According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, a superfood is defined as “a food that is rich in compounds considered beneficial to a person’s health.” A list of superfoods typically includes foods like berries, green tea, leafy greens, turmeric, etc. It happens, but it is rare to see broccoli on the list. I have found it on some lists during internet searches.
Broccoli has twice the vitamin C of an orange and almost as much calcium as whole milk. It is known for its anti-cancer properties. It is known to reduce high blood pressure, heart and kidney diseases and diabetes and it supports healthy liver function.
In an NPR article, it was noted that broccoli sprouts may help to expel air pollutants like benzene from the body. Benzene is a cancer-causing substance widely used in the United States. It is found in plastics, gas station fumes, glues, paints, detergents, etc.
Broccoli is also high in Sulforaphane. This is the compound that gives broccoli it’s anti-cancer property. Three-day old sprouts can contain 20 to 50 times more sulforaphane than mature broccoli.
Sprouts are the edible germinated seeds of beans, legumes, nuts, and vegetables. Most grocery stores carry broccoli and broccoli sprouts.
According to medicalnewstoday.com, the long and short of it is that broccoli is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating broccoli has the following additional benefits:
Improves bone health
Boosts immune health
Improves skin health
Reduces inflammation
Protects cardiovascular health
Look to buy broccoli that is crisp, not limp, and green. It is considered by the Environmental Working Group as a clean vegetable. This means that it is not necessary to purchase organic broccoli.
In closing, unless you have an allergy to broccoli, make it part of your overall nutritionally balanced diet. Broccoli can be steamed (my favorite), boiled, roasted, or eaten raw. Yes, broccoli is a superfood!
Teresa