Winter Vegetables: Broccoli

Image Credits: drhealthbenefits.com

The Benefits of Broccoli

• A vegetable that is a close relative of cabbage and cauliflower which belongs to the Italica Cultivar group of Brassicaceae family.
•  vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, folate, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and tryptophan. It is a rich source of glucosinolates, flavonoids and phytonutrients.
• Broccoli may prove to be helpful with cancer by removing extra estrogen from the body. With strong anti-carcinogenic compounds like beta-carotene, diindolylmethane, glucoraphanin, selenium and other nutrients like vitamin A, C, and E, potassium, zinc and certain amino acids, which are also anti-cancer agents.
• Broccoli a very good detoxifier with the presence of vitamin-C, sulfur, and certain amino acids. It helps to removes uric acid from the body and other free radicals and toxins,  which it purifies the blood. It also helps with other problems related to toxins such as arthritis, boils, eczema, gout, itches, hardening of the skin, rashes, rheumatism, and renal calculi.
•  It is very rich in fiber or roughage, that can cure almost all stomach disorders by curing constipation. adds to the bulkiness of the food, retains water and forms healthy bowel movements. The magnesium and vitamins can cure acidity, promotes proper digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food and reduces inflammation.
• It contains significant levels of beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins that help lower bad cholesterol and keep the heart working properly by regulating blood-pressure. Steaming broccoli allows the fiber components join easier with bile, making it much more efficient to excrete. Bile reduction has a strong impact on cholesterol levels, by strengthening your heart health. In addition, potassium found in this vegetable is a vasodilator which can boost blood flow and oxygenation for the body's organs by relaxing stress and tension of veins and blood vessels.
• The green and purple color of broccoli are from vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other vitamins and minerals, selenium, copper, zinc, and phosphorus. These are really great for boosting immune system that protects you from numerous infections.
• Being very rich in calcium and nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus, broccoli beneficial for children, the elderly, pregnant women and lactating mothers. These people most prone to calcium deficiency, osteoporosis,weakening of bones and teeth.

Source: www.organicfacts.net