Broccoli Health Benefits, Nutrition and Vegetable Facts

Health Benefits of Eating Broccoli

Lately, broccoli has become popular due to the compound known as indole-3-carbinol found in the vegetable. It is good for preventing the common hormone-related cancers, like prostate and breast cancer.
The tissue of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, for example cabbage and cauliflower, have good amount of plant chemicals known as glucosinolates. They are metabolized into isothiocyanates (for instance sulforaphane) by your body. These isothiocyanates are strong anti-cancer agents.
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C that it improves absorption of iron in your body and relieves common cold symptoms.
Broccoli has high amount of nutrients like vitamin K and calcium, which are essential for bone wellness and osteoporosis prevention.
Research suggested that the carotenoid lutein and vitamin A found in the vegetable helps protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
The vitamin B9 (folic acid) in broccoli assists females to maintain development of normal tissue and is frequently applied as an important supplement when they use birth control drugs throughout pregnancies.
The potassium present in broccoli assists people with hypertension.
The vegetable contains a lot of fiber, which improve the gastrointestinal system, and reduce cholesterol levels.

Overview and Facts about Broccoli

Broccoli (scientific name Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a type of cruciferous vegetable from the family of cabbage, which includes cauliflower, bok choy, kale, Brussels sprouts, radishes and turnips. Its name comes from the Latin "brachium", which means branch or arm.

The plant can easily be recognized by the clusters of green-colored flower buds on top. The color varies from purplish green to dark green to deep sage, depending upon the type.

Broccoli sprouts have recently gained popularity as well due to research revealing their large concentration of phytochemical sulforaphane, which is useful in preventing cancer.

Broccoli Nutrition Facts and Calories

Nutrition Value of 1 cup (91 g) Raw Broccoli (Chopped)
Calories	31 kcal
Total Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	30 mg
Total Carbohydrates	6 g
Dietary Fiber	2 g
Sugars	2 g
Protein	3 g

Broccoli Recipe

Broccoli-Cauliflower-Tomato Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

90 ml cooking oil	1/2 teaspoon paprika
60 ml salad vinegar	2 cups broccoli, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt	2 cups cauliflower, chopped
1/2 teaspoon celery seed	1 medium tomato
4 tablespoons sugar	1 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

Preparation:
Combine oil, vinegar, salt, celery seed, sugar, garlic powder and paprika and mix well. Pour the mixture over the vegetables. Refrigerate for 1 hour or more before serving.

Broccoli Side Effects