Broccoli is a vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous family, like cabbage, cauliflower , Brussels sprouts and others. They are all popular for their rich content of important nutrients and low calorie content .
The amount of one cup of raw chopped broccoli , which is approximately 90 g, contains 31 calories, 0 g of fat, 6 g of carbohydrates, including 2 g of sugar and 2 g of fiber, and 3 g of protein .
The same amount provides over 100% of the daily need for vitamins C and K. It is also a good source of vitamin A , folic acid and potassium.
Broccoli ranks among the top 20 foods that contain the highest amount of vitamins , minerals and phytonutrients in terms of calorie content .
Consumption of large amounts of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of developing cancer , in particular, of the lung and colon . According to some studies, the sulforaphane contained in these vegetables also has anti-cancer properties.
Researchers have found that sulforaphane can inhibit the enzyme histone deacetylase, which is known to be involved in the progression of cancer cells. The compound has been studied by scientists because of its ability to slow the development of cancer cells in melanoma , esophageal cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer. These potential benefits of sulforaphane have been observed by researchers in various studies.
Another important vitamin found in broccoli is folic acid . It has been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women. Adequate folic acid intake can also help prevent cancer of the colon, stomach, pancreas and cervical cancer, experts say.