Why Should We Eat Broccoli?

Why Should We Consume Broccoli? Broccoli is a winter vegetable with considerable nutritional value, and due to its low calorie content, it ranks among the staples of diet tables. Known to provide protection against cancer thanks to the sulforaphane it contains, broccoli can also regulate the digestive system with its high fiber content. Broccoli, which contains high levels of vitamin K, has important benefits for bone, hair and skin health. Dyt. Yağmur Satıroğlu from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Memorial Ataşehir Hospital discussed the benefits of broccoli.  

Broccoli Stands Out for Its Nutritional Values

Broccoli, with its high fiber content, is a healthy winter vegetable rich in vitamins A and C as well as potassium, calcium and iron. The nutritional value of 100 grams of broccoli can be listed as follows: Calories: 26 kcal Daily Value: 1.3% Fiber: 3.0 g Daily Value: 12.0% Carbohydrates: 2.5 g Daily Value: 0.8% Protein: 3.3 g Daily Value: 6.6% Fat: 0.2 g Daily Value: 0.3% Cholesterol: 0.0 mg Daily Value: 0.0% Vitamin A: 143.0 mg Daily Value: 2.9% Vitamin C: 115.0 mg Daily Value: 191.7% Potassium: 373.0 mg Daily Value: 10.7% Calcium: 105.0 mg Daily Value: 10.5% Iron: 1.3 mg Daily Value: 7.2%

Very Beneficial for Our Body

Broccoli has protective effects against many diseases and benefits can be seen in a short time with regular consumption.

1. Broccoli contains high levels of sulforaphane. Scientific studies have shown that consuming foods containing sulforaphane is preventive against cancer.
2. The high fiber content of broccoli is very beneficial for the digestive system. Consuming plenty of fiber-rich foods in a nutritional plan is necessary for the digestive system to function properly. Regular consumption of fiber-rich foods is also important for weight control.
3. Lutein and zeaxanthin found in broccoli provide protection for eye health. Zeaxanthin nourishes the eye while protecting it from negative external effects and strengthens vision. Lutein, which also acts as an antioxidant, particularly nourishes the yellow spot in the eye.
4. Broccoli contains vitamin K. Vitamin K supports bone density and enables the formation of healthy bone tissue. Consuming broccoli, which contains vitamin K, is important for bone health.
5. Broccoli containing B vitamins is also an important food for hair health. B vitamin, which plays a role in cell renewal, strengthens hair roots and promotes the renewal of hair cells.
6. Broccoli containing vitamins A and C also increases body resistance due to its antioxidant properties. Broccoli, which strengthens the immune system, serves as a good shield especially against winter illnesses.
7. Thanks to the soluble fiber contained in broccoli, it helps lower cholesterol.
8. Broccoli protects heart health. In addition to its high fiber content, broccoli also contains vitamins necessary for heart health. It helps regulate blood pressure. The potassium found in broccoli reduces tension in blood vessels and facilitates blood flow.
9. The high amount of chromium in broccoli is good for blood sugar.
10. Broccoli protects skin health.

What Should We Pay Attention to When Consuming It?

Broccoli can be consumed cooked or added to your diet raw. Boiling and steaming can be preferred as cooking methods. However, to prevent broccoli from losing its nutritional value, steaming is recommended. Broccoli should be washed before consumption. Fill a bowl with water. Broccoli is soaked in water with a small amount of vinegar added for approximately 10 minutes. Afterwards, broccoli should be rinsed thoroughly with clean water. This method ensures better cleaning of broccoli and better removal of microbes.

Can Safely Be Given to Infants

It is recommended that infants be fed with breast milk for the first 6 months. After 6 months, complementary foods are introduced to infants. Broccoli soup can be an ideal complementary food for infants thanks to its rich nutritional values.