Superfood of the day - Broccoli
It is green, super healthy and yet not exactly the most popular type of vegetable: broccoli. His florets should land on our plate much more often because the green vegetables contain many valuable vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that have been proven to fight cancer cells. Not convinced yet? Then find out which super powers can still be found in broccoli.
Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family, more precisely to the cruciferous family, and is mainly grown in European (Mediterranean) countries. Not only the classic florets are edible, but also its stems, leaves or sprouts, which can be grown from the seeds of the plant. Whatever you choose, all the edible parts of the broccoli contain the healthy substances that give the green vegetables the title of superfood . What makes broccoli so healthy? Broccoli contains a high dose of vital substances. These include vitamin B complexes and vitamins C, E and K; the minerals calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium and a variety of phytochemicals that have a strong antioxidant effect. Broccoli therefore supports a balanced vitamin and mineral balance and can prevent deficiencies. Here is an overview of how individual vital substances work on the body and what great benefits are still in the green super vegetables.
Health benefits: 9 reasons to eat more broccoli
1. It protects against cancer As already mentioned, the phytochemicals found in green broccoli have an antioxidant and therefore cancer-preventing effect. Antioxidants are a kind of protective shield that stops destructive molecules - so-called free radicals. These damage body cells and tissues and thus weaken the immune system, age the skin faster and promote diseases such as Alzheimer's, rheumatism or cancer. A study by Ohio State University also shown that broccoli and the closely related cauliflower activate the body's production of indole-3-carbinol (I3C). This is a substance that has been shown to inhibit the spread of cancer cells in the body. The study focused primarily on breast cancer cells, but researchers say the effects are likely to be transferable to other cancers. The phytochemical sulforaphane also protects the prostate and intestines from the disease.
2. It strengthens the heart The trio of polyphenol (chemical compound), antioxidants and folic acid (vitamin B9), which can be found in broccoli, strengthens the heart and protects the vital muscle against diseases or standing still. 3. It supports a healthy pregnancy Folic acid is very important for pregnant women because the vitamin promotes healthy development of the growing embryo. If a mother-to-be suffers from a folic acid deficiency, her baby may develop spine, spinal cord and brain or the central nervous system may be damaged. Broccoli cannot cover the folic acid requirement alone, but it definitely supports the intake.
4. It ensures beautiful skin Broccoli is rich vitamin C and E - the beauty vitamins par excellence. Vitamin C strengthens the connective tissue because it converts proteins in the body into collagen fibers that firm the skin. Vitamin E also boosts collagen production and thus ensures firm and healthy skin in the long term. Added to this is the antioxidant effect of vitamins C and E. As already mentioned, antioxidants can slow down the aging process of the skin because they fight destructive free radicals.
5. It helps you lose weight There is so much good in broccoli that green vegetables count as few calories. 100 grams are only around 30 calories. Broccoli also contains no fat and hardly any carbohydrates. But the vegetables quickly saturate, thanks to the many fiber they contain. These stimulate intestinal activities and thus promote healthy, regulated digestion. The various vitamins and minerals are also essential for a functioning metabolism, vitamin C also stimulates the fat burning of the muscles.
6. He sharpens the view The cabbage vegetable contains so-called carotenoids, which are supposed to effectively prevent age-related eye problems. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these substances reduce the risk of later illnesses. The contained vitamin B2 also provides more eyesight and vitamin C also improves eye health thanks to its antioxidant properties. 7. It strengthens the bones The green vegetables contain high doses of calcium and vitamin K, both of which are essential for healthy bones and strong teeth. The calcium in broccoli can be easily absorbed by our body, the vitamin C it contains supports the absorption process. The rather less well-known vitamin K also strengthens the bones and additionally helps regulate the calcium level in the blood and thus prevents possible calcification of the vessels.
8. It detoxifies and drains the body If you regularly eat broccoli, you can save yourself an expensivdetox cure . Why? The vegetables contain vitamin C, which activates the special liver enzymes that are responsible for the breakdown of various toxins in the organism.
9. It prevents fatigue Those who feel constantly tired, worn out and weak may suffer from deficiency symptoms; the body probably lacks iron. Broccoli contains exactly this trace element, which is the most important building block for hemoglobin - the red dye in the blood and oxygen transporter in red blood cells. Oxygen-rich blood in turn gives the body cells more energy. You can work better and faster, you feel vital and less tired. The magnesium contained in broccoli can also prevent listlessness and concentration problems.
