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Health Benefits of Broccoli |
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Written by administrator
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Tuesday, 27 May 2008 |
Health benefits of Broccoli
A Story of Green Tasty Broccoli and it's Health Benefits
A long time ago, broccoli was “exotic” in someone’s personal garden. Nowadays, as it quickly gains popularity among consumers, broccoli can be seen even in small town markets, at our very own backyards and right at our dining table. Let's find out how and why this vegetable has become one of the favorites among veggies.
Broccoli's name is derived from the Latin word brachium, which means branch or arm, a reflection of its tree-like shape that features a compact head of florets attached by small stems to a larger stalk and because of its different components, this vegetable provides an array of tastes and textures, ranging from soft and flowery (the florets) to fibrous and crunchy (the stem and stalk).One of the most popular type of broccoli sold in North America is known as Italian green, or Calabrese, named after the Italian province of Calabria where it first grew. Other vegetables related to broccoli are broccolini, a mix between broccoli and kale, and broccoflower, a cross between broccoli and cauliflower. Broccoli sprouts have also recently become popular as a result of research uncovering their high concentration of the anti-cancer phytonutrient, sulforaphane.
Here are the cool things about broccoli:
*Looks like little trees
*Has been shown to fight cancer cells in lab tests
*It kills a bacteria in the stomach that is known to cause stomach cancer
*It’s loaded with Vitamins C and A, and folate.
Broccoli's noteworthy nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin A (mostly as beta-carotene), folic acid, calcium, and fiber. Research shows that calcium does more than build strong bones, this mineral also plays a role in the control of high blood pressure, and works to prevent colon cancer. While the calcium content of one serving does not equal that of a glass of milk, broccoli is an important calcium source for those who don't consume dairy products. Beta-carotene and vitamin C are important antioxidants known to reduce the risk of numerous conditions, including cataracts, heart disease, and several cancers.
But the story doesn't end with broccoli's rich array of nutrients. Broccoli provides a health bonus in the form of protective substances that may shield you from a number of life-threatening diseases. A compound found in broccoli appears to have more beneficial effects than modern antibiotics against the creation of peptic ulcer causing bacteria. Moreover, tests in mice show that the compound offers tremendous protection against stomach cancer - the second most common form of cancer in the world. Broccoli is also a fiber find. Not only it is a rich source, but half of its fiber is insoluble and half is soluble, helping you meet your needs for both types of fiber.
Eating broccoli reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and death in post menopausal women as well. On the other hand, a study published in Cancer Research shows that broccoli and tomatoes-two vegetables separately recognized for their cancer-fighting capabilities-are even more successful against prostate cancer when working as a team in the daily diet. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has revealed that sulforaphane, a cancer-fighting compound in broccoli, also packs a powerful and long lasting antioxidant punch. The recent study, led by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, is the latest in a series of studies done in the past 10 years on the cancer-fighting potential of broccoli. By increasing our cells' ability to defend themselves against oxidant free radicals, broccoli not only helps fight cancer, it also boosts the body's resistance to grave diseases.
For years, parents have been right: Eating your broccoli is a good idea. This hearty, tasty vegetable is rich in dozens of nutrients. In fact, it packs the most nutritional punch of any vegetable. Broccoli is indeed a versatile, easily accessible, healthy, and cheap vegetable. All reasons enough to make it one of the top veggie foods!
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