Healthy Heart, Cancer Prevention, and Other Advantages of Broccoli
Dr. Steven Reisman who has been featured on Fox and CNN is the founder and Director of the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center which has a patient-focused philosophy. Dr. Reisman is a Cardiologist and a nationally recognized Nuclear Cardiologist who was part of the team at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,... more
Broccoli, also known as asparagus cabbage, is extremely good for the digestive system, cardiovascular and immune systems. Research results show that broccoli has powerful anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer effects. Doctors always say that regular consumption of broccoli cabbage is the easiest and most delicious way to longevity.
This is really possible because broccoli has a unique nutritional value. It contains only 31 calories per 100 grams, and it doesn’t contain fat and sodium. In addition, it is full of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and vegetable protein.
Also, broccoli contains lots of antioxidants. They are responsible for the color, smell, and taste of the vegetable, and according to the findings of the American National Cancer Institute, improve all health indicators. Let’s review five good reasons to eat broccoli every day.
1. Reducing the Risk of Diabetes and Autism
For patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes, broccoli extract may be what the doctor prescribed. This was reported in a study published in July 2017 in the journal Science Translational Medicine. The secret is in a compound called sulforaphane, which is also found in cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Experiments have shown that in the case of obesity, consumption of broccoli extract reduces the level of glucose in the body by 10%.
Also, through many years of research, it has been found that this compound can improve symptoms related to autism. Thus, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports that sulforaphane is able to improve the ability of verbal communication and social interactions in the vast majority of cases.
2. Cancer Prevention
Probably the most common healthy fact about broccoli is its ability to prevent cancer. “Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, and contains substances that can protect against stomach and intestinal cancers,” said nutritionist Victoria Jarzabkowski of the University of Texas.
The American Cancer Society notes the work of sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol (chemicals in broccoli) that act as antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress. This, in turn, reduces the risk of breast cancer.
3.Cholesterol Reduction
Broccoli cabbage is no less effective in cases of lowering blood cholesterol. The fiber, which is found in large quantities in this vegetable, binds to cholesterol, facilitating its elimination from the body. All this in the long run positively affects the general level of cholesterol.
4. Healthy Heart
In addition to the above, broccoli can help the heart by improving blood vessel performance and, as a result, help in preventing heart diseases. Sulforaphane in broccoli is also an anti-inflammatory agent, so it can prevent vascular damage caused by chronic problems with blood sugar levels.
5. Improved Digestion
Speaking about the digestive benefits of broccoli, it is necessary to note the content of fiber in it is 1 gram per 10 calories. Fibers help to normalize the work of the intestine, and at the same time optimize the number of good bacteria in it. The sulforaphane in broccoli keeps the gastric bacteria Helicobacter pylori from growing out or sticking too much to the stomach walls, and this reduces any digestive risks.
How Dangerous Is Broccoli and How to Cook It?
In general, the consumption of broccoli in large quantities is not very dangerous. The most common side effect of a large amount of broccoli is increased gas formation and bloating. In addition, according to Ohio State University, people who take blood thinners should monitor the consumption of broccoli, as the content of vitamin K in vegetables can reduce their effectiveness.
Keep in mind that the method of cooking broccoli also matters. A study conducted in 2007 at the University of Warwick, showed that boiled broccoli can lose much of the good enzymes, and especially those that are associated with anti-cancer properties. That is why it is best to cook broccoli on the grill or in the microwave with the addition of a small amount of oil.
