I do not like broccoli. And I haven’t liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I’m President of the United States and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli. – George Bush, U.S. President (1990)
George Bush doesn’t like broccoli.
He probably doesn’t have the beach ready body you want either. (Granted he was President of the most powerful country in the world but that sounds like a hassle…I’d rather have visible abs).
Over 300 scientific research studies hail broccoli as a super food – for good reason. It’s packed full of vitamins and nutrients that can prevent cancer, lower blood pressure, boost your immune system and build muscle mass.
It’s also low in calories to help you lose fat.
And the great news is you don’t have to eat much of it. One cup a day can have significant health benefits.
1. Broccoli Has a High Nutrient to Calorie Ratio
One cup of Broccoli contains just 30 calories yet delivers a bucket-load of nutrients. It’s packed with fibre, iron, calcium, potassium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C – a who’s who of healthy vitamins and minerals essential to make your body function effectively.
2. Broccoli Fights Colds
One cup contains the RDA (recommended daily allowance) of Vitamin C which not only alleviates the symptoms of the common cold, but can also fight free radicals which cause disease.
3. Broccoli Lowers Blood Pressure
More than 300 biochemical processes in your body directly depend on magnesium, an element broccoli has in spades. Magnesium is also linked to regulating blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular disease.
4. Broccoli Builds Muscle
Broccoli is laden with potassium, a mineral not only directly related to healthy brain and nerve functions but also to muscle growth. It also reduces levels of oestrogen in your body, thereby increasing your testosterone ratio.
5. Broccoli Helps Prevent Cancer
Broccoli contains Glucoraphanin which is processed into the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane. This compound rids the body H. pylori, a bacterium found to highly increase the risk of gastric cancer. Broccoli also contains indole-3-carbinol, a powerful antioxidant compound and anti-carcinogen that hinders the growth of breast, cervical and prostate cancer, as well as boosting liver function.
6. Broccoli Gives You Good Looking Skin
Glucoraphanin is also responsible for repairing skin damage by allowing the skin to detoxify and repair itself.
7. Broccoli Boosts Your Immune System
Broccoli contains a large dose of beta-carotene which bolsters the immune system. It also contains trace minerals like selenium and zinc which have also been linked to an improved immune system.
8. Broccoli Aids Sight
Lutein, zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, beta-carotene have all been shown to aid sight. Lutein prevents your eye muscles breaking down as you age and Vitamin A forms retinal, a molecule that is needed for good low-light and colour vision.
9. Broccoli Fights Heart Disease
Researchers at the University of Connecticut fed rats broccoli extract for a month and discovered that their hearts functioned better and were less damaged when deprived of oxygen. It is thought broccoli triggers protein production which keeps the heart healthy.
10. Broccoli Keeps You Sated
Always hungry on a diet? Try eating more vegetables. They contain high amounts of fibre which keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Fibre also aids digestion and doesn’t skyrocket your blood sugar levels like other high fibre foods might.
11. Broccoli Keeps Bones Strong
Broccoli contains Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, calcium and folate which reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. They also improve bone strength – essential if you’re lifting heavy weights.
Broccoli is one little vegetable you can’t ignore if you are serious about changing your body shape and remain healthy. Eat 1-2 cups of the stuff daily and live strong.
Try this easy broccoli soup recipe.
About Ryan
[...] Broccoli, kale and other similar vegetables are high in potassium, a mineral related to healthy brain and nerve functions, muscle growth, and a reduction of oestrogen levels (thereby increasing your testosterone ratio). Body Transformation Lab: 11 reasons you should eat broccoli daily [...]