Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Broccoli!

By John C. Barnard Last updated Apr 21, 2022 0

Broccoli belongs to the Brassica genus of plants and is a cruciferous vegetable. It’s a sort of flower with a central stalk that’s thick and covered in grayish-green leaves and green florets (there are some purple varieties). It’s flexible and easy to get by in most supermarkets.

Broccoli is one of the most nutrient-dense plants, and when prepared properly, it can be a delectable addition to any meal.

Nutritional Values of Broccoli

The USDA provides the following nutritional information for one cup (91g) of raw, chopped broccoli.

31 calories
0.3g fat
30 milligrams sodium
6 g carbohydrate
2.4 g fiber
1.5 g sugar
2.5 g protein

Carbs

Only 31 calories, 6 grams of carbs, and very little sugar are found in one cup of raw, chopped broccoli (1.5 grams). Broccoli has more than a third of its carbohydrates in the form of fiber (2.4 grams), making it a satisfying and heart-healthy food.

Broccoli has a glycemic index (GI) of 10. The glycemic index is a calculation that determines how food influences blood sugar levels. Broccoli has a low GI, which indicates it has little impact on blood sugar levels.

Fat

Broccoli is cholesterol-free and has only a trace amount of fat. It does, however, contain a minor quantity of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid (ALA). Nearly 0.5 grams of this anti-inflammatory fatty acid can be found in two cups of broccoli. 2

Protein

Broccoli offers a lot of protein for a vegetable, with 2.5 grams per one-cup serving. However, to achieve your daily protein requirements, you should incorporate other protein sources into your diet.

Minerals and Vitamins

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of immune-boosting vitamin C, with over 81mg, or roughly 135% of your daily requirements. It’s also high in vitamin K, which is crucial for bone health and wound healing. In a one-cup serving of broccoli, you’ll get 116 percent of your daily recommended consumption. It’s also a good source of vitamin A, manganese, potassium, and other B vitamins, as well as folate, a B vitamin.

Manganese, potassium, and phosphorus are among the minerals found in broccoli.

Health Advantages

Loss of weight

Broccoli is a popular addition to the meals of people wanting to reduce weight, with only 31 calories per cup. It contains a lot of fiber, with one cup providing roughly 9% of the daily value. Fiber, an indigestible carbohydrate component, can help lower cholesterol, improve intestinal health, control blood sugar levels, and aid weight loss. Fiber-rich meals make you feel fuller for longer after you eat them.

Fiber’s Numerous Health Advantages

Improved Diabetes Prevention and Management

Eating a fiber-rich diet has been linked to a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes in studies. According to the research of 99,826 women, those who consumed the most fiber had the lowest risk of developing diabetes. The authors of the study ascribe this health benefit to the fact that fiber-rich diets take longer to consume and give more satiety. 4

Broccoli sprouts have also been demonstrated to improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients in other trials.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

A higher intake of cruciferous vegetables has been related to improved heart health, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and stroke, according to numerous studies. The most prevalent vegetables classified as cruciferous vegetables in these investigations were broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. 6

This could be one of the many reasons why the American Heart Association recommends broccoli as part of a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Cancer Risk is Reduced

According to several research, eating more cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale can cut the risk of some cancers like prostate, lung, and breast cancer.

Furthermore, fiber-rich diets are linked to a lower risk of colon cancer.

Cellular Defense

On a per calorie basis, broccoli is also one of the foods with the highest quantities of antioxidant phytonutrients. Antioxidants aid in the battle against free radicals, which cause cell damage and inflammation, as well as disease.

Allergies

Broccoli food allergies are extremely uncommon, however, they have been described in isolated occurrences.

If you have hay fever caused by mugwort pollen, you may develop the food-pollen syndrome. Broccoli, cabbage, and other comparable vegetables have proteins that are identical to those found in mugwort pollen and can produce an allergic reaction if consumed. You can notice a tingling sensation on your lips and tongue. This can lead to a swelled throat or anaphylaxis in exceedingly rare circumstances.

Negative Effects

Broccoli is strong in vitamin K, which can interfere with the effectiveness and safety of Coumadin (warfarin) and lessen its blood-thinning action if consumed in large amounts or with unexpected changes in the amount consumed. Vitamin K intake must be maintained while taking Coumadin (warfarin). For further information, consult a licensed dietitian nutritionist or your healthcare provider.

Varieties

Broccoli comes in a variety of kinds, though not all of them are likely to be available at your local grocery shop. Calabrese broccoli, destiny broccoli, and bolster broccoli are all available in most supermarkets. Broccoli with robust stalks and brilliant green florets are these varieties.

Broccolini is gaining popularity. This cultivar has tall, compact florets and longer, thinner stalks.

Broccoli raab (rapini) is also available in many stores, albeit it resembles broccoli the least. This turnip type is bright green and leafy and belongs to the turnip family.

Romanesco broccoli, which has pointed florets and a greenish-yellowish tint, is the least common variety.

When It’s the Most Effective

Broccoli is available fresh all year, however, it is in season from October to April. If fresh broccoli isn’t available at your grocery store, most stores provide frozen broccoli, which is just as healthful as fresh broccoli.

Look for broccoli with tight, rich green florets and a firm stalk when purchasing. Broccoli with a flimsy or pliable stalk or yellowish florets should be avoided.

Food Storage and Safety

Broccoli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To allow for ventilation, remove the produce bag. Dry the veggie until you’re ready to use it in a recipe.

Although broccoli can be frozen, most cooks blanch or steam it first. Cook for only 2–3 minutes before plunging into cold water to cease the cooking. Store in the freezer for up to a year in airtight bags.

People frequently inquire whether they can eat the entire vegetable, including the thick stem. Broccoli heads, or the top florets, and the associated stem are the plant’s edible components. Just remember to take off one to two inches at the bottom, which can be rough and woody.

Some people are concerned about the scent of broccoli, wondering if it means the broccoli has gone rotten. That is not the case, however.

Broccoli includes glucosinolates, a category of sulfur-containing compounds. The intense scent of broccoli is due to these compounds. When cooking, putting a piece of bread in the bottom of the pot is claimed to help absorb aromas.

How to Get Ready

Broccoli can be eaten raw as a crudite or slaw or cooked using a variety of techniques. To go with your main course, steam, sauté, roast it, or use the stems to make soup.

Overcooking will diminish the availability of vitamins and minerals, as well as make it less visually appealing. Blanching your broccoli first will not only enhance the color of the broccoli but will also assist to soften the stems. Broccoli can also be blanched to lessen the bitterness.

Blanching is a culinary technique in which food is quickly chilled in ice water after being briefly immersed in salted boiling water (approximately 30 seconds).

Broccoli may be consumed at any time of day: add it to egg dishes in the morning or use it as a basis or side dish for a low-carb dinner.