Broccoli is a green leafy vegetable that looks a lot like a small tree. There are many useful substances in broccoli - an abundance of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
Benefits of eating broccoli
1. They contain many vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds - Broccoli can be eaten both cooked and raw. Both ways are healthy. There are many different ways to prepare broccoli such as boiling, frying, steaming, and microwaving, and the way broccoli is cooked affects its nutritional composition, and more specifically, lowers vitamin C levels. Steaming - this is the best way to cook broccoli to preserve all the nutrients in it;
2. Broccoli contains powerful antioxidants that have a protective effect- Antioxidants are a type of molecules that protect or stop oxidation processes that are caused by free radicals. The most important property of these substances is to eliminate the free radicals found in our body /such as heavy metals and toxins/ and to protect us from diseases. Antioxidants in broccoli, such as ascorbic acid, work very well on the immune system. Broccoli has a high amount of glucoraphanin. This is a type of compound that is converted into an antioxidant called sulforaphane during the digestion process. According to studies, this antioxidant has many benefits for our health: it lowers blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, oxidative stress and the development of chronic diseases. Broccoli also contains the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which have the power to prevent oxidative stress and eye damage at the cellular level;
3. Broccoli Reduces Inflammation - Broccoli contains various bioactive compounds that have been scientifically proven to reduce inflammation in the tissues of the human body;
4. Broccoli protects against certain types of cancer - Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable and contains a variety of bioactive compounds that reduce cell damage caused by certain chronic diseases. According to some studies, regular consumption of this type of vegetable protects against certain types of cancer such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, kidney cancer and bladder cancer;
5. The antioxidants and fiber in broccoli help control blood sugar levels. Eating broccoli helps improve blood sugar control in people who suffer from diabetes. According to studies on people who have type 2 diabetes, there was a significant reduction in insulin resistance when broccoli sprouts when consumed daily for a month. Broccoli is a good source of dietary fiber. Some studies show that eating fiber regularly lowers blood sugar levels;
6. Broccoli keeps the heart healthy - As you know, increased levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides are one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. According to some studies, it has been proven that broccoli has the property of keeping the heart in good condition. The antioxidants contained in them lower the risks of heart attack;
7. They support digestion and reduce constipation - Broccoli contains a large amount of fiber and antioxidants, which support the functions of the intestines and the digestive system;
8. Broccoli supports brain function - After a study of 960 elderly people, it was found that one serving of broccoli helps to reduce the mental decline associated with aging;
9. Broccoli Slows Aging Processes - Aging processes are to some extent due to oxidative stress and decreased metabolic function over time. Despite the fact that aging is an inevitable process, if we eat right, we can slow it down;
10. Broccoli helps maintain a healthy immune system - Our immune system needs a lot of nutrients to work properly. Vitamin C, which is contained in broccoli, helps prevent and treat many diseases;
11. Broccoli helps to improve the health of teeth and hair - Broccoli contains a large amount of calcium and vitamin C, lowers the risk of periodontal disease. According to some studies, sulforaphane, which is found in broccoli, may reduce the risk of oral cancer;
12. Helps for healthy bones and joints - Broccoli contains a good amount of vitamin K and calcium, which are very important to maintain healthy bones and joints. They also contain important trace elements such as phosphorus, zinc and vitamin A;
13. Broccoli helps women have a healthy pregnancy - While a woman is pregnant, she needs a lot of nutrients so that the health of both the baby and the future mother can be maintained. Broccoli is a very good source of B vitamins, such as vitamin B9 or the so-called folic acid, which during pregnancy is very important;
14. Protects skin from damage - According to some studies, the bioactive substances contained in broccoli have the power to protect against damage from ultraviolet radiation, thus protecting against skin cancer.
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