Broccoli is a plant-based staple in the American diet. A recent survey of over 5,000 people listed it as the No. 2 favorite veggie among American adults. It’s versatile, inexpensive and a great addition to soups, stir-fries and pasta. Not only does it add flavor and texture to a dish, but broccoli has also many health benefits.
Broccoli is part of the cruciferous vegetable family, known for its robust antioxidant profile. This green flower — yes, broccoli is the flowering part of the plant — may protect against cancer, safeguard the heart and promote digestive health. And you can do so much more with broccoli than you may think, like grating it into a salad or making a broccoli pesto.
Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition and health benefits of broccoli and other frequently asked questions, like whether it has protein, and what’s the deal with broccoli sprouts.
Broccoli nutrition facts
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one cup of raw broccoli has:
● 30 calories
● 2 grams protein
● 0 grams fat
● 5 grams carbohydrates
● 2 grams fiber
● 70 milligrams vitamin C (78% daily value
● 77 micrograms vitamin K (64% daily value)
The health benefits of broccoli
Broccoli has many nutritious components, but the research surrounding broccoli focuses on glucosinolates, which are sulfur-containing compounds within the veggie. These chemicals give broccoli a strong smell and sharp flavor.
Reducing cancer risk
According to the National Cancer Institute, during chewing, glucosinolates break down into smaller compounds, which may have anti-cancer effects. Eating foods with glucosinolates may protect cells from DNA damage, inactivate carcinogens, promote cancer cell death and have anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Various studies have shown a link between eating cruciferous vegetables and lower incidences of breast, lung and prostate cancer.
Protecting against heart disease
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