Strawberry

Introduction

The strawberry is called 'the queen of fruits' in Asian countries because it's packed with health benefits. Compared to fruits like apples, oranges or bananas, strawberries have the highest amount of nutrients. 

Nutrional Breakdown

Strawberries are rich in the essential nutrients vitamin C, potassium, folic acid and fiber. One cup of fresh strawberries contains 160% of your daily needs for vitamin C, for only 50 calories.

Serving size: 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries (166 grams):

Calories 50, Protein 1 gram, Carbohydrates 11.65 grams, Dietary fiber 3.81 grams, Calcium 23.24 mg, Iron 0.63 mg, Magnesium 16.60 mg, Phosphorus 31.54 mg, Potassium 44.82 mg, Selenium 1.16 mg, Vitamin C 94.12 mg, Folate 29.38 mcg, Vitamin A 44.82 IU.

This nutritional powerhouse also contain the mighty antioxidants anthocyanins, ellagic acid, quercetin and kaempferol, which all have been shown to have protective effects against certain types of cancer.

Health Benefits

Heart Disease

Regular consumption of anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids found in berries, can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 32% in young and middle-aged women. Women who consumed at least 3 servings of strawberries or blueberries per week fared best in the Harvard study.

The flavonoid quercetin, contained in strawberries, is a natural anti-inflammatory that appears to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and protect against the damage caused by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in animal studies. Quercetin may have the additional bonus of anti cancer effects.

The high polyphenol content in strawberries may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by preventing platelet build-up and reducing blood pressure via anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Other studies have shown that eating strawberries helps to lower homocysteine levels, an amino acid in the amino acid in the blood associated with damaging the inner lining of arteries.

The fiber and potassium in strawberries also support heart health. In one study, participants who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49% lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium (about 1000 mg per day).

Blood Pressure

Due to their high potassium content, strawberries are recommended to those with high blood pressure to help negate the effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium intake is just as big of a risk factor in developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake. A high potassium intake is associated with a 20% decreased risk of dying from all causes.

Diabetes

Strawberries are a low glycemic index food and high in fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar and keep it stable by avoiding extreme highs and lows. Strawberries have a lower glycemic index (40) than many other fruits do.

Researchers discovered in 2011 that eating about 37 strawberries a day can significantly reduce diabetic complications such as kidney disease and neuropathy. The study showed that fisetin, a flavonoid contained in abundance in strawberries, promoted survival of neurons grown in culture and enhanced memory in healthy mice, along with prevention of both kidney and brain complications in diabetic mice.

Fight Cancer

Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants that can help with cancer prevention, since a healthy immune system is the body's best defense. A phytochemical called ellagic acid--also found in strawberries--is another. Ellagic acid has been shown to yield anti-cancer properties like suppressing cancer cell growth. Strawberries also contain antioxidants lutein and zeathancins. Antioxidants are scavengers to free-radicals and neutralize the potentially negative effect they can have on our cells.

Boost Imunity

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. Most mammals--except for humans--have the ability to produce vitamin C naturally, which is why it's so important to get your daily requirement. One serving of strawberries contains 51.5 mg of vitamin C, about half of your daily requirement. Vitamin C is a well known immunity booster, as well as a powerful, fast-working antioxidant.

Promote Eye Health

The antioxidant properties in strawberries may also help to prevent cataracts--the clouding over of the eye lens--which can lead to blindness in older age. Our eyes require vitamin C to protect them from exposure to free-radicals from the sun's harsh UV rays, which can damage the protein in the lens. Vitamin C also plays an important role in strengthening the eye's cornes and retina. While high doses of vitamin C have been found to increase the risk of cataracts in women over 65, researchers note that the risk pertains to vitamin C obtained from supplements, not the vitamin C from fruits and vegetables.

Inflammation

The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in strawberries may also help to reduce inflammation of the joints, which may cause arthritis and can also lead to heart disease. A study shows that women who eat 16 or more strawberries per week are 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of C-creative protein (CRP)--an indication of inflammation in the body.

Aid in Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best defenses against type 2 diabetes and heart disease, not to mention just plain good for your overall well-being. Strawberries are naturally low calorie (around 28 kCal per serving), fat-free and low in both sodium and sugar. Strawberries do contain natural sugars-though total sugars are fairly low with 4 grams per serving-and the total carbohydrate content is equivalent to less than a half slice of bread.

Promote Pre-natal Health

Folate is a B-vitamin recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, and strawberries are a good source with 21 mcg per serving. Folate is necessary in the early stages of pregnancy to help in the development of the baby's brain, skull and spinal cord, and the folic acid in strawberries may help to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.

Source: care2, MNT, best health, driscolls, medicalnewstoday, thedeliciouslife, bonnieplants

Carrot (part 2)

Carrots benefits for skin are, thanks to the abundant amounts of vitamin A and other antioxidants which protect against various skin problems and help in maintaining skin health.

Carrots for glowing skin

Consumption of carrots keeps your skin healthy and vibrant as they are loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants. Carrots can also be used to prepare an inexpensive and convenient face mask. All you need to do is to mix grated carot with some honey and apply it as a face mask to get glowing skin.

Treatment of blemishes/scars

Drinking carrot juice is effective in getting rid of blemishes and scars. You can also apply carrot pulp on your skin to clear the blemishes.

Anti-ageing benefits

Carrots also contain Vitamin C which aids collagen production in the body. Collagen is a type of protein that is vital for the maintenance of skin elasticity. It helps prevent wrinkles and locks the process of ageing. Vitamin A, being an antioxidant, also attacks the free radicals to prevent signs of ageing like wrinkles, pigmentation and an uneven skin tone.

Sun protection

Beta carotene in carrots is a skin-friendly nutrient that is converted to Vitamin A inside the body. It helps in repairing the skin tissues and provides protection against the sun's harsh rays. The antioxidants and carotenoids protect and condition the skin to increase its immunity against the sun and heal sunburns. In fact, consumption of carrot juice in summer acts as a natural sun block.

Suitable for dry skin

Deficiency of potassium can lead to dry skin. Carrots are rich in potassium; hence, drinking carrot juice can prevent this problemas well as keep your skin hydrated.

Treatment of skin ailments

Carrots are effective in the prevention and cure of various skin ailments. The antioxidants in this vegetable can treat skin conditions like pimples and acne, rashes, dermatitis and other skin problems caused due to Vitamin A deficiency. However, keep in mind not to consume carrots in excess as they can cause your skin to temporarily turn yellowish orange in colour.

Healing qualities

Carrots possess great healing qualities. Raw or grated carrots can be applied to wounds, cuts and inflammation for quick healing. Their anti-inflammatory properties help to revitalize and tone the skin.

Treatment of hair loss

Carrots are great for combating hair loss as they provide your hair with vital vitamins, making them stronger, thicker and shinier. Drinking carrot juice for hair makes your hair healthy. This is the best benefit of carrots for hair.

Stimulates hair growth

Consuming 3 to 4 ounces of carrot juice daily stimulates hair growth as well as thickens your hair. Vitamin C and Vitamin E in carrots improve circulation in the scalp, thus promoting hair growth and prevent premature graying of hair.

Antioxidant skin protection

The beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and other carotenoids and antioxidants in carrot juice are an important line of defense for your skin against free radicals from UV light, high energy blue light and enviromental pollutants that damage your skin and break down collagen, leading to wrinkles and other signs of skin aging.

Keeps your teeth clean

Carrots keeps your teeth clean after eating meals. These carrots eliminates the dirt from the teeth and gums. The minerals present in the carrot were used kill the germs present in the mouth and it reduces the damage of teeth. Stains on the teeth can also be controlled by the carrot.

Source: stylecraze, Health and Energy Foods, Unite for Women, Home Made Beauty Tips

Carrot

Introduction

Carrots belong to the Umbelliferae family, named after the umbrella-like flower clusters that plants in this family produce. As such, carrots are related to parsnips, fennel, parsley, anise, caraway, cumin and dill. Carrots can be as small as two inches or as long as three feet, ranging in diameter from one-half of an inch to over two inches. Carrot roots have a crunchy texture and a sweet and minty aromatic taste, while the greens are fresh tasting and slightly bitter. Carrots can actually be found in a host of other colors including white, yellow, red or purple.

Nutritional breakdown

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one medium carrot or 1/2 cup of chopped carrots is considered a serving size. One serving size of carrots provides 25 calories, 6 grams of carbohydrate, 3 grams of sugars and 1 gram protein.

Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, providing 210% of the average adult's needs for the day. They also provide 6%of Vitamin C needs. 2% of calcium needs and 2% of iron needs per serving.

It is the antioxidant beta-carotene that gives carrots their bright orange color. Beta-carotene is absorbed in the intestine and converted into Vitamin A during digestion.

Carrots also contain fiber, Vitamin K, potassium, folate, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, Vitamin E and zinc.

Antioxidant Benefits

All varieties of carrots contain valuable amounts of antioxidant nutrients. Included here are traditional antioxidants like vitamin C, as well as phytonutrient antioxidants like beta-carotene. The list of carrot phytonutrient antioxidants is by no means limited to beta-carotene.

• Carotenoids: alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein
• Hydroxycinnamic acids: caffeic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid
• Anthocyanindins: cyanidins, malvidins

Different varieties of carrots contain differing amountsof these antioxidant phytonutrient. Red and purple carrots, for example, are best known for the rich anthocyanin content. Oranges are particularly outstanding in terms of beta-carotene, which accounts for 65% of their total carotenoid content. In yellow carrots, 50% of the total carotenoids come from lutein.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Antioxidant nutrients in carrots are believed to explain many of the cardioprotective benefits provided by these root vegetables. The many different kinds of carrot antioxidants are most likely to work together and provide us with cardiovascular benefits that we could not obtain from any of these antioxidants alone if they were split apart and consumed individually, in isolation from each other. The synergistic effect of carrot antioxidants is a great example of a whole food and its uniqueness as a source of nourishment.

Cancer

A variety of dietary carotenoids have been shown to have anti-cancer effects due to their antioxidant power in reducing free radicals in the body. One study found that current smokers who did not consume carrots had three times the risk of developing lung cancer compared with those who ate carrots more than once a week. Beta-carotene consumption has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population. Among younger men, diets rich in beta-carotene may play a protective role against prostate cancer.

Vision

According to Duke ophthalmologist Jill Koury, MD, Vitamin A deficiency causes the outer segment of the eye's photoreceptors to deteriorate, damaging normal vision. Correcting Vitamin A deficiencies with foods high in beta-carotene will restore vision.

Macular Degeneration
This is a common eye disease of the elderly that impairs the function of the macula. Research has found that people who ate the most amount of beta-carotene had a forty percent lower risk of macular degeneration compared with those who consumed the least. Beta-carotene can also split itself via an enzymatic reaction to form provitamin A, which is often associated with antioxidant capacity in relation to vision. Therefore, carrots are an all-around vision booster.

Brain Health

Carrot extract has been found to be useful for the management of cognitive dysfunctions and may offer memory improvement and cholesterol-lowering benefits.

Digestion
Carrots, like most vegetables, have significant amounts of dietary fiber in those orange roots, and fiber is one of the most important elements in maintaining good digestive health. Fiber adds bulk to stool, which helps it to pass smoothly through the digestive tract, and it also stimulates peristaltic motion and the secretion of gastric juices. Altogether, this reduces the severity of conditions like constipation, and protects your colon and stomach from various serious illnesses, including colorectal cancer. Fiber also boosts heart health by helping to eliminate excess LDL cholesterol from the walls of arteries and blood vessels.

Diabetes
Carrots are good for blood sugar regulation due to the presence of carotenoids in this delicious vegetable. Carotenoids inversely affect insulin resistance and thus lower blood sugar, thereby helping diabetic patients live a normal, healthy live. They also regulate the amount of insulin and glucose that is being used and metabolized by the body, providing a more even and healthy fluctuation for diabetic patients.

Liver Protection

Carrot extract may help to protect your liver from the toxic effects of environmental chemicals

Immune Booster
Carrots contain a number of antiseptic and antibacterial abilities that make it ideal for boosting the immune system. Not only that, carrots are a rich source of vitamin C, which stimulates the activity of white blood cells and is one of the most important elements in the human immune system.

Oral health
The organic compounds in carrots all by themselves are good for mineral antioxidants, but carrots also stimulate the gums and induce excess saliva. Saliva is an alkaline substance and combats the bacteria and foreign bodies that can often result in cavities, halitosis, and other oral health risks.

Source: the world's healthiest food, MNT, Mercola.com, Organic facts, Carrot museum, PKD Recipes

Watermelon (part 2)

Watermelon is more than just a refreshing fruit to quench your thirst. It is rich in vitamin A, C and antioxidants, vital for skin health. Its high water content hydrates your body, resulting in radiant skin. The various watermelon benefits for skin are given below.

1. Anti-ageing. Free radicals in the body are responsible for causing signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Watermelon is a rich source of antioxidants like lycopene, Vitamin A and C. These help reduce free radicals in the body, thus preventing signs of ageing. Watermelon can be applied on the skin topically and consumed too for getting the best results.
2. Natural toner. The juicy red fruit is a natural astringent that enhances the appearance of our skin by acting as a natural toner. 
3. Cures acne. Watermelon is one of the best natural remedies for acne. If your skin is prone to acne or pimples, simply massage your skin with watermelon juice every day.
   
4. Removes excess oil from the skin. Watermelon is a rich source of vitamin A which is vital to the health and vitality of our skin. It reduces the size of the skin pores and minimizes the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands.
5. Promotes hair growth. Watermelon contains abundant amount of a phytonutrients called citrulline. These help increase the level of arginine in the body. Arginine is an amino acid that improves blood circulation in the scalp, thus promoting hair growth. Moreover, the Viagra effect of watermelon keeps the blood pumping to your scalp. This helps provide with the proteins and minerals that encourage hair growth.

Source: stylecraze, Beauty Health Tips, 3FC, Fruits Benefit for Health

Watermelon

Description

Watermelon has extremely high water content, approximately 92%, giving its flesh a juicy and thirst-quenching texture while still also subtly crunchy. As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the watermelon is related to the cantaloupe, squash, pumpkin, cucumber, and gourd that grow on vines on the ground. Between 600-1,200 different varieties of watermelon exist worldwide, but all of these varieties belong to the same scientific genusand species of plant, called Citrullis lanatus.

Nutritional Breakdown

One cup of diced watermelon (152 grams) contains 43 calories, 0 gram of fat, 2 grams of sodium, 11 grams of carbohydrate (including 9 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber). One cup of watermelon will provide 17% of vitamin A, 21% of vitamin C, 2% of iron and 1% of calcium needs for the day.

Watermelon also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene and betaine. Watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable.

Despite being a great source of the above nutrients, watermelon is made up of 92% water.

Health Benefits

Heart Health

Watermelon's high level of lycopene are very effective at protecting cells from damageand may help lower the risk of heart disease. Also, the fruit's concentrations of citrulline and arginine are good for your heart. Arginine can help improve blood flow and may help reduce the accumulation of excess fat. Watermelon extracts helped reduce hypertension and lower blood pressure in obese adults.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Support

Phenolic compounds in watermelon--including flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids--make this fruit a choice for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits. Watermelon is an unusually concentrated source of this carotenoid. Watermelon gets it reddish-pink shades primarily from lycopene. The lycopene content of watermelons increases along with ripening, so to get the best lycopene benefits from watermelon, make sure that your melon is optimally ripe. The lycopene in watermelon is a well-documented inhibitor of many inflammatory processes, including the production of pro-inflammatory messaging molecules, the expression of enzymes like cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase that can lead to increased inflammatory response, and the activity of molecular signaling agents like nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB). Lycopene is also a well-known antioxidant, with the ability to neutralize free radical molecules.

Cucurbitacin E is another unique anti-inflammatory phytonutrient (called a tripterpenoid) found in watermelon. This anti-inflammatory nutrient has been shownto block activity of cyclo-oxygenase enzymes and neutralize reactive nitrogen-containing molecules.

Citrulline, Arginine, and Nitric Oxide-Related Benefits

One of the more unusual aspects of watermelon is its rich supply of the amino acid, citrulline. Citrulline is an amino acid that is commonly converted by our kidneys and other organ systems (including cells that line our blood vessels) into arginine (another amino acid). When our body absorbs citrulline, one of the steps it can take is conversion of citrulline into arginine.

An enzyme called nitric oxide synthase--found in many of our body's cell types--is able to take the amino acid arginine and use it to help produce a very small molecule of gas called nitric oxide (NO), which is a muscle relaxant. For example, when NO tells the smooth muscle around our blood vessels to relax, the space inside our blood vessels can expand, allowing blood to flow more freely and creating a drop in blood pressure.

Kidney Disorders

Watermelons contain a lot of potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning or washing out the toxic depositions in the kidneys. It is helpful in reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of kidney damage and the formation of renal calculi in that organ. Being high in water content, it induces frequent urinating, which is again helpful for cleaning of the kidneys. The anti oxidants present in watermelon ensure good health of the kidneys for a long time, and reduce signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots on the skin.

Diabetes

Diabetic patients, who are supposed to have a low energy and low sugar diet, often complain about starving since they don't get to eat their staple diets, which gives them the feeling of being half fed. Watermelons can be a good supplement for them. In spite of being sweet in taste, a thick wedge will give you very few calories, since ninety nine percent of its total weight is composed of water and roughage. The various vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium help in proper fuctioning of insulin in the body, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Arginine, another component found in watermelons, is very effective at enhancing the impact of insulin on blood sugar. 

Cancer Prevention

Watermelons may be helpful in reducing the risk of cancer through their antioxidant properties. Lycopene in particular has been linked to reducing prostate cancer cell proliferation.

Macular Degeneration

Don't worry about eye health and macular degeneration if you eat plenty of watermelon, because between the beta carotene, vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin, your eyes are well protected. They will ensure protection of your eyes from age-related blindness and degeneration, and these antioxidants will protect your eyes from other age-related ailments such as drying up of eyes and optical nerves, as well as glaucoma.

Source: The World's Healthiest Foods, MNT, Health, livescience, abcNews, Organic Facts,sarahohm.com,Visit Muscatine, what about watermelon

Broccoli (part 2)

Like other green veggies, broccoli can do wonders for your skin because of the presence of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Thus, it is beneficial to our skin in many ways.

Maintain Skin Health

Broccoli is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, thus keeping your skin healthy whereas vitamin A protects your skin cell membranes and prevents ultraviolet radiation damage.

Promotes Skin Regeneration and Repair

Broccoli contains a substance called glucoraphanin which gets converted into sulforaphane resulting in healthy skin and repairing of skin damage. Thus, eating broccoli renews your skin more quickly and gives your complexion a beautiful natural glow.

Anti-Ageing Benefits

As you know, vitamin C has antioxidant properties that fight the free radicals, thus preventing them from causing damage to the skin. Free radicals are responsible for causing skin problems and accelerating skin ageing. By eliminating free radicals, vitamin C prevents skin ageing, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. Eating broccoli is beneficial in this regard. Besides, it contains beta carotene, vitamin E and vitamin B complex that impart natural glow and keep your skin young.

Best Sunscreen

This cruciferous veggie is more effective than sunscreen in protecting your skin from UV radiation. This is due to the fact that sunscreen absorbs UV radiationand prevents it from penetrating the skin whereas broccoli extract when applied topically gets directly absorbed into the cells of the skin by producing a matrix of protective enzymes that defend against damage from UV exposure. This can be attributed to the presence of a chemical substance called sulforaphane which reduces skin redness and inflammation caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Thus, it is far better than conventional sunscreens.

Repairs Skin Damage
Broccoli repairs the skin from the damages with its glucoraphanin content, glucoraphanin acts well to clean the toxins and makes the skin better.

Improves Skin Immune System

Vitamin C, beta-carotene and other vitamins and minerals such as selenium, copper, zins, and phosphorus presents in dark green vegetables like broccoli can greatly improve your skin immune system, thus protecting you from various skin infections. Vitamin A and K, omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids and folate, on the other hand, add glamour and shine to your skin.

Promotes Hair Growth

Broccoli contains vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium which promote hair growth. Vitamins A and C stimulate the production of sebum, an oil based secretion that acts as a natural moisturizer and conditioner for scalp and hair whereas calcium strengthens the hair follicles.

Strengthens the hair Follicles

Broccoli seed oil extracted from the seed of broccoli is particularly beneficial for hair and skin. This natural oil is packed with hair-nourishing vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin B6 that make your hair strong and silky smooth, while eliminating hair frizz.

Combats Hair Loss

The antioxidants in broccoli seed oil, particularly vitamin C prevent hair loss by eliminating the free radicals, thus contributing to healthier and thicker hair. B vitamins such as vitamin B6 help in reducing stress, a factor that can contribute to hair loss. These vitamins support mental and physical health which in turn  supports a healthy hair system. In addition to these, broccoli contains a powerful substance that can inhibit dihydrotesterone or DHT which is closely related to hair loss and thinning.

Imparts Lusten and Sheen

Broccoli seed oil contains a unique fatty acid composition that is similar to silicone found in shampoos which is responsible for imparting shine to your hair. Also known as erucic acid, this omega-9 fatty acid gives your hair a smooth natural sheen without leaving residue of harmful detergents or chemicals in your hair follicles.

Source: stylecraze, Joy Bauer, Beauty Health Tips, Health & Beauty

Broccoli

Introduction

Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family, and closely related to cauliflower. Its cultivation originated in Italy. Broccolo, its Italian name, means 'cabbage sprout'. Broccoli's name is derived from the Latin word brachium, which means branch or arm, a reflection of its tree-like shape that features a compact head of florets attached by small stems to a larger stalk.

Broccoli's nutritional profile is impressive. It contains high level of fiber (both soluble and insoluble) and is a rich source of vitamin C. In fact, just a 100 gram serving of broccoli will provide you with more than 150% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which in large doses can potentially shorten the duration of the common cold.
Broccoli is also rich in vitamin A, iron, vitamin K, B-complex vitamins, zinc, phosphorus, and phyto-nutrients. Phtonutrients are compounds which lower the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

Broccoli Nutrients

• Vitamin K - essential for the functioning of many proteins involved in blood clotting.
• Vitamin A - helps vision and is required for the immune system and production of red blood cells.
• Vitamin C - builds collagen, which forms body tissue and bone, and helps cuts and wounds heal. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and protects the body from damaging free radicals.
• Fiber - diets high in fiber promote digestive health. A high fiber intake can also help lower cholesterol.
• Potassium - a mineral and electrolyte that is essential for the function of nerves and heart contraction.
• Folate - is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells in the body.
• Lutein - may slow progression of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Cancer Prevention

Broccoli contains glucoraphanin, which the body processes into the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane. This compound rids the body of H. pylori, a bacterium found to highly increase the risk of gastric cancer. Furthermore, broccoli contains indole-3-carbinol, a powerful antioxidant compound and anti-carcinogen found to not only hinder the growth of breast, cervical and prostate cancer, but also boosts liver function.

Cholesterol Reduction

Broccoli can help lower cholesterol because the soluble fiber in the vegetable binds with the cholesterol in the blood. This binding makes the cholesterol easier to excrete, and consequently lessens cholesterol levels in the body.

Reducing Allergy Reaction and Inflammation

Broccoli is a particularly rich source of kaempferol and isothiocyanates, both anti-inflammatory phyto nutrients. Research has shown the ability of kaempferol to lessen the impact of allergy-related substances on our body. Broccoli even has significant amountsof omega 3 fatty acids, which are well known as an anti-inflammatory.

Powerful Antioxidant

Of all the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli stands out as the most concentrated source of vitamin C, plus the flavonoids necessary for vitamin C to recycle effectively. Also concentrated in broccoli are the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, other powerful antioxidants.

Bone Health

Broccoli contains high level of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. Sulfur-rich broccoli compound sulforaphane, blocks a key destructive enzyme that damages cartilage.

Heart Health

The anti-inflammatory properties of sulforaphane, one of the isothiocyanates (ITCs) in broccoli, may be able to prevent (or even reverse) some of the damage to blood vessel linings that can be caused by inflammation due to chronic blood sugar problems.

Blood Pressure and Kidney Health
Sulforaphane in broccoli may also significantly improve your blood pressure and kidney function,

Digestion
Broccoli has nearly 1 gram of fiber per 10 calories. Fiber helps keep you regular and helps maintain healthy bacterialevels in the intestines. Broccoli also aids in digestion by helping to keep your stomach lining healthy. The sulforaphane in broccoli helps keep the stomach bacteria Helicobacter pylori from becoming overgrown or clinging too strongly to the stomach wall

Maintain a Healthier Nervous System
This can be attributed to its high potassium content. This works not only in maintaining a healthier nervous system but also in allowing the human brain to function optimally. It also works in promoting the reguler growth of muscles.

Anti-Aging and Immune System Health
Sulforaphane also seems to stimulate a variety of antioxidant defense pathways in your body that can directly reduce oxidative stress and slow down the decline in your immune system that happens with age. In theory, this means that eating vegetables that contain sulforaphane, such as broccoli, could quit literally slow down the hands of time.

Eye Health
You've probably heard that carrots are good for your eyes, and that's because they contain lutein. It's a compound antioxidant that's really good for eye health, and broccoli is also a great way to get it. Another antioxidant in broccoli called zeaxanthin is similarly beneficial. Both chemicals may help protect against macular degeneration, an incurable condition that blurs central vision, and cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens.

Detoxification

Glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin are special phytonutrients that support all steps in the body's detoc process, including activation, neutralization and elimination of unwanted contaminants. These three are in the perfect combination in broccoli. Broccoli also contains isothiocyanates which help control the detox process at a genetic level.

Diet Aid
Broccoli is a smart carb and is high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating. Furthermore, a cup of broccoli has as much protein as a cup of rice or corn with half the calories.

Source: The World's Healthiest Foods, MNT, care2, The Times of India, Mercola.com, live science, Natural News, Healthy Eating, Nutra Ingredient.com, Piphopper, add a pinch