General introduction
The word broccoli comes from the Italian word broccoli, which means “the flowering crest of a cabbage”. Broccoli is a green-colored plant whose stalk and the large flowering head is eaten as a vegetable and is known to be a hearty and tasty vegetable, rich in nutrients. Broccoli is one of the foremost veggies and can be categorized as an edible plant. Broccoli is closely related to Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale, and all these edible plants collectively known as cruciferous vegetables
- Botanical name – Brassica italic
- Family – Brassicaceae
- Genus – Brassica
- Species – Brassica oleracea
- Cultivation – Brocolli is cultivated throughout the whole world like – India, China, United States, Spain, Mexico, etc.
- Composition – Raw broccoli is a rich source of fibers, antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, Vitamin B, manganese, 89% water, 7% carbohydrates, 3% protein, and negligible fat and provides 34 calories.
Varieties of Broccoli
Broccoli has 3 main varieties
- Sprouting broccoli
- Calabrese broccoli
- Purple cauliflower
Health Benefits of Broccoli
Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old medical philosophy and practice, which comes from the ancient Vedic texts. According to Ayurveda consuming some fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that consumption of broccoli decreases the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease. It may also contribute to a healthy complexion and hair, helps to increase body energy, and helps to lower the weight.
Health benefits of Broccoli are as follow
Anti-ageing
Eating broccoli regularly helps in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, acne and pigmentation as it is rich in vitamin C, and antioxidants. So it is great for anti-aging as antioxidants help fight the free radicals, which often damage the skin
Antioxidants rich
Broccoli is rich in numerous nutrients like vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and other power-packed antioxidants that can help the body in making it great for forming a strong immunity.
Allergy and inflammation
Broccoli has significant amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which are well known as an anti-inflammatory and to lessen the impact of allergy-related substances on our body. Broccoli is very helpful in managing arthritis, due to the presence of sulforaphane, a chemical that blocks the enzymes that can cause joint destruction leading to inflammation breakout
Bone and joint health
Broccoli contains high levels of calcium and vitamin K along with magnesium, zinc and phosphorous, which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. Broccoli is very beneficial and suitable for children, elderly and lactating mothers.
Cholesterol reduction
Broccoli is packed with soluble fiber that draws excessive cholesterol out of your body because the fiber in broccoli helps bind with bile acids in the digestive tract, which makes excretion of cholesterol out of our body easily.
Cancer
Broccoli is enriched with cancer-fighting and immune- boosting properties that deplete estrogens, which usually cause cancer in the body. Broccoli is extremely suitable for preventing breast, prostate, gastric/stomach, colorectal, renal and uterus cancer.
Detoxification
Broccoli is rich in fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants, which to get rid of toxins through the digestive tract,it helps the body to get rid of unwanted contaminants and help in overall detoxification of the body. It also contains isothiocyanates, which helps in the detoxification of the body.
Good for diet
Broccoli is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar level, great for weight loss and is an ideal green vegetable to include in your salads every day. Broccoli is also suitable for vegetarians who are not able to complete their protein requirement as it also contains proteins.
Eye health
Broccoli is enriched with beta-carotene, vitamin A, phosphorous, vitamins B complex, vitamin C and E, which are great for eye health as these help in protecting the eyes against macular degeneration, cataract and even repairs the damage done by harmful radiations of our mobile phones.
Heart health
Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which is anti-inflammatory in nature and helps to prevent the damage caused to blood vessel linings due to chronic blood sugar problems. Broccoli is great for heart health as it contains fibers, fatty acids, and vitamins that helps in regulating blood pressure in the body, reducing bad cholesterol, hence leading to a healthy heart.
Skin health
Since broccoli is a powerhouse of antioxidants, nutrients like vitamin C, copper and zinc, which helps in maintaining healthy skin, protecting the skin from infections and keep the natural glow of the skin and is very useful for maintaining healthy skin immunity.
Brain health
Broccoli contains nutrients and bioactive compounds that may slow mental decline and support healthy brain and nervous tissue functions and helps in lowering the incidence of brain injury and inflammation of neural tissue after a stroke.
Immune health
The human immune system is complex and requires various nutrients to function properly and vitamin-C is the most essential nutrient for the immune to work properly and broccoli is laced with Vitamin C.Vitamin C plays a role in both the prevention and treatment of various illnesses and to prevent certain infections.
Oral health
Broccoli contains vitamin -C, calcium, kaempferol and various other nutrients, which are known to support oral health and prevent dental diseases, may also play a role in preventing periodontitis. Broccoli may also help to reduce the risk of oral cancer. Eating raw broccoli can help remove plaque i.e a sticky, colorless film of bacteria formed on our teeth and also helps in whitening and brightening of your teeth
Useful in various chronic diseases
As broccoli is laced with high fibers and high fiber intakes are associated with significantly lower risks of developing various heart diseases like – Coronary artery disease, hypertension, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and various gastrointestinal diseases. As it lowers the high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, helpful in weight loss and obesity and also helps to improve insulin sensitivity.
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD – Ayurveda) is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. He is Author of the Book “Ayurveda – God’s Manual For Healing”. He is an Ayurveda Expert Serving People worldwide through all the Possible Mediums, Operating from Main Branch in Mohali, India. With his Vast Experience in Herbs and their Applied Uses, he is successfully treating Numerous Patients suffering from Various Ailments. He is Serving the Society with Purest Herbal Supplements for One and only Purpose of Making People know and utilize the Wonderful Benefits of the Ayurvedic Diet, Lifestyle, and Natural Herbs. He Formulates Herbal Supplements himself and also Use Classical Ayurvedic Formulations for Helping People Get Rid of All Types of Health Issues, Restore their Health, Uses and Save themselves from the Worst Side-effects of Chemical Based Treatments. For More Details, visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com.
