11 Reasons to Like Broccoli

KOMPAS.com - Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L, Italica group) is a vegetable belonging to the cabbage tribe or Brassicaceae. These vegetables go to Indonesia not long ago (around the 1970s) and is now quite popular as food.


Some of you might not know much about what benefits can be obtained from these greens. In some literature mentioned broccoli contains vitamin C and dietary fiber in large quantities. These vegetables also contain compounds glukorafanin, which is a natural form of anticancer compounds sulforafana (sulforaphane).

Here is a variety of benefits of broccoli, which contribute greatly to health:

1. Against cancer

Broccoli contains two fitokemikal compounds called indoles and isothiocyanates. fitokemikal works to increase the activity of enzymes that act to destroy carcinogenic agents. Broccoli has anti-cancer agents such as glucoraphanin, beta-carotene, diindolylmethane, selenium and other nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, zinc and certain amino acids in preventing the growth of cancer cells in the breast, uterus, prostate gland, colon , kidney, liver and lungs.

2. Detoxification

Broccoli played a role in freeing the body from free radicals and toxins like uric acid. This in turn, protects the body from toxins, such as ulcers, itching, rheumatism, kidney stones, rashes, gout and eczema.

3. Overcoming constipation

Broccoli is effective enough to overcome difficulty in bowel movements because it is rich in fiber. In addition to bind toxins in the colon, fiber also helps the absorption of nutrients from food.

4. Improving the health of skin

Broccoli is a storehouse of vitamins. Vitamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin B complex present in broccoli, which is indispensable to make the skin more luminous. Even vitamin E which teradapat in broccoli helped accelerate the development of the regeneration of skin tissue that has died.

5. Sehatkan heart

The fiber content in broccoli plus the Omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene and other vitamins have contributed in lowering bad cholesterol levels while also regulate blood pressure. This is certainly very good to maximize cardiac function.

6. Eye care

Zeaxanthin is a key ingredient in broccoli is beneficial for eye health. These nutrients help in the repair of damage caused by UV radiation and preventing disruption eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

7. Enhance immunity

Broccoli encourage an increase in immunity or immune to the presence of vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium, zinc, phosphorus and copper.

8. Bone Health

Children, the elderly and pregnant or nursing mothers are advised to consume enough calcium. Calcium deficiency which can cause weakening of bones, teeth and osteoporosis. Broccoli contribute to bone health because it contains minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.

9, Supports pregnancy

Pregnant women require essential nutrients to maintain healthy growth of the fetus. Broccoli contains all the essential nutrients needed by a pregnant woman such a antioxidants, calcium, protein, vitamins, detoxifiers, phosphorus and iron.

10. Keeping blood sugar levels

Broccoli contains a mineral called chromium which helps in proper functioning of the hormone insulin. This is one way to regulate blood sugar levels.

11. Prevents anemia

Anemia caused by iron deficiency. Broccoli is a good source of iron, so it can be used as an effective drug for anemia.

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