6 Amazing Benefits Of Broccoli You Must Know

You have seen them in your salads, you have seen them in your stews- broccoli is one superfood that has been associated with all things nutritious and healthy. Broccoli, which gets its name from the Italian word "broccolo", which means a "cabbage sprout", is packed with anti-bacterial and immunity-boosting properties. It is said that broccoli was first cultivated about 2000 years ago in Europe and was brought to other countries by Italians. Broccoli is also loaded with skin-friendly vitamin C and weight loss friendly fibre. The dark green floret has also been famous amongst its cruciferous peers for its cancer preventive properties and DNA damage repair. According to Bangalore-based nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood, "The low-calorie vegetable is a storehouse of antioxidants and essential minerals. People who are into fitness or are looking to lose weight must up the intake of broccoli in their diet. Its high fibre content helps trigger quick and healthy weight loss". Broccoli contains decent amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, iron, magnesium, folate, potassium, and zinc too. Did you know broccoli has higher vitamin C content than many citrus fruits?

Here are 6 Benefits of the Broccoli you must know:

1. Boosts Skin HealthIn addition to the abundant Vitamin C content, broccoli also contains rich amounts of pantothenic acid which can also do wonders for your skin health. According to the book 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing, broccoli contains abundant pantothenic acid, beta carotene and sulphur compounds, all of which encourage great skin. It is also rich in vitamin C which aids formation of collagen and helps to repair damaged tissue.

2. Boosts ImmunityThe rich amounts of vitamin C found in broccoli can help boost your immunity levels too. A 100 grams of broccoli has a whopping 89 grams of Vitamin C, which is more than a lot of citrus fruits. Broccoli is also rich in beta-carotene and a host of antioxidants which makes it a perfect vegetable for your overall immunity.

_{The rich amounts of vitamin C found in broccoli can help boost your immunity​.}

3. Boosts Eye HealthBroccoli is packed with high quantum of carotenoids which can do wonders for your eye sight and eye health. It is especially rich in lutein, a naturally occurring carotenoid which helps maintain good eyesight and night vision. Lutein can also benefit your heart health and circulation.

_{Broccoli is packed with high quantum of carotenoids.}4. Boosts Prostrate HealthAccording to the book 'Healing Foods', diets high in broccoli are associated with lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

5. Promotes Weight LossDr. Anju Sood says, "For weight loss purposes, broccoli serves a great deal. Broccoli is full of weight loss friendly fibres. Fibre takes the longest to digest and keeps you satiated for long. It also keeps you from bingeing into fattening foods and checks your weight."

_{For weight loss purposes, broccoli serves a great deal.​}6. Boosts Heart HealthBroccoli is packed with several heart-friendly minerals like potassium and magnesium. Broccoli's high fibre and omega-3 fatty acids help keep the LDL or bad cholesterol at bay. The potassium in broccoli acts as vasodilator and checks your blood pressure levels. 

Broccoli is juicy and sturdy which needs to be cooked right. You could also grill, roast, sauté or bake broccoli florets. There several people who like to have it steamed. By steaming lightly or eating it raw, one is able to retain most of its vitamin C, iron and chlorophyll content. Broccoli is best consumed when it is fresh. To keep it fresh and crisp, you can store it in your vegetable crisper, unwashed in a perforated bag, and try using your broccoli within a few days.