Thanks to yesterday’s passage of Obamacare, broccoli is at the forefront of global consciousness as never before. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. ruled that the commerce clause of the United States Constitution “doesn’t give Congress the power to make people buy health insurance— or, for that matter, healthy green
vegetables like broccoli…” (The New York Times Conservatives See Silver Lining in Health Ruling, by James B. Stewart) Whether or not you are ecstatic or fuming about the Supreme Court’s decision, it is hard to argue that broccoli is anything but one of the healthiest foods we can eat. Broccoli has a plethora of health benefits. It contains anti-inflammatory nutrients, antioxidant nutrients, detox-support nutrients, and anti-cancer nutrients amongst many other important chemicals that sustain the health of the human body.
What is broccoli?
“Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family, and is closely related to cauliflower. Its cultivation originated in Italy. Broccolo, its Italian name, means “cabbage sprout.” Broccoli’s name is derived from the Latin word brachium, which means branch or arm, a reflection of its tree-like shape that features a compact head of florets attached by small stems to a larger stalk. Because of its different components, this vegetable provides a complex of tastes and textures, ranging from soft and flowery (the florets) to fibrous and crunchy (the stem and stalk). Its color can range from deep sage to dark green to purplish-green, depending upon the variety. One of the most popular types of broccoli sold in North America is known as Italian green, or Calabrese, named after the Italian province of Calabria where it first grew.” ~WH Foods
What are the health benefits of broccoli?
Detoxification. Broccoli contains an unusual combination of three phytonutrients, glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiian, and glucobrassicin. Together these nutrients have a strong impact on our body’s detoxification system.
Anti-Inflammatory. Broccoli is a particularly rich source of a flavonoid called kaempferol, which helps to battle allergies and inflammation.
Improves Vitamin D Deficiency. Broccoli contains vitamins A and K, which help to keep the metabolism of vitamin D in balance. Vitamin D promotes the body’s absorption of calcium and thereby sustains and promotes bone health and growth.
High In Fiber. Fiber helps to lower cholesterol and facilitates digestion.
Increases Eye Health. Broccoli improves eye health due to high concentrations of two carotenoids in it—lutein and zeaxanthin—which play an important role in the health of the eye.
Supports Skin Health And Repair. When glucoraphanin from broccoli is converted into sulforaphane the result is healthy skin and repair of skin damage.
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