Broccoli has always been known to be healthy for the body but not a lot has been revealed about the specific benefits they can deliver. Research shows that broccoli can promote a strong and healthy heart, can prevent DNA damage and can stop the spread of metastatic cancer.
This wonder vegetable activates defenses against pathogens and pollutants, helps prevent lymphoma, and boosts enzymes that detox the liver. In addition, broccoli also targets breast cancer stem cells and reduces the risk of prostate cancer progression.
Known as a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli offers a wealth of benefits being a member of the brassica family along with brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, spring beans, kale, radish, and watercress. The component sulforaphane is found in all brassicas but is especially concentrated in broccoli, according to Natural Society.
According to a team of researchers from Imperial College London, sulforaphane was found to prevent inflammation in certain high-risk arterial areas of the body. It has also been found to protect the brain, eyesight, reduce nasal allergy inflammation and help manage type-2 diabetes, according to Daily Mail.
A natural protective protein in the body called Nrf2 is not active during the build-up of plaque in the arteries, particularly among the bends and branches of the blood's passageways. Fortunately, sulforaphane can activate the protein to help curb the inflammation and build up in the arteries.
Recently, sulforaphane was found to help treat autism within a matter of weeks. A research trial of boys with autism saw improved social interaction, abnormal behavior and verbal communication after given two to three servings of cruciferous vegetable a day.
In a similar study from the University of Connecticut, researchers observed how including broccoli in a daily diet could help improve heart health. The study gave a group of rats broccoli extract in addition to their normal feed while the other group was given water as a control.
Rats who were given broccoli extract were revealed to have less heart damage during heart-attack-mimicking oxygen deprivation, higher levels of the heart-protective chemical during deprivation and better blood pumping abilities. These three significant advantages were revealed when the subjects underwent heart testing.
Experts recommend one serving a day, which is equivalent to a quarter cup of broccoli. But to be able to get the full benefit of sulforaphane, broccoli must be eaten raw as cooking destroys the enzymes. Another way is to cook broccoli after 40 minutes of chopping them.
