Most people, especially children, dislike the taste of broccoli and so refuse to include this vegetable into their daily diet. What they do not realize is that by excluding this vegetable they are keeping away one of the most nutritionally packed food sources from their meals. Broccoli undoubtedly occupies one of the top most positions in the chart of vegetables which are important for consumption so one must make it a point to keep broccoli as the primary ingredient for at least one meal every day.
Read on to know more about how important broccoli is as a rich source of vital nutrients for each and everybody.
Anti Caner:
The most important role of broccoli is the stand it takes against cancer. Special biochemical ingredients found in this wonderful vegetable prevent the occurrence of breast cancer by increasing the level of estrogen in the body, prostate cancer, cervical cancer and gastric cancer. These chemicals that are referred to help in activating the liver in such a way that it prevents it from producing agents that causes cancer in the body. Those who already have cancer can still fight it with broccoli because it has been found that this kind of biochemical slows down the formation of cancerous cells.
Good Source of Vitamin C:
The importance of vitamin C cannot be undermined at any cost. The body requires vitamin C in order fight common colds and flues. That is the reason why doctors suggest having oranges on the arrival of the winter season because the orange is full of vitamin C. Unlike orange, broccoli is not a seasonal fruit and it is available almost everywhere on planet earth and is comparatively affordable. The rich source of antioxidants that it provides is also excellent for fighting free radicals.
Keeper of One’s Peepers:
One’s peepers or in other words one’s eyes are well taken care of by the consumption of broccoli regularly. The antioxidants that broccoli along with other varieties of green leafy vegetables belonging to the carotenoid groups contain if truly beneficial of the good health of one’s eyes because it protects the delicate layer of one’s optical lenses. The vitamin A that comes along with broccoli is an extremely important factor while keeping cataracts away.
Battles against Birth Defects:
Pregnant ladies need to be very careful about what they consume. They must ensure by all means that they eat a healthy and nutritionally fulfilling diet because it is vitally necessary for the health and proper development of the fetus growing inside. Even small portions of broccoli will be sufficient in providing the right amount of folic acid and vitamin B which is necessary for cell division and the synthesis of DNA. Folic acid is required immensely for the proper growth of the fetus because without it the fetus’s nervous system will not be able to channelize and divide properly throughout its body. “Folic” comes from the word foliage which means green and leafy plants. The deficiency of folic acid is the reason behind most birth defects. In order to avoid such mishaps do not forget to include this green veggie wonder called broccoli.
Strengthen the Immune System:
The immune system, as one might already know, helps one to fight against germs that cause all sorts of diseases. Keeping a healthy immune system is vital because it is one’s biological defense mechanism. The good news is that broccoli contains certain minerals like zinc and beta carotenes that help in boosting one’s immune system. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away then a cupful of broccoli once in a while will make one stay healthy without requiring going to the doctor as well.
The Right Blood Pressure:
Those who are suffering from low or high blood pressure must seriously consider the inclusion of broccoli in their diets because according to the recent researches this green vegetable contains all the important minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium that help regulate one’s blood pressure accurately.
Healthy Heart:
Since broccoli, as discussed earlier, has got a lot to do with the regulation of one’s proper blood pressure, broccoli automatically becomes a vitally important food source for the good health of one’s heart because most heart diseases are caused by the frequent fluctuations of blood pressure. Eating broccoli will ensure having a healthy heart.
Strong Bones:
If one is suffering from weak bones then one might consider the amount of broccoli one consumes because it has been found that broccoli contains an amazing amount of calcium and vitamin K which are both required to fight against osteoporosis. Children and women especially require a good source of these minerals and calcium because bones in childhood require extra attention as they will pretty much determine the structure the child will have once he or she reaches adulthood and it is very common among women who have reached menopause or are about to have it to suffer from osteoporosis. Adolescent girls who have entered their menstrual cycles also need a good source of calcium so they too must pay special attention to the consumption of broccoli on a regular basis.
Great for Keeping Sun Damage Away:
Those who venture outdoor regularly when the sun is at its harshest peak do not need to worry about the harmful effects of the sun on their skin because nature has provided broccoli with all that is required to help sun damaged skin repair all by itself and detoxify the entire system.
Keeps The System Clean:
Because of the large amount of fibers present in broccoli one need not worry about constipation any longer. The fibers help in digestion and thereby assist in maintaining one’s bowel movements regularly. Healthy bowel movement automatically implies a thorough detoxification of the body and an elimination of minor skin problems like pimples and acne.
Good for Staying Slim:
People who are extremely health conscious and count every calorie that they consume on a daily basis must always keep broccoli in their fridge. Adding broccoli in one’s stews, soups or curries or opting to eating them raw as a part of one’s everyday salad will help one in keeping slim because it is very low in calorie although it is packed with proteins. A combination which is very effective for quick and healthy weight loss.
Beat Diabetes:
Eating Broccoli might have a lot to do with fighting diabetes because it helps in lowering the blood sugar level and thereby aids in keeping insulin away.
Going vegetarian has never seemed so beneficial for one’s health before. Even if one is not interested in cutting down the amount of meat from one’s diet one must at least ensure that the consumption of meat does not interfere with the amount of healthy vegetables one takes on a day to day basis.
Image: Shutterstock.com