![]() ![]() ![]() Broccoli has nearly 1 gram of fiber per 10 calories. Jarzabkowski emphasized broccoli's digestive benefits, which she chalked up mostly to the vegetable's high fiber content. Both chemicals may help protect against macular degeneration, an incurable condition that blurs central vision, and cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens. "It's a compound antioxidant that's really good for eye health, and broccoli is also a great way to get it." Another antioxidant in broccoli called zeaxanthin is similarly beneficial. "You've probably heard that carrots are good for your eyes, and that's because they contain lutein," Jarzabkowski said. Excess homocysteine, an amino acid that builds up after a person eats red meat, increases the risk of coronary artery disease. And the vegetable's B-complex vitamins can help regulate or reduce excessive homocysteine, according to the Harvard University School of Public Health. ![]() In addition to reducing cholesterol, broccoli can aid in heart health by helping to keep blood vessels strong. The sulforaphane in broccoli is also an anti-inflammatory and may be able to prevent or reverse damage to blood vessel linings caused by chronic blood sugar problems. A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America found that the sprouts of broccoli may be especially potent in this regard. Together, they aid all steps of the body's detoxification process, from activation to neutralization and elimination of contaminants. Phytocheimcals glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin compose a terrific trio in broccoli. This binding makes the cholesterol easier to excrete, and consequently lessens cholesterol levels in the body. They also may affect estrogen levels, which may help reduce breast cancer risk.Īccording to Jarzabkowski, broccoli can help lower cholesterol because the soluble fiber in the vegetable binds with the cholesterol in the blood. These chemicals boost detoxifying enzymes and act as antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress. The American Cancer Society notes broccoli's isothiocyanates, including sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. "Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, and all vegetables in this group may be protective against some stomach and intestinal cancers," Jarzabkowski said. Probably the most publicized health benefit of broccoli is its possible ability to help prevent cancer. 13, 2014 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The same compound was also found to improve symptoms related to autism those who took the extract containing sulforaphane showed improvements in verbal communication and social interactions, researchers reported Oct. The dose, however, is 100 times what is found naturally in broccoli, the researchers reported. Though non-obese participants didn't see any effect, the obese individuals saw their fasting blood glucose levels go down a significant 10 percent compared with a control group. The scientists gave the compound (in the form of a broccoli sprout extract) to 97 individuals with type 2 diabetes over the course of 12 weeks. Scientists reporting in the Jissue of the journal Science Translational Medicine, found that a compound called sulforaphane in broccoli (and other cruciferous veggies like cabbage and Brussel sprouts) could turn down the activity, or expression, of 50 genes associated with symptoms related to type 2 diabetes. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates food labeling through the National Labeling and Education Act: Health benefits of broccoliįor obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, broccoli extract may be what the doctor ordered. ![]() Here are the nutrition facts for broccoli, according to the U.S. Broccoli also contains additional nutrients, including some magnesium, phosphorus, a little zinc and iron. ![]()
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