Science confirms the health benefits of broccoli, 5 reasons to eat it often

Science has proven the benefits of broccoli for our health once again. A study conducted by, and published by, Pennsylvania State University Laboratory investigations January 11, 2023 looked at the mechanisms that allow cruciferous vegetables, especially cauliflower, to do good to our diet and our body.

Broccoli, a superfood

“Our research indicates that broccoli and perhaps other foods can be used as natural sources of AHR linkages, and that diets rich in these linkages contribute to the elasticity of the small intestine,” says Gary Perdue, co-author of the study. According to the researchers, this new discovery confirms the “superfood” status granted to broccoli thanks to numerous studies. Because the benefits of this cruciferous plant do not stop at the small intestine.

Benefits of broccoli against cancer

“Broccoli, prepared properly, is very effective in the fight against cancer: three to five servings per week are enough to activate it,” confirmed a 2011 study. Researcher Elizabeth Jeffrey, from the University of Illinois in 2011. Avoiding prolonged cooking actually prevents the disappearance of the enzyme myrosinase necessary for the formation of sulforaphane, an anticancer and anticancer compound. Inflammatory broccoli.

Benefits of broccoli against bad cholesterol

The sulforaphane in broccoli is definitely packed with benefits. study Food Research Institute Published April 7, 2015 It is reported that eating 400 grams of Beneforte broccoli per week allows an approximately 6% decrease in LDL cholesterol levels, thanks to the metabolism of glucoraphanine into sulforaphane. This reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

Benefits of broccoli for eye health

A powerful antioxidant, sulforaphane also works for healthy eyes and eyesight. In fact, according to a study published June 17, 2021 in the journal frontiers in medicine : “Sulforaphane attenuates particle-induced oxidative stress in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. These findings suggest that sulforaphane has therapeutic potential against age-related macular degeneration, which is characterized in part by atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (whose role is to feed photoreceptors to the retina, note editor).

Benefits of broccoli on the respiratory system

Known for its many properties, broccoli also helps fight some respiratory problems, starting with asthma. A study conducted by experts from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and published by a publishing house National Library of Medicine April 27, 2016 shows that “Eating broccoli affects the respiratory system and makes breathing easier, both for asthmatics and people with allergies.” A benefit again associated with sulforaphane, whose anti-inflammatory properties protect the respiratory tract.