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Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Scientific View By
Nancy Dixit
M.Pharm, B.Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information
Read our editorial policy

Broccoli

Broccoli is a green winter vegetable packed with nutrients such as vitamin C and dietary fiber. It is also known as the “Crown Jewel of Nutrition” and its floral part is used as a food item. Broccoli is often eaten boiled or steamed or can be taken raw as well.
Broccoli is a good source of vitamins (K, A and C), calcium, phosphorus and zinc that are all involved in maintaining strong, healthy bones. It is also beneficial for skin problems as it protects the skin against UV damage and the high content of vitamin C (having anti-ageing property) promotes collagen production and improves overall skin health. Broccoli also helps manage blood sugar levels due to its anti-diabetic activity by increasing insulin secretion. Broccoli juice is rich in nutrients and low in calories which makes it beneficial for weight loss as well as improving overall health[2][19][21][22].

What are the synonyms of Broccoli?

Brassica oleracea variety italica, Sprouting Broccoli, Calabrese[1]

What is the source of Broccoli?

Plant Based

Benefits of Broccoli

What are the benefits of Broccoli for Urinary bladder cancer?

Modern Science View
Broccoli may be useful in managing urinary bladder cancer. It is a rich source of chemical compounds called isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates have chemoprotective property and inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells[6][7].

What are the benefits of Broccoli for Breast cancer?

Modern Science View
Broccoli may be useful in reducing the risk of breast cancer due to the presence of certain bioactive compounds. It inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells[8][9].

What are the benefits of Broccoli for Cancer of colon and rectum?

Modern Science View
Broccoli may be useful in managing colorectal cancer. It contains certain bioactive compounds that have anti-carcinogenic property[10][11].

What are the benefits of Broccoli for Prostate cancer?

Modern Science View
Broccoli may be useful in managing prostate cancer. Certain bioactive compounds present in Broccoli have chemoprotective effect. They prevent prostate inflammation and formation of cancer cells[12][13].

What are the benefits of Broccoli for Stomach cancer?

Modern Science View
Broccoli may be useful in managing stomach cancer. It contains sulforaphane which has tumor-preventive effect[14][15].

What are the benefits of Broccoli for Fibromyalgia?

Modern Science View
Broccoli may be useful in managing fibromyalgia. It contains a compound called ascorbigen. It reduces the symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia such as muscle pain and stiffness[16].
Ayurvedic View
The common symptoms of Fibromyalgia are muscle pain and stiffness in the body. This is due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). Including Broccoli in your diet is a good option to manage fibromyalgia. This is because of its Vata balancing property. It also reduces Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) nature.
Tips:
a. Wash and chop some fresh Broccoli.
b. Roast, bake or steam it and have it in lunch and dinner.

How effective is Broccoli?

Insufficient evidence
Breast cancer, Cancer of colon and rectum, Fibromyalgia, Prostate cancer, Stomach cancer, Urinary bladder cancer

Precautions when using Broccoli

Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor while taking Broccoli during Breastfeeding[4].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor while taking Broccoli during Pregnancy[4].
Side Effects
Modern Science View
Allergic rashes[4]

Recommended Dosage of Broccoli

  • Broccoli Capsule - 1-2 capsules of Broccoli twice a day.
  • Broccoli Tablet - 1-2 tablets of Broccoli twice a day.

How to use Broccoli

1. Fresh Broccoli salad
a. Wash and chop the fresh Broccoli.
b. Eat it raw or roast as per your requirement and liking.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
You can include Broccoli in your diet in various ways such as salad, with eggs, soup etc. The best way to eat Broccoli is half cooked to retain its nutrients.
Modern Science View
Broccoli is best when eaten raw but to enhance its taste and flavour you can saute it in few drops of olive oil or half boil in water. There are various ways to make it partially cooked such as steamed, boiling, roasting, saute etc.
Modern Science View
1. Put washed and cleaned whole Broccoli on the pan.
2. Drizzle olive oil on the top of the Broccoli.
3. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add salt and seasoning according to your liking.
Modern Science View
Broccoli salad contains an approximate of 70-80 calories if 1 cup of Broccoli is used. On the other hand, Cauliflower contains an average of 80-100 calories. It is best to consume if you are on dieting for their health benefits.
Modern Science View
Broccoli can be washed in running water. It is advised not to soak it in water for long as it might result in loss of nutrients.
Modern Science View
A spoil Broccoli can be identified with a characteristic intense smell. Also if its bad then the green color will change to yellow.

References

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    Ved DK, Sureshchandra ST, Barve V, et al.Plant details for a Brassica oleracea L.FRLHT's ENVIS Centre on Medicinal Plants.2018.
  2. 2
    Sithara S, Mostafa IW, Mohammad SR, et al.Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) Reduces Oxidative Damage to Pancreatic Tissue and Combats Hyperglycaemia in Diabetic Rats.Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2017;22(4):277–284.
  3. 3
    Joon HH, Sang BL. Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Broccoli By-Products from Different Cultivars and Maturity Stages at Harvest.Prev Nutr Food Sci.2015;20(1):8–14.
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    WebMD.Broccoli: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
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    Tang L, Zirpoli GR, Guru K et al.Intake of cruciferous vegetables modifies bladder cancer survival.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev.2010;19(7):OF1-OF6.
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    Li Y, Zhang T, Korkaya H et al.Sulforaphane, a dietary component of broccoli/broccoli sprouts, inhibits breast cancer stem cells.Clin Cancer Res;16(9):OF1–OF11.
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    Rose P, Huang Q, Ong CN et al.Broccoli and watercress suppress matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and invasiveness of human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.Toxicol Appl Pharmacol.2005;2(1):105-113.
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    Traka M, Gasper A V., Melchini A et al.Broccoli consumption interacts with GSTM1 to perturb oncogenic signalling pathways in the prostate.PLoS One.2008;3(7):e2568.
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    Veeranki OL, Bhattacharya A, Marshall JR et al.Organ-specific exposure and response to sulforaphane, a key chemopreventive ingredient in broccoli:implications for cancer prevention.Br J Nutr.2013;109(1):10.
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    ahey JW, Haristoy X, Dolan PM, et al.Sulforaphane inhibits extracellular, intracellular, and antibiotic-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori and prevents benzo[a]pyrene-induced stomach tumors.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.2002;99(11):7610-7615.
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    Paśko P, Krośniak M, Prochownik E et al.Effect of broccoli sprouts on thyroid function, haematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters in rats with thyroid imbalance.Biomed Pharmacother.2018;97:82-90.
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    Felker P, Bunch R, Leung, AM.Concentrations of thiocyanate and goitrin in human plasma, their precursor concentrations in brassica vegetables, and associated potential risk for hypothyroidism.Nutr. Rev.2016;74(4):248-258.
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    Bahadoran Z, Mirmiran P, Azizi F.Potential efficacy of broccoli sprouts as a unique supplement for management of type 2 diabetes and its complications.J Med Food.2013;16(5).
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    Bahadoran Z, Tohidi M, Nazeri P et al.Effect of broccoli sprouts on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients:a randomized double-blind clinical trial.Int J Food Sci Nutr.2012;63(7):767-771.
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    Dinkova-Kostova AT, Fahey JW, Benedict AL et al.Dietary glucoraphanin-rich broccoli sprout extracts protect against UV radiation-induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 hairless mice.Photochem Photobiol Sci.2010;9:597-600.
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    Kune GA, Bannerman S, Field B et al.Diet, alcohol, smoking, serum beta-carotene, and vitamin A in male nonmelanocytic skin cancer patients and controls.Nutr Cancer.1992;18(3):237-244.
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    USDA.Basic Report: 11090, Broccoli, raw.2018.United States.
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    Yanaka A, Fahey JW, Fukumoto A et al.Dietary sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprouts reduce colonization and attenuate gastritis in Helicobacter pylori-infected mice and humans.Cancer Prev Res.2009;2(4):353-360.
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    Owis AI.Broccoli; the green beauty:a review.J Pharm Sci Res.2015;7(9):696-703.
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    El Hendy HAR, Al-Gemeai HARO.Effect of broccoli intake on antioxidant in the liver and kidney tissues of hyperglycemic rats.Integr Food Nutr Metab.2014;1(1):83-86.
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    Jae-Joon L, Hyoung-Duck S, Yu-Mi L et al. Effect of broccoli sprouts on cholesterol-lowering and anti-obesity effects in rats fed high fat.J Korean Soc Food Sci Nutr.2009;38(3):309-318.
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Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.