Vegetables have an impressive way of offering a widespread benefits to your health. Broccoli is no exception. When you’re eating broccoli, you’re getting dozen, maybe even hundreds, of super-nutrients that support optimal health and performance.
Why it’s a superfood?
- High in Vitamins A, C and K, along with fiber and folate;
- Good source of magnesium, manganese, potassium, sulforaphane, quercetin and other antioxidants.
Healthy evidence
Broccoli contains phytochemicals. It is high is the flavonoid quercetin and in sulforaphane, both protect the body against cancer. Potassium and folate also help prevent cardiovascular disease. Other antioxidants provide anti-bactierial and anti-viral activity.
Here is a short list of some of the science backed health benefits of broccoli:
- Arthritis;
- Cancer;
- Blood pressure and kidney disease;
- Anti-aging and immune system health;
- Heart health, especially for diabetics.
Making the most of Broccoli
Broccoli’s phytochemicals and heat sensitive nutrients such as folate are best retained by either not cooking, steaming or lightly sauteing.
Boiling Broccoli reduces the level of active anti-carcinogenic compounds, with losses of approx 20% after 5 min and 40% after 10 min.
Another way to enjoy the many health benefits of broccoli is by eating its sprouts. Fresh broccoli sprouts are FAR more potent nutrient dense than mature broccoli. They have about 50 times the amount of cancer fighting power of mature broccoli. This means more bang for buck.
Broccoli sprouts can be grown at home quite easily. They don’t have to be cooked and can be added to salads.
David Marcato 