Broccoli has been widely regarded as a super vegetable that packed with rich health benefits. It contains important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and vitamin C, iron, protein, calcium, chromium and carbohydrates.
This dark green leafy vegetable also contains a various of antioxidants, which help us fight the infections and illnesses. Following are some proven benefits of broccoli:
1. Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Broccoli is one of the good sources that contain folate, which has been shown that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Besides, it also contains a high amount of potassium, which helps maintain an optimal brain function.
2. Manage high blood pressure
Along with a high amount of potassium, broccoli also contains cholesterol-reducing fiber, chromium and magnesium that help regulate blood pressure.
3. Promote weight loss
Broccoli is super low in calories and high in fiber, makes it a good diet for people who’re looking for weight loss.
4. Improve vision
Broccoli is a good source of vitamin A that is needed to form retinal, the light-absorbing molecule that is essential for healthy eyesight. And the beta-carotene in broccoli can protect the eyes against macular degeneration and prevent cataract.
5. Improve immune system
A single cup of broccoli contains the RDA of vitamin C, an essential nutrient which helps keep immune system in shape.
6. Repair sun damage
Sulforaphane in broccoli helps the skin repair itself after sun damage, and reduces the inflammation caused by exposure to UV radiation.
7. Maintain healthy bone
Broccoli helps in maintaining bone strength due to its rich contents of calcium, zinc, vitamin K, magnesium and phosphorus.
8. Anti-cancer
Researchers have found that “a compound in cruciferous vegetables called sulforaphane helps the body to fight off cancer”. And studies suggest that eat broccoli regularly can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer such as breast cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer.
9. Get rid of wastes from the body
Broccoli helps to detoxify the waste components from the body, thanks to the phytonutrients glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiian, and glucobrassicin.
10. Help in preventing anaemia
Broccoli is an iron-rich, energy-filled vegetable that treat anemia effectively.
There are lots of ways to cook broccoli, below is a delicious and nutritional soup recipe:
Broccoli Avocado Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 heads of fresh broccoli
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- lemon juice from half a lemon
- 1 medium avocado
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup warm water
- salt and pepper for taste
Directions:
Wash your broccoli and chop into small sections, then steam them for 5 minutes and transfer to a big bowl.
Add all of the other ingredients except salt and pepper, process until thick and creamy, then heat in a pot for a few minutes.
Enjoy!
This soup is super good for a Vegetarian or Alkaline Diet. It is creamy and abundant in nutrients, as it has chunks of broccoli and avocado.
Sources:
clinicalepigeneticsjournal.com
ehealthzine.com
thechalkboardmag.com
More Posts By Alex Jordon.