Is Broccoli Very Healthy To Eat?

Broccoli is a plant of the Kale family Brassicaceae, and is closely related to cauliflower. It produces large green flower heads, which are surrounded by leaves. Broccoli is usually boiled, steamed, microwaved or stir-fried, but may also be eaten raw. The stem and stalk are fibrous and crunchy while the florets are soft. Broccoli has a high content of nutrients and anticancer substances.

Fiber, Vitamins and Minerals

Broccoli is rich in fiber, which is important for a healthy digestive system. It is also high in vitamins C, K and A -- vitamin C is an important antioxidant and is essential for wound healing, vitamin K is needed for blood to clot and vitamin A promotes good night vision. Broccoli is also a source of several minerals, including manganese, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron.

Source of Antioxidants

Apart from vitamin C, broccoli contains other antioxidant phytonutrients, such as the flavonoids kaempferol and quercitin, and the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene. Antioxidants reduce the damage caused by free radicals and lower the body's oxidative stress. According to the "Manual of Dietetic Practice, 4th Edition," antioxidants can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Anti-Cancer Nutrients

Broccoli contains 2,2-diindolylmethane, which according to H.J. Cho and colleagues from Hallym University, Korea, has anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. A review paper by G.S. Stoewsand from Cornell University, mentions two other important nutrients found in broccoli: indole-3-carbinole, a substance which aids DNA repair and inhibits the growth of cancer cells, and glucoraphanin, which is a precursor of the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane.

Detoxification

The body detoxifies most toxins in a two-step process. In a review article, M.E. Assayed and A.M. Abd El-Aty from Cairo University, state that broccoli contains glucosinolates, which are precursors to isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates are modifiers of the first step in detoxification. These substances also have the ability to alter the activity of enzymes of the second step. Thus, regular broccoli consumption helps promote the efficient detoxification of dangerous substances within our bodies.

Protection from Heart Disease

Broccoli is a source of sulforaphane, an organosulfur compound. According to preliminary research carried out by M. Zakkar and colleagues at Imperial College London, sulforaphane may prevent or even reverse atherosclerosis. This appears to be achieved through activation of the transcription factor Nrf2, which in turn suppresses p38-VCAM-1 signaling.