10 health benefits of broccoli and 4 reasons to avoid them

Broccoli: The Vegetable That’s So Hated, It’s Almost Funny.

Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family, and it is closely related to cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts.

Broccoli is a good source of vitamins C, K, and A, as well as fiber and potassium. It also contains sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties.

Broccoli can be eaten raw, cooked, or steamed. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, and salads. Broccoli can also be roasted or grilled.

Here are some of the health benefits of broccoli:

• Good for vision: Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for vision, especially night vision.
• May help prevent cancer: Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties.
• May help lower cholesterol: Broccoli contains soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
• May boost the immune system: Broccoli contains antioxidants that may help boost the immune system.
• May help improve digestion: Broccoli contains fiber, which can help improve digestion.

Broccoli is a healthy and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a good source of nutrients and has a number of health benefits.

Here are some tips for choosing and storing broccoli:

• Choose broccoli that is firm and has bright green florets. Avoid broccoli that is soft, bruised, or has brown spots.
• Broccoli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Advantages of eating broccoli

1. Nervous system: Rich in potassium, necessary for brain health.

2. Blood pressure: Broccoli is rich in magnesium and calcium that regulates blood pressure.

3. Effective against common cold: Rich in vitamin C and anti-oxidants that can fight against common cold.

4. Bone health: contains high amount of calcium and vitamin K necessary for bone health.

5. Sun damage: Glucoraphanin in broccoli helps in repairing sun damage.

6. Immune system : Rich in vitamin C, zinc and selenium which strengthens immunity.

7. Cancer prevention: Glucorapanin aids in preventing cancer.

8. Digestion: Rich in fiber and helps constipation.

9. Vision: Rich in carotenoids and vitamin A that aids in improving vision.

10. Heart: Lutein in broccoli prevents thickening of arteries. B6 and folic acid can reduce atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

Interactions of eating broccoli

1. Rich in vitamin K and hence can interact with warfarin. Source: http://drugs.about.com/od/medicationabcs/a/drug_interact.htm http://thebroccolihut.com/study-session-food-drug-interactions/

2. Broccoli can cause allergic rash in hypertensive people. Source: http://www.rxlist.com/broccoli-page2/supplements.htm#SafetyConcerns

3. Interacts with haloperidol and theophylline by inducing the expression of CYP1A2. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruciferous_vegetables

4. Glucoraphanin in broccoli can lower blood pressure in people taking anti- hypertensive medications. Source : http://www.sharecare.com/health/alternative-medicines/what-medications-interact-broccoli-sprout

5. Broccoli can interfere with cholesterol lowering agents and uv protective agents. Source: http://www.sharecare.com/health/alternative-medicines/what-medications-interact-broccoli-sprout

6. Can interact with cytochrome P450 and interfere with drugs metabolized by this enzyme. Source: http://www.sharecare.com/health/alternative-medicines/what-medications-interact-broccoli-sprout

7. Broccoli reduces urinary F2 isoprostane levels. Source: http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/content/27/10/2096.full.pdf+html

8. Interferes with caffeine, oestrone and chlorzoxazone metabolism Source: http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/4/793.full.pdf+html

Health conditions to avoid broccoli

1. People with hypothyroidism should avoid broccoli Source: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/hypothyroidism

2. People with stomach bloating should avoid broccoli Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/in-depth/gas-and-gas-pains/art-20044739

3. People taking anticoagulants should avoid broccoli Source: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anticoagulants-warfarin-/Pages/Interactions---other-medicines.aspx

4. People with ulcerative colitis should avoid broccoli Source: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20500615_5,00.html.

Photo by Cats Coming: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bowl-of-sliced-broccoli-1359326/

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