• According to one study, steamed broccoli is particularly useful for lowering cholesterol levels in the body.
• Low in calories and high in fiber, the vegetable keeps you fuller for longer while helping keep your weight in check.
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Most of us who grew up in households that prioritised healthy diets no doubt have a love-hate relationship with broccoli.
The green plant, which can be eaten raw or cooked, falls in the cabbage family and its flowering head, stalk and leaves are eaten as a vegetable.
Many hate the taste but unbeknownst to them, the vegetable has very good health benefits.
Boosts eye sight
Deficiency in vitamin A causes night blindness but eating broccoli can help with that.
This is because broccoli is packed with beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
Broccoli can thus boost eyesight in individuals with a low vitamin A intake.
This may further go a long way in averting eye problems such as cataract surgery, diabetic retinopathy care and spectacle corrections and prevent you from being part of the statistics of Kenyans in need of quality eye care services which currently stands at about 15.5 per cent.
Good for weight management and blood cholesterol
If you are struggling with weight loss, adding broccoli to your diet is not only healthy but can also help with your weight-loss journey.
According to one study, steamed broccoli is particularly useful for lowering cholesterol levels in the body.
Low in calories and high in fiber, the vegetable keeps you fuller for longer while helping keep your weight in check.
Broccoli also has a soluble fiber that can help lower ‘bad cholesterol since a healthy cholesterol level reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure
Good for strengthening bones
Broccoli contains vitamin K which helps your body absorb calcium. Vitamin K deficiency makes bones weak and susceptible to fractures.
Broccoli corrects this by supplying calcium to keep the bones healthy and strong.
May prevent cancer
Broccoli is loaded with compounds believed to prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Experts have long suspected inflammation may play some role in the development of cancer cells.
Many cancers arise from sites of infection, chronic irritation and inflammation which can be caused by high consumption of saturated fat, processed foods, red meat or alcohol.
This constant exposure to chronic inflammation can cause changes to your DNA and increase the risk for cancer.
But a compound in broccoli called isothiocyanates helps decrease inflammation in the body.
So today, make informed decisions as you walk out to grab something for breakfast, lunch or dinner and stay healthy.