Broccoli is a vegetable of the cabbage species which is rich in many qualities that's why broccoli is also called a superfood. It is quite popular due to its health benefits. Broccoli is considered beneficial for detoxifying the body, enhancing beauty and curing all diseases. Most people like to consume it in the form of vegetables, salads and juices.

Broccoli is considered a good source of iron, copper and antioxidants. It also contains elements like folic acid magnesium, calcium, potassium, iodine, nitrate, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin B1, B2 and sodium which help to increase blood volume in the body, increase stamina, control blood pressure, strengthen muscles and remove many other disorders. All these elements make broccoli a healthy vegetable.

Types of Broccoli

Broccoli has been divided on the basis of production and color, which are as follows-

Calabrese broccoli-

This species of broccoli is named after Calabria, Italy because this species is mostly produced here during the winter season. Its upper part is dark green. Also, Kelabresi broccoli is grown on cold days or in cool places.

Broccoli rabe-

It is leafy like spinach.

Broccoflower-

This broccoli looks and tastes mostly like cauliflower.

Sprouting broccoli-

The upper part of the sprouted broccoli is elongated and also has numerous stalks.

Gai-lan-

Gai-lan broccoli is also known as Chinese broccoli because most of its production is in areas of China. It is long and leafy. Apart from this, more nutritious ingredients are found in Gai-lan broccoli than normal one.

Purple cauliflower-

It is a type of broccoli that is purple in color. This variety of broccoli is used in most of the US and European countries.

Advantages of broccoli

To reduce weight-

Broccoli contains vitamin C and fibre which helps reduce excess body fat. Actually, vitamin C present in broccoli improves metabolism by inhibiting the deposition of fat. So to lose weight we should include broccoli in our diet.

For Digestion-

Broccoli is beneficial for digestive and stomach problems like gas. The intake of broccoli works by stimulating the digestive juices to have a positive effect on the digestive system which improves the digestive system functions of the body.

For immunity-

Broccoli promotes immunomodulatory. Sulforaphane and vitamin C are present in broccoli which work to affect the immune system. Additionally, the anti-microbial properties present in broccoli help in keeping the body healthy by eliminating many types of bacteria.

For eyes-

Like other parts of the body, it is also necessary to take care of the eyes. It is normal for the eyesight to weaken with age, but if this happens at an early age, then there are insufficient nutrients in the body. In particular, vitamins-A, C and E which have an effect on the eyesight. In such a situation, the consumption of broccoli works to keep the eyes healthy, because vitamin-A is present in sufficient quantities in it. Additionally, broccoli also has properties such as lutein and zeaxanthin which are considered to be the best nutrients for the eyes. It also helps in reducing the problem of weak eyesight that occurs with age.

For brain-

Broccoli also helps to keep the mind sharp and memory strong. The bioactive component present in broccoli keeps the brain healthy. Apart from this, broccoli contains various vitamins, which reduces oxidative stress which helps in strengthening the memory.

For blood sugar-

Use of Broccoli is good for diabetes. It helps in reducing the level of glucose in the body. In addition, broccoli has antioxidant properties which helps to reduce blood glucose and oxidative stress. For this reason, Broccoli works to give relief to the problem of diabetes.

To maintain healthy cholesterol levels-

The rise of cholesterol in the body causes heart diseases which can be avoided with the consumption of Broccoli . According to the report of National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI), dietary fiber helps in reducing total cholesterol and triglyceride. In this form, broccoli works to reduce LDL i.e, bad cholesterol and increase HDL i.e, good cholesterol level.

For detoxifying the body-

Elements like phytonutrients found in broccoli help in the detoxification of the body and prevent many diseases. Also, they help in purifying the blood. Therefore, Broccoli should be consumed as much as possible.

For the pH level of the body-

By not taking the right amount of protein and vitamins, the pH level in the body becomes imbalanced but it is very important to have a normal pH level. In such a situation, taking broccoli is a good solution because this vegetable contains alkaline, which removes the acidic substance from the body and helps in balancing the pH level.

For anemia-

In anemia, there is a deficiency of iron in the body due to which red blood cells are not made in the body. At such times, the patient is advised to take iron-rich foods. Since broccoli is considered a good source of iron, therefore, the consumption of broccoli works by transporting oxygen to various parts of the body by making red blood cells in the body.

For cancer-

According to a research report related to Broccoli, the sulforaphane compound is found in it which works to prevent lung and skin cancer from developing in the body. Consumption of broccoli also reduces the risk of blood cancer in the body.

Beneficial in pregnancy-

It is beneficial to consume broccoli during pregnancy because it is a good source of folate which is considered an essential vitamin during pregnancy. Folate helps in the development of the fetus, its spine and brain and also reduces the chances of malformations in the baby during birth. Therefore, taking broccoli during pregnancy is good for health.

For bones and teeth-

Eating broccoli keeps bones and teeth strong. Broccoli is rich in vitamin-K, calcium and magnesium which work to keep bones and teeth strong. Therefore, people who have weak bones and teeth should take broccoli in their diet.

For allergy-

There are many reasons for allergies but one of them is lack of protein. Since broccoli has a good amount of protein. Therefore, due to its intake, the body gets a sufficient amount of protein and begins to form antioxidants in the cells. It works in the treatment of any kind of allergies.

To keep the skin young-

Broccoli reduces the symptoms of premature aging. It contains high amounts of vitamin C and sulforaphane which exhibit antioxidant effects. Due to this effect, broccoli helps to keep the skin young for a long time by reducing the effect of free radicals. Apart from this, broccoli also helps in removing wrinkles by controlling the amount of collagen. Therefore, broccoli can be used to reduce the effects of aging.

For hair growth-

Lack of sufficient nutrients is the main cause of hair loss and baldness problems. In this case, the intake of adequate nutrients is necessary and they can be replenished by the consumption of green vegetables. Also, include broccoli in your diet in green vegetables because vitamin B and vitamin C are found in broccoli which help in hair growth by reducing the problem of hair loss.

Use of Broccoli

• Broccoli is used to make curries. Apart from this it can also be included in chicken and egg curries.
• Broccoli can also be consumed by making soup.
• Fitness enthusiasts use it as a salad.
• It is also consumed by sprouting.
• Broccoli is used by mixing in pasta and noodles.

Precautions while consuming Broccoli

• Since broccoli contains high amounts of fiber. Therefore, excessive intake can cause problems like nausea, vomiting and flatulence.
• Some people may have allergic problems when eating broccoli. Therefore, people who have mild problems with the consumption of broccoli should not use broccoli again.
• During pregnancy, take Broccoli in small quantities or as per medical consultation.