Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable that may be loathed by children, is full of health benefits. Among them are its ability to fight cancer and to reduce your risk of arthritis.

All cruciferous vegetables, like cabbage, kale and cauliflower, contain nutrients and compounds that can fight against cancer. However, broccoli is one of only a handful of cruciferous vegetables that contain a sizable amount of sulforaphane, a potent compound that can boost the body’s protective enzymes, which flush out chemicals from your body that can cause cancer.

Among many others, one study showed that sulforaphane can suppress the growth of certain tumors.

Research has shown that broccoli can help fight against prostate, stomach, skin, liver, breast and bladder cancers.

As for broccoli’s effects on arthritis, it has to do with broccoli’s ability to reduce inflammation. The compounds in broccoli, including sulforaphane, were shown in studies to be effective at reducing the symptoms of arthritis. Test-tube studies found that sulforaphane blocked the formation of a certain cell that was involved in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Fortunately, even if you don’t have cancer or arthritis, you can get plenty of health benefits from consuming broccoli.

Broccoli protects your cardiovascular health

Broccoli is filled with fiber, potassium and antioxidants. All of these nutrients and compounds can work together to prevent the appearance of cardiovascular disease. Studies show that people who consume plenty of fiber and potassium, while lowering their consumption of sodium, can relax their blood vessels, lowering high blood pressure, as well as lower their levels of blood lipids. All of these work together to lower cardiovascular disease risk.

Broccoli can reduce your risk of diabetes

Several papers have been published detailing how eating broccoli may help people with diabetes. In particular, broccoli may be able to help against type 2 diabetes. Sulforphane can manage blood sugar levels. The fiber in broccoli can also work at reducing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Broccoli improves immune health

Broccoli is filled with vitamin C. This wonderful vitamin is an antioxidant that can boost the power of your body’s immune system. This, in turn, may lower your risk of developing many conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cataracts, anemia and even cancer.

Broccoli supports your digestion

The dietary fiber in broccoli can improve your digestive health. Dietary fiber prevents constipation, promotes the regularity of your bowel movements, keeps your digestive tract healthy and it can even lower your risk of colon cancer.

Broccoli improves your bone health

Broccoli is filled with calcium, vitamin C and vitamin K. Calcium, when working with collagen – which is produced by vitamin C – can keep bones strong. With over 99 percent of the body’s calcium going to your teeth and bones, having enough calcium and vitamin C in your system can make sure your bones stay strong. On the other hand, experts have suggested that vitamin K can help prevent – or possibly even treat – osteoporosis.

For more information on how cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli can improve your overall health and well-being, be sure to read the wonderful articles about them and other super-vegetables over at Veggie.news.

Sources include:

Health.com

Healthline.com

MedicalNewsToday.com 1

MedicalNewsToday.com 2