हिंदी ब्लॉग 
When you hear the word broccoli, do you pull a disgusted face? If your answer is yes, then think again because broccoli is one of the most healthy and nutritious vegetables. It is known as the crown jewel of nutrition. The healthy green color of broccoli reflects may not its richness in Vitamin C. However, broccoli is power-packed with Vitamin C. It also has healthy dietary fiber, which is good for our body. Generally, the floral part of broccoli is used as a food item. People prefer to eat broccoli in boiled or steamed form. Although many of them also like to eat it raw.
Apart from Vitamin C, broccoli is a good source of vitamin k and vitamin A. It also has a good amount of calcium Phosphorus and zinc. These nutrients are necessary to keep our bones strong. Broccoli is suggested as a natural source of calcium for people who have osteoporosis.
Ladies should note it down that broccoli is a good solution to a lot of skin problems. It has anti-aging properties due to high amounts of Vitamin C. Broccoli also prevents UV damage to the skin. It promotes the production of collagen fiber and keeps the skin healthy. Broccoli has Anti-diabetic properties. It helps in controlling the blood sugar levels and increases the secretion of insulin enzyme. Broccoli has low calories and high nutrient content. Hence it is important foodstuff if you want to follow a weight loss diet.
Broccoli is available in wide varieties. One is Calabrese Broccoli. It is the normal Broccoli you find in the market. The second variety is purple Broccoli. The third type is sprouting Broccoli. The last two types are not so common.
How did the ‘Broccoli’ word originate?
The scientific name of broccoli is Brassica oleracea variety Italica. The word broccoli is originated from the Italian word broccolo meaning cabbage sprout or head. In the Latin language, brocco also means shoot or projection. Thus, emerged the name broccoli. The names also know it as Sprouting Broccoli, Calabrese.
Benefits of using Broccoli in treatment
Broccoli can prevent, manage, and reduce various types of cancer.
Broccoli contains a rich amount of isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanate is a very important compound for patients with urinary bladder cancer. Isothiocyanate has chemoprotective properties. It inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells in the body.
Besides, broccoli also helps in reducing vulnerability to breast cancer. It also has rich amounts of bioactive compounds. These compounds are responsible for the inhibition of the growth of breast cancer cells.
Colorectal cancer can also be brought under control with a diet, including broccoli. Broccoli contains many bioactive compounds that are anti-carcinogenic.
Broccoli is also useful in the management of prostate cancer. Again it is due to the bioactive compound called isothiocyanate, which is chemoprotective. These compounds prevent the formation of cancer cells and their spread in the body. It also prevents prostate inflammation.
Broccoli also contains a compound named sulforaphane, which helps in preventing the formation of tumor cells. As a result, broccoli is also used to manage stomach cancer.
Treating diseases/health problems using Broccoli.
Broccoli can be digested easily of all the vegetables from the cabbage family. It contains pantothenic acid in rich amounts. It also has vitamin A. Due to this, broccoli can brighten the eyes. It is also used to manage inflammation and nearsightedness. Broccoli has more vitamin C than any citrus fruit. Also, it is a rich source of sulfur iron, and Vitamin B. Broccoli is good for Pitta and Kapha. It can also moderate Vata. It is especially recommended to have broccoli in summer or hot days. It prevents the skin from drying and also helps to counteract gas formation.
Because of nutrients and high fiber, broccoli can keep the stomach full for a large amount of time. Broccoli contains a minimal amount of calories.
We will be dealing with Broccoli's uses in treatment methods of a disease called Fibromyalgia from scientific and Ayurvedic point of view.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a skeletal disorder. It causes a tremendous amount of musculoskeletal pain. This pain is accompanied by fatigue, sleepy feeling, mood swings, and memory problems. Fibromyalgia increases the intensity of pain inflicted upon the patient by tempering with the painful and non-painful signals passing between the brain and spinal cord.
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Science |
Ayurveda |
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Broccoli can be used in treating fibromyalgia. A compound called ascorbate is present in broccoli. It lessens the effect of Fibromyalgia. |
Muscle pain and stiffness in the body are The common symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia aggravates Vatadosha. Accumulation of toxic remains in the body due to Ama's improper digestion increases in the body of a person who has Fibromyalgia. Including Broccoli in your diet is a good option to manage fibromyalgia. Broccoli has huge amounts of Vata balancing property. It also a Deepan or appetizer. Thus it reduces Ama and increases Pachan or digestion. |
Forms of Broccoli in Ayurveda with Recommended Dosage:
There are various ways through which you can ingest Broccoli. If you have not consulted with your doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner, then it is best to do so. Also, there are some popular methods to use Broccoli. They are as mentioned below. Information is also given about the dosage amount for each form of Broccoli. You can then follow these dosage recommendations for effective results.
- Broccoli Tablet – 1 to 2 tablets of Broccoli two times a day.
- Broccoli Capsule - 1 to 2 capsules of Broccoli two times a day.
Given below are the procedures to make dishes of Broccoli:
1. Fresh Broccoli salad
a. First, wash the Broccoli, then dice it. Do not cut and wash as it removes nutrients.
b. You can eat it raw, or you can cook it by steaming and roasting.
c. Salt can be added for taste.
2. Broccoli Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Broccoli.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day after meals.
3. Broccoli Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Broccoli.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day after meals.
4. Roasted Broccoli
- First, wash the Broccoli, then dice it. Do not cut and wash as it removes nutrients.
- Take some olive oil in a pan and let it heat.
- Add the Broccoli to it.
- Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
- You can add salt or seasoning according to your choice.
5. Broccoli Juice
- Wash 1 to 2 Broccolis properly. Use both the heads and stalks to get maximum nutrition out of them.
- Please put them in a juicer to make Broccoli juice. Sugar, Salt, and Honey are optional.
- You can also add some other vegetables. A few slices of cucumber and carrot juice adds to the nutrition.
Side effects of Broccoli
Despite it being one of the most healthy and wholesome food, Broccoli can cause allergy to a few people. If you are allergic to Broccoli, you should not have it. If you eat it accidentally, see a doctor immediately.
Precautionary guide while using Broccoli
If you are pregnant or if you are a nursing mother, it is best to consult your doctor or medical practitioner before taking Broccoli tablets or capsules.
Also, raw Broccoli contains some chemicals called Goitrogens. Goitrogens can block thyroid function. These chemicals are inactivated on boiling or roasting. Consult your doctor while taking Broccoli if you have thyroid issues.
FAQ’s about Broccoli
Q. Can you eat Broccoli for breakfast?
Broccoli is a versatile vegetable. You can add it to your diet in various ways. You can have it with salad, with eggs, soup, etc. Half cooked Broccoli is the best way to cook it in order to retain its nutrients.
Q. What is the calorie content in Broccoli salad?
1 cup of Broccoli contains approximately 70-80 calories. Hence, it is best to consume Broccoli if you are on dieting or for their health benefits.
Q. How to clean a Broccoli?
Hold Broccoli under running water to wash it. Do not soak it in water for long hours. It might result in the loss of its nutrients.
Q. How to know when a Broccoli is spoilt?
An intense smell is the main characteristic of spoiled Broccoli, and it can be identified. Also, Broccoli turns yellow on spoiling.
Q. Can Broccoli lose its properties while cooking?
Broccoli can lose its antioxidant properties while cooking. Cooking may alter its properties by destroying the antioxidant properties. It is thus recommended to eat Broccoli in a salad or as half-cooked.
Q. Is green Broccoli better than purple Broccoli?
Research shows that both green and purple Broccoli have almost the same nutrient profiles. But while cooking, the purple Broccoli may easily lose its flavonoid content as compared to the green. Thus it is best to consume half-cooked Broccoli for maximum benefits.
Q. How good is Broccoli for you?
Broccoli is known as the crown jewel of nutrition. It power-packed with Vitamin C. It also has healthy dietary fiber, which is good for our body. Apart from Vitamin C, broccoli is a good source of vitamin k and vitamin A. It also has a good amount of calcium Phosphorus and zinc. Broccoli is a good solution to a lot of skin problems.
Q. Is Broccoli a good solution for thyroid?
Yes, Broccoli contains glucosinolates. These chemical compounds have an anti-thyroid effect. Also, raw Broccoli contains some chemicals called Goitrogens. Goitrogens can block thyroid function. These chemicals are inactivated on boiling or roasting. . Consult your doctor while taking Broccoli if you have thyroid issues.
Q. Is Broccoli good for weight loss?
Broccoli has low calories and high nutrient content. Hence it is important foodstuff if you want to follow a weight loss diet.
Q. Is Broccoli good for people with diabetes?
Broccoli has Anti-diabetic properties. It helps in controlling the blood sugar levels and increases the secretion of insulin enzyme. This is due to the presence of a bioactive compound called sulforaphane, which increases antioxidant activity.
Q. Are there any benefits of Broccoli for the skin?
That broccoli is a good solution to a lot of skin problems. It has anti-aging properties due to high amounts of Vitamin C. Broccoli also prevents UV damage to the skin. It promotes the production of collagen fiber and keeps the skin healthy.
Q. What is the protein content of Broccoli?
Broccoli has about 2.82g of protein in 100g, making it a rich source of protein.
Q. What is the carb content of Broccoli?
Broccoli has about 6.64g of protein in 100g, making it a low source of carb.
Q. Is Broccoli gastro-protective?
Yes, Broccoli is gastro-protective. It is due to the presence of Isothiocyanates, which are antimicrobial against H. pylori. It makes Broccoli useful in controlling gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer.
Q. Is Broccoli good for kidneys?
Yes, Broccoli contains antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin A and vitamin C. These compounds protect the kidneys against oxidation damage caused by free radicals.
Q. How is Broccoli juice beneficial?
Broccoli juice is a potent source of vitamin E and vitamin C. These vitamins are known to boost the immune system. Broccoli juice is anti-carcinogenic and helps to prevent the growth of cancer cells. Broccoli juice has low calories and high nutrient content. This makes it beneficial for a weight loss diet. Apart from these benefits, Broccoli juice has antioxidants that protect the skin against damage by UV and free radicals. Regular drinking of Broccoli juice is a good source of calcium, which keeps the bones healthy. Broccoli juice is a good energy booster.
Q. Does Broccoli help support brain function?
Studies have found out that Broccoli may help to maintain normal brain activity. Broccoli in a regular diet enhances memory capacity, increases blood flow to the brain, and helps in increasing cognitive capacity. In short, it improves brain function. Broccoli's antioxidant compounds have properties that protect the brain cells from damage by free radicals and help prevent memory loss and dementia.
Q. What are the benefits of Broccoli for hair?
Broccoli is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin E, and calcium. All of these helps to promote the growth rate of hair. It also helps to impart strength to hair. Broccoli also contains folic acid. It helps to keep the scalp healthy. It also makes hair shiny.
