Broccoli Nutrition Facts - Part 1

Let's spend some time learning about the many incredible broccoli nutrition facts and how they can benefit your health. Broccoli belongs to the family of cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. Broccoli is one of the easiest vegetables to find in supermarkets, because of its year-round availability. In the past, broccoli has gained a bad reputation for being one of the terrible tasting vegetables, especially for children. What some people don’t know about broccoli is that it can actually be prepared in a variety of delicious ways to make our taste buds more tasty and enjoyable. And it is also good to know the nutritional facts of your broccoli, as it is a mother of nutrients that are important in the overall promotion of health.

With its plentiful range of nutrients, broccoli nutritional facts and health benefits are almost never-ending. As a matter of fact, broccoli takes one of the top spots in the chain of healthiest foods when it comes to its nutrient content. Let's take a closer look at the broccoli nutrition facts and how they can contribute to health promotion.

Broccoli promotes eye health

Let us discuss some broccoli nutritional facts related to eye health, it is packed with Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes good vision by helping the eyes adjust to the dark. A 1/2 cup of broccoli contains about 1207 IU of vitamin A broccoli, which also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are powerful antioxidants. Both of these phytochemicals are known for their ability to prevent age-related macular degeneration of the eye such as cataracts and blindness.

Broccoli empowers the immune system

Broccoli is a mother of nutrients that strengthens the immune system - vitamin C, beta-carotene, and zinc. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that increases the body's line of defense against the common cold and other bacterial and viral infections. One of the nutritional facts of broccoli you must remember is that a cup contains a heavyweight of 1359 mcg beta-carotene. Beta-carotene has a tremendous effect on the immune system, as it acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects our body's cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. Trace mineral zinc in broccoli also empowers our body's immune system by acting as a cofactor in its many defensive functions against bacterial, viral, and free radical attacks.

Broccoli promotes oxygen

Broccoli is a rich source of iron. As a matter of fact, a 1/2 cup chopped broccoli contains 1 mg of iron. Iron is a mineral that helps in the formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the main transporter of oxygen in our body.

Broccoli prevents neural tube defects

Broccoli is also nutritional for pregnancy and healthy babies. For example, broccoli is also a rich source of folate. Folate helps in the normal development of the fetal brain and prevents neural tube defects while in the womb. Pregnant mothers are advised to take folic acid supplements during the entire course of pregnancy.

Broccoli increases heart and gastrointestinal health

Broccoli promotes normal peristaltic movement of the intestines, because of its rich fiber content. It also contains a phytonutrient known as sulforaphane, the major cause of stomach and duodenal ulcers H. Increase intestinal defenses against pylori infection. One of the better nutritional facts of broccoli is its high fiber content, it promotes heart health by reducing the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. Broccoli is also rich in potassium, a mineral that promotes the normal contraction of the heart muscle, as well as aids in the prevention of hypertension by maintaining electrolyte balance.