

Phytocheimcals glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin compose a terrific trio in broccoli. This binding makes the cholesterol easier to excrete, and consequently lessens cholesterol levels in the body. They also may affect estrogen levels, which may help reduce breast cancer risk.Īccording to Jarzabkowski, broccoli can help lower cholesterol because the soluble fiber in the vegetable binds with the cholesterol in the blood. These chemicals boost detoxifying enzymes and act as antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress.

The American Cancer Society notes broccoli's isothiocyanates, including sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. "Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, and all vegetables in this group may be protective against some stomach and intestinal cancers," Jarzabkowski said. Probably the most publicized health benefit of broccoli is its possible ability to help prevent cancer. 13, 2014 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The same compound was also found to improve symptoms related to autism those who took the extract containing sulforaphane showed improvements in verbal communication and social interactions, researchers reported Oct. The dose, however, is 100 times what is found naturally in broccoli, the researchers reported. Though non-obese participants didn't see any effect, the obese individuals saw their fasting blood glucose levels go down a significant 10 percent compared with a control group. The scientists gave the compound (in the form of a broccoli sprout extract) to 97 individuals with type 2 diabetes over the course of 12 weeks. Scientists reporting in the Jissue of the journal Science Translational Medicine, found that a compound called sulforaphane in broccoli (and other cruciferous veggies like cabbage and Brussel sprouts) could turn down the activity, or expression, of 50 genes associated with symptoms related to type 2 diabetes. Nutrition Facts Serving size: 1 medium stalk (raw) (5.3 oz / 148 g) Calories 45 Calories from Fat 0 *Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.įor obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, broccoli extract may be what the doctor ordered.
