10 Health Benefits of Eating Broccoli

This versatile vegetable is used in a variety of dishes cooked or raw, and it contains several nutrients that lend it its many health benefits.

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1. Lowers cholesterol levels

The glucosinolates in broccoli produce a compound called isothiocyanate, which is known to reduce cholesterol in the blood.

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2. Manages and controls diabetes

One study revealed that consumption of 10 g of broccoli sprout powder each day improved insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes, decreasing their free insulin in the blood.

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3. Protects the heart

One of the main causes of heart diseases such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (accumulation of fat within the blood vessels), stroke, and heart attack is oxidative stress. The sulforaphanes found in broccoli act as an antioxidant to protect the heart.

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4. Aids healthy digestion

Eating fiber-rich food such as broccoli can help improve the diversity of gut microorganisms, reduce long-term weight gain, and protect against several illnesses. Broccoli also adds bulk to the stool, allowing its easy passage along the colon.

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5. Slows aging in the brain

A study of 960 people aged 58–99 years showed that consumption of vegetables that are rich in vitamin K and kaempferol such as broccoli may improve cognitive decline associated with aging.

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6. Acts as an antiaging agent

The sulforaphanes in broccoli aid the antiaging mechanisms of the body. Some compounds in broccoli also act as antioxidants that reduce the external influence of substances that can speed up the aging process.

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7. Supports healthy immunity

Sulforaphanes stimulate an immune response to kick-start the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses within the body. This mechanism is crucial to ensure infection-causing bacteria cannot survive within cells. Just 200 g of broccoli can provide enough vitamin C to act as a protective agent.

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8. Supports healthy bones

Broccoli contributes to bone health through its vitamin K and sulforaphane content. Vitamin K is involved in many processes in regenerating healthy cells of the bones. Sulforaphanes, on the other hand, contribute to bone health by destroying the cells responsible for degenerating cartilage in joints.

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9. May protect against UV-induced sun damage

Sulforaphanes have been recently investigated for their role against sun damage. They act as antioxidants and encourage cells to heal. One study found that broccoli extracts when fed to hairless mice prevented the formation of tumors following prolonged exposures to UV rays. This finding warrants more research in the prevention of UV-induced skin cancer.

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10. May be cancer protective

The role of broccoli sulforaphanes is heavily discussed. These compounds increase the activity of the liver to tackle the cancer-causing potential of foods consumed. They also cause death of cancer cells, reduce their growth, and prevent them from spreading.

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