Broccoli Nutrition Facts - Part 2

 Broccoli promotes skin health

One of the nutritional facts you might not know is that recent studies show that sulforaphane in broccoli is a good remedy for sun-damaged skin. Sulforaphane also enhances the ability of the liver and skin cells to detox free radicals, as well as counteract the carcinogenic effects of UV rays on our skin.

Broccoli makes bones strong

Another nutritional fact of broccoli is that it is loaded with calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones. A cup of chopped broccoli contains 74 milligrams of calcium. Vitamin C in broccoli is also helpful in strengthening bones, as it promotes better absorption of calcium. Menopausal women, who suffer from bone loss and osteoporosis, as their calcium store declines will benefit greatly from these special broccoli nutrition facts.

Broccoli detox the cells

One of the outstanding broccoli nutrition facts is that it is a powerhouse of many phytonutrients that work as antioxidants - vitamins A, C, E, and other phytochemicals. Antioxidants act as free radical scavengers. They prevent free radicals from damaging our DNA and cell membranes. Not only do these phytonutrients act as potent antioxidants in broccoli, but they also trigger the production of free radical residues, toxins, and enzymes involved in the detoxification and cleansing of other cancer-causing carcinogens.

Broccoli provides protection from cancer

The phytochemical nutrients in broccoli are important elements in its anticancer benefits, perhaps the most well-known in broccoli nutritional facts. Sulforaphane in broccoli works its anticancer magic by increasing the detoxification enzymes of the body through gene expression changes. A study published in the oncology report showed that sulforaphane induces the production of stage 2 liver detoxification enzymes, as well as apoptosis (self-destruction of cancer cells) of leukemia and melanoma cancer cells. A study conducted at Rutgers University also suggests that sulforaphane may provide additional protection to those individuals with a known genetic predisposition to colon cancer.

One of the highly beneficial broccoli nutrition facts is that it contains indole, specifically indole-3-carbinol. Indole-3-carbinol was shown to prevent cancer, specifically related to hormonal imbalances such as breast cancer. Research studies have proved that indole-3 can simultaneously inactivate 4-hydroxy estrone, a potent metabolite of estrogen that promotes cancer cell growth in the breasts and increases levels of 2-hydroxy estrone, in the presence of cancer. Another potassium estrogen metabolite with preventative properties. Indole 3 not only prevents breast cancer but has also shown promising effects against prostate cancer. Indole-3 is also known to prevent metastasis (movement to other organs or body parts) of other cancer cells.

Broccoli is perfect for weight loss

If you are weight conscious, then the broccoli nutritional facts related to the benefits of weight loss will definitely arouse your interest more. Do you know that a 2-week diet includes only broccoli and water that can lose up to 10 pounds by exercise? Amazing, isn't it? Okay, you attribute this to the rich fiber content of broccoli. The fiber in broccoli prevents you from eating too much because it is too filling. It also reduces the level of cholesterol that produces fat in the blood. Its low-calorie content complements the broccoli nutrition facts related to the benefits of weight loss.

Just thinking about all these benefits will make you love a unique set of broccoli nutrition facts. Since broccoli is a mother of nutrients, it also contains goitrogens that make up a goiter. Individuals suffering from goiter should avoid eating raw broccoli. Boiled or cooked broccoli is best to eat, as the goitrogens present in it are destroyed by heat. So go ahead, enjoy the many benefits derived from broccoli nutrition facts and experience the pleasurable benefits it can bring to your body.