What is Broccoli?

Broccoli is a plant within the cabbage family. It is edible, and has a large flowering head, small leaves and a stalk. It is a vegetable that is extremely common to eat.

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable. There are three different types: calabrese, sprouting and purple cauliflower (which is a type of broccoli, despite having cauliflower in its name).

What are the sources of Broccoli?

Broccoli can be brought, or home grown. It is a great source of fibre,
protein and it also contains vitamins A, C, E, K and some B vitamins, including folic acid.

Broccoli also is a great source for iron, potassium, selenium, calcium and magnesium. It can be eaten both raw and cooked, depending on how it is eaten depends on how much nutrients you can get out of the vegetable.

How does Broccoli assist our bodies?

It is packed full of the vitamins, minerals and fibre that keeps our bodies functioning well and healthy. Broccoli is also an excellent source of antioxidants, which offer protection against damage caused by free radical cells.

These can lead to damage and health problems. As antioxidants and fibre assist with blood sugar control, broccoli is a great way of supporting those with diabetes.

It also aids digestion and can help to combat constipation.

Why should we supplement our nutrition with Broccoli at age 50?

Broccoli contains bioactive compounds. Studies have shown that these compounds help to reduce inflammation in the tissues in your body. The bioactive compounds found within broccoli can also protect against certain cancers, such as breast, prostate, gastric/stomach, bladder, colorectal and renal/kidney.

Broccoli is also a great aid in assisting with heart health. It can help elevate bad cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of a heart attack. Broccoli also helps to slow down mental decline, promoting a healthy brain function due to the bioactive compounds found within it. It may also help to slow the aging process due to the sulforaphane.

Regarding menopause

It’s thought that broccoli helps to ease the symptoms of menopause including hot flashes.