Benefits of Broccoli

Photo from streaming gourment

Broccoli is a plant in the cabbage family that has a large flower head used as a vegetable. It contains multiple nutrients with a potent anti-cancer such as diindolylmethane and has a small amount of selenium. Broccoli is high in vitamin C and a dietary fiber as well. It has the highest levels of carotenoids and rich in lutein and can supply beta-carotene.

It contains the compound glucoraphanin that can be processed into an anti-cancer compound sulforaphane but the benefits reduced when the vegetable is boiled. Broccoli is good source of indole-3-carbinol; this is a chemical which boosts DNA repair in cells and appears to block the growth of cancer cells.

It has been found that in a high intake of broccoli can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. And can prevent the heart disease when consumed.

It demonstrate from the researchers of Oregon State University that a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, sulforaphane is able to selectively target cancer cells in prostate patients and leave healthy cells alone.

At this time, the researchers are performing clinical trials in the use of sulforaphane in prostate and breast cancer. Lead author Emily Ho says, “Just because a phytochemical or nutrient is found in food doesn’t always mean its safe, and a lot can also depend on the form or levels consumed,” she said in a statement that. “But this does appear to be a phytochemical that can selectively kill cancer cells, and that’s always what you look for in cancer therapies.”