jumping, hemoglobin levels are changing, and so on. All these changes, of course, affect the work of the intestines. Broccoli contains a lot of fiber. It helps to retain fluid in the intestines, which makes it easier to defecate.
Many pregnant women already take iron supplements as prescribed by their doctors. This is because pregnancy increases the need for iron. Both the mother and the baby need it. These supplements can be replaced by a natural plant product – broccoli. It is rich in iron. Moreover, it contains iron both as a micronutrient and in the form of folic acid. In any case, we recommend that you first consult with your doctor. He, knowing especially your body, will suggest the right dosage.
If a pregnant woman has a problem with diabetes, cabbage will help here too. The body changes a lot during pregnancy. One of these changes is a decrease in insulin production. This leads to an increase in blood sugar levels. And this is where our heroine will help us. Broccoli helps to regulate sugar levels, bringing them to normal values.
During pregnancy, the sensitivity of the skin also changes. In particular, the skin becomes more vulnerable. In this case, ultraviolet radiation becomes more dangerous. Broccoli will help to normalize the situation. It contains vitamins A, B, E, and K. This vitamin complex has a beneficial effect on the health of the skin.
As we wrote above, pregnancy restructures the entire body. Even its strongest parts – the bones – change. The main problem that appears in pregnant women is osteoporosis. But here, too, our plant will come to the rescue. It contains a lot of calcium – it is good for bone tissue. In addition, there is zinc and magnesium.
Everyone knows that a baby in a woman’s belly consumes almost all of her strength. As a result, the mother’s immune system is severely compromised. This makes it easier for pregnant women to catch a disease or virus. But the main danger is that this can affect the baby. If you constantly eat broccoli, the strength of the whole body improves. Beta-carotene and other beneficial substances support your immunity.
Beta-carotene is one of the most important elements affecting the eyes. Vitamin A also significantly helps to improve vision. It is these elements that are found in large quantities in broccoli. In fact, if you eat this vegetable all the time, your eyes will be grateful.
Broccoli contains phytochemicals – they stop the growth of cancer cells. That’s not to say it’s a cure-all – it’s not. But it will give you and your baby extra protection.
The presence of vitamin C in cabbage helps fight many allergens. But now we are not talking about a complete victory over allergies. We are talking about the fact that with the help of our plant you can alleviate the symptoms. For example, nasal congestion is relieved and sneezing attacks are reduced. But there is another point – broccoli itself can sometimes be an allergen. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor beforehand.

Pregnant women are recommended to eat 2-3 standard servings of broccoli a day. You can eat it raw or boiled

What Harm Can Pregnant Women Suffer?

After reading our article you may think that this is just a great product. Yes, it is. But you shouldn’t abuse it too much. All good things must be in moderation. Excessive use can lead to allergies. Rashes and redness will appear. It can also cause problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, consult your doctor first. The daily ratio should not exceed 2-3 servings.

Top 5 Interesting Facts About Broccoli

  1. Broccoli is unique in that it is a negative nutritional value food, which means that the body expends more energy to process this vegetable than it receives when it is consumed;
  2. Broccoli is a favourite of all those watching their weight and dieting;
  3. Broccoli is a record-breaker in terms of nutrients from antioxidants and vitamins, to vitamins from various groups (A, E, C, PP and B groups), not to mention proteins, minerals and carbohydrates;
  4. The proteins in broccoli sprouts are also noteworthy. These proteins are almost identical to animal proteins, but are much easier for the body to digest;
  5. The health benefits of broccoli are sensitive to the cooking method, so it is recommended to bake it, eat it raw, boiled or lightly fried.

Video: The Benefits of Broccoli

Which parts of the plant are useful?

Both the inflorescences and the stems can be consumed. A section of the stem extending downwards from the central sprout up to and including 10 cm can be used as a stalk.

How long can broccoli be stored?

Depending on the storage method, fresh broccoli has a shelf life of 3 to 10 days, while frozen broccoli can be stored for up to 12 months.

Can pregnant women eat raw broccoli?

Yes, as long as it is thoroughly washed in running water.

Can I eat sprouted broccoli?

Yes, you can. Especially because it is sprouted cabbage perfectly normalizes the heart.

Can dogs eat broccoli?

Yes, our four-legged friends can eat cabbage both raw and boiled.

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