All about broccoli > Health and nutrition

Broccoli for Health

Full of minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and folic acid - excellent for fighting stress - broccoli is also an excellent source of vitamins. It contains twice as much vitamin C as spinach and as much as lemons, making it a great immune booster. It also purifies the liver and is rich in cellulose which promotes intestinal transit. Furthermore its high fiber content (3%) lessens the risk of cancer, particularly colon cancer. This effect is a result of the particular substances found in cruciferous vegetables (indoles and sulfurous compounds) that broccoli contains naturally. The effectiveness of its fiber is also augmented by its specific glucidic compounds, which have a slight laxative effect.

Broccoli is highly recommended for all its healthful effects. It helps fight heart disease, promotes good eyesight by combating presbyopia, cataracts and conjunctivitis, and defends against flu and bronchitis, Parkinson's disease and aging. Rich in vitamin B9, broccoli is also advised in cases of anemia. Broccoli is the only food to contain almost all the major antioxidant agents to be found in food, sulforaphane, indoles, glutathione, quercetin and B-carotene.

Its antioxidant properties are most effective when sprouted broccoli is eaten raw every day. It is easily digestible. Only kidney stones are a contraindicating factor.