Broccoli: The real superfood!
Unjustly broccoli has such a ... bad reputation, given the fact that it is a real divine gift for our health! Read its benefits for our health!
These cute green trees are probably the cheapest "medicine" of nature. Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family (family Brassicaceae) along with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and turnips. All of these foods are high in nutrients and have very few calories. All health research presents arguments to convince you that eating plenty of vegetables and fruits on a daily basis is good for your health and maintains your weight, but especially for broccoli, we have so much more to tell you!
Broccoli is ranked in the top 20 foods based on the ANDI (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index), which measures the content of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients of food in relation to its caloric content and as shown in the picture, broccoli contains a lot of minerals and vitamins and it is the perfect diet food!
Broccoli against cancer
Eating broccoli and cauliflower has been linked to a lower risk of cancer, especially lung and colon cancer. This is because broccoli has sulforaphane, a sulfide compound that gives it that special flavor and anticancer properties. It also contains folic acid, which has been found to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women. Adequate intake of folic acid (in food) has also shown good results in the protection against colon, stomach, pancreas, and cervix cancer. Although the mechanism behind this protection remains unknown, researchers believe it may be correlated with the role of folic acid in the production of DNA and RNA and the prevention of mutations. In addition, broccoli has been linked to an improved ratio of estrogen metabolites, a marker in the urine that warns of cancers such as breast and prostate.
Improves bone health
Vitamin K improves calcium absorption and therefore improves bone health. One cup of broccoli provides 92 micrograms of vitamin K, much more than 100% of your daily need. But broccoli is also extremely high in calcium. In fact, it is an ideal substitute for dairy products for people who eat a vegetarian diet or for those who are lactose intolerant.
Broccoli makes you younger!
This wonderful vegetable is high in vitamin C, which when consumed in its natural form (in fresh products and not in food supplements), can help fight skin damage from the sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles and improve the texture of the skin in general.
An excellent source of fiber!
Another important ingredient in broccoli is fiber. Adequate consumption of fiber is known to promote good intestinal function, which is vital for the daily elimination of toxins through bile and feces. Recent studies have shown that fiber plays a role in regulating the immune system and fighting inflammation. In addition, increased dietary fiber intake is associated with a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases.
What should you pay attention to?
If you are taking anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin, it is important not to suddenly start eating more, or less, foods that contain vitamin K, which plays an important role in blood clotting. And broccoli is very rich in K!
Ways you can consume broccoli:
Divide the "head" of the broccoli into smaller trees and store it in the refrigerator in food bags without washing it. Rinse it just before cooking. Prefer to consume it while it is fresh. There are many ways to enjoy it such as:
- Saute broccoli with a little olive oil, fresh pepper, and melted garlic in a non-stick cooking utensil.
- Chop raw broccoli and add it to a sandwich or wrap.
- Make broccoli pesto for your pizza or your sandwiches and pasta.
- Finely chop broccoli on top of the pizza before baking.
Check your Micronutrients and Macronutrients (such as vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids) with NutriScan®. Book your appointment today at Diagnostiki Athinon, at 210-7777654.
