What’s So Special About Broccoli? Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Add Broccoli to Your Diet

• Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in nutrients and antioxidants
• It’s a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium 
• Consuming broccoli can help improve cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure, and prevent the development of coronary artery disease

Broccoli, a member of the cabbage family, derived from the Italian word broccoli, which means “the flowering crest of a cabbage.” This vegetable has been an important staple for the citizens in the Roman Empire. It’s essentially a large edible flower that’s related to kale, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. 

BY: GUY JABBAR

According to scientific studies, broccoli is rich in calcium and has antioxidant properties which help prevent some forms of cancer. The same sulfur that can cause gas from over-cooked broccoli also has beneficial antiviral and antibiotic properties. 

Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis should be careful with the consumption of broccoli as it is rich in fiber and has the capacity to modulate the intestinal microbiota. 

However, some unwanted effects can be associated with its consumption such as bloating and gas. 

Further, the intestine microbiota is the system of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract of animals. 

It includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, and archaea, and the diversity of the microbiota will vary from person to person. 

In addition, the intestine microbiota also helps with energy harvesting, digestion, and immune defense.

DID YOU KNOW? Broccoli is well known to benefit your digestion, the cardiovascular system, and the immune system, and to have anti-inflammatory and even cancer-preventing properties. 

Broccoli also contains sulforaphane, a compound that may help prevent lung cancer and protect lung health.

Pet Owners: Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?

ANSWER: Yes, dogs can eat broccoli in moderation. It is nutr ient-dense, high in fiber, low-calorie and fat, and rich in vitamin C vegetables that can be a healthy addition to their diet. 

However, it should be cooked and eaten plain, with no extra seasonings or spices, and in small servings to avoid gastric distress. 

You should also know: The florets of this vegetable contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs. 

Therefore, it should be cut into small, easily digestible pieces and eaten without any additional flavors or sauces. 

In addition to that, the broccoli stalks have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus, especially in small dogs, so make sure you cut up the broccoli into “bite-size” chunks to avoid choking. 

Healthy Benefits of Broccoli

In the world of vegetables, broccoli is known for its many remarkable health benefits. Let’s explore 7 reasons why you should add broccoli to your diet: 

1. Nutrient-Rich: Broccoli is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber, making it a nutritional powerhouse for your overall health.
2. Immune Booster: The high vitamin C content in broccoli helps to strengthen your immune system, keeping you strong and healthy. 
3. Bone Builder: Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin K, crucial for your bone health and promotes calcium absorption.
4. Heart Health: The fiber and antioxidants in broccoli contribute to heart health by lowering your cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
5. Antioxidant-Rich: Broccoli is rich in antioxidants, including sulforaphane, which has been linked to cancer prevention and cellular protection.  
6. Digestive Support: The fiber in broccoli aids digestion and keeps your gut happy and healthy.
7. Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, broccoli is a weight-conscious choice, helping you feel full and satisfied, helping to prevent overeating.

ALSO READ: Obesity is genetic, according to a Harvard medical expert. Here’s what Dr. Stanford has to say about this disease.

Bottom Line

So, whether you’re steaming broccoli, roasting broccoli, making broccoli cheddar soup or broccoli salad, or even adding it to your favorite stir-fry, beef and broccoli recipe, broccoli is a versatile veggie that can be a tasty addition to your meals while giving your body a whole lot of love. Enjoy your next broccoli meal.

More From Universial Health:

Can Eating Butter Make You Skinny? Here’s 10 Health Benefits of Butter

Four Causes Fast Food is Linked to Obesity. Alpilean users are combating weight gain with this

Belly Fat Increases Health Risks. Here’s 7 Ways Ikaria Lean Belly Juice Can Help to Reduce Abdominal Fat