Forget the saying, "Milk does a body good." We don't have time for that in the beautiful world of plant-based goodness. Instead, we focus on one of the most perfect veggies out there: Broccoli. Broccoli is the tree-like, green vegetable that falls into the "cruciferous" category. It is, hands down, one of the healthiest foods out there.
Of course, if it’s green...it’s got to be good for us, right?
As a kid, you couldn't have paid me to eat broccoli. Then, as a new dietitian, I saw it as a very low-calorie food for clients to eat and "fill up on." Now, I recognize and love this green veggie for the extraordinary benefits it yields, including: DNA protection, cancer prevention, hormone-balance, beautiful skin, and smooth digestion.
Let me speak on that last health benefit. While it's true that if you're a broccoli novice, you might experience some gas or bloating after eating it, at first. You can significantly reduce the chances of feeling bloated and gassy by cooking your broccoli - preferably via steaming or sautéing it. Your digestive tract also becomes more equipped to digest cruciferous veggies the more regularly you consume them.
Just like beans, the more you eat these fibrous foods, the better you tolerate them.
Health Benefits of Broccoli
Here are a few of the health benefits of broccoli:
- It is an antioxidant powerhouse
- It is loaded with vitamin C & beta-carotene - the two components that help our bodies fight free radicals to the maximum and prevent wrinkles
- It’s also known to boost our immune systems
- It acts as an intestinal broom due to its high fiber content
- It aids liver detoxification
- It contains sulforaphane - a potent phytochemical that prevents cancer and may help ameloriate obesity
- It contains Indole-3-carbinol which helps remove excess estrogen from the body (especially important for those of us with estrogen-dominance or endometriosis)
- It also helps prevent cancer (especially breast and colon cancer).
- Remember, to thoroughly release all of the antioxidants in broccoli, you must thoroughly chew, blend, or finely chop it!
Quick tip: Make raw broccoli an appetizing and blood-sugar stabilizing snack by dipping it in some fiber-rich hummus.
XoXo, Rachelle
Read more on Rachelle Cave's website.
Disclaimer: The content in this article/blog post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician before starting a diet, exercise, or lifestyle regimen. This content is intended for educational purposes only.
About Rachelle Caves:
Rachelle Caves is a well-experienced Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer. Her passion in life is helping individuals cultivate a life of health and wellness, in an encouraging and uplifting manner. Rachelle’s nutrition philosophy revolves around the health-promoting effects of a plant-based, phytonutrient-rich diet. With the goal of ultimate health and wellness, Rachelle emphasizes the protective benefits of a predominantly plant-based diet that excludes calorie-counting, while incorporating effective exercise and positive mind-body techniques. You can read more from her on her website.She has ample experience coaching clients in-person, virtually, and in groups, both in renowned medical centers and private settings. She has taught individuals and groups on topics including attaining high levels of health, weight management, fitness techniques, heart health, and diabetes, all while helping clients achieve a healthy weight without counting carbohydrates or calories. She enjoys writing and reviewing articles on all topics pertaining to health and wellness. She currently offers virtual nutrition appointments, and written nutrition, exercise, and wellness plans. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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