Why Your Body Needs Broccoli: A Naturopathic Breakdown

Vegetables are good sources of essential minerals that you need to maintain good health. Despite being wonderful sources of health benefits, some people prefer not to eat vegetables! A good example is broccoli (Brassica oleracea), a vegetable that may be a staple in one family’s dinner menu, but totally excluded in another due to taste or texture preferences. The good news is that broccoli, because of its abilities in nurturing your optimal health, can now be enjoyed as supplements (perfect for those who do not like how actual broccoli tastes)! This blog post takes a look at the wonders of broccoli for your health, especially towards regulating inflammation and fighting oxidative stress.

Historical Roots

Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family, along with cauliflower, and is visually distinct due to its small flower heads and longer stems.2 This nutritious powerhouse has been a food staple for over 8000 years! Interestingly, people have been eating broccoli a lot in the past decade after becoming aware of its richness in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, while being low on calories.

The Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals, and active compounds that work in the vast majority of processes that nurture optimal functioning and offer protection from damage against different causes of disease.  

• Anti-inflammation. Acute inflammation is your body’s natural way of protecting itself against harmful environmental and intrinsic factors. However, persistent inflammation due to dysregulation can trigger the development of certain diseases, which is why preventing this type of inflammatory response is important. Broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, which is a powerful compound that can help prevent this type of inflammation.1 Sulforaphane also contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by dysregulated inflammation.1
• Anti-oxidative effects. Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, which is one of the most potent antioxidants that protects your body against damage by hunting free-radicals and synergistically promoting the production of other antioxidants in the body.1 Aside from other antioxidants found in the plant, broccoli is abundant in beta-carotene and lutein, which protects your eyes and skin from damage!1
• Anti-cancer. Broccoli, along with cabbage and cauliflower, contains a powerful compound named indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which can help prevent the growth and development of cancerous tumors. Its anti-cancer properties are caused by its abilities to promote the death of mutated cells and prevent the development of blood vessels that provide nutrients for cancer cells.1 Additionally, I3C helps promote the metabolism of estrogen, preventing the development of estrogen dominance and its consequences in the body.
• Anti-bacterial. Broccoli contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants which also exert antimicrobial effects that can help protect your body against infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi.1 Interestingly, sulforaphane found in broccoli is powerful against Helicobacter pylori, which is a common causative agent of stomach infections and ulcers.1 On the other hand, I3C in broccoli can help fight off Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are microorganisms that may cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps!1 But wait, there’s more! Broccoli has powerful abilities to fight off the growth of antibiotic-resistant strains!1 This means that eating broccoli or taking broccoli supplements as a form of supportive management when taking antibiotics can also help prevent antibiotic resistance!1​ ​

Cell & Liver Health

Easier Absorption

Focus & Brain Health

Food Vs Supplements

While broccoli supplements exist to help cater to different preferences in the market today, nothing can ever beat eating the whole vegetable itself! This is because broccoli vegetable is also rich in fiber, which can help remove toxins in the gut and excrete them outside the body. Because the fiber in broccoli helps add bulk to your stool, it consequently prevents constipation and promotes regular bowel movement, thereby nurturing your intestinal health. Additionally, all plants contain multiple phytochemicals (naturally-occurring plant compounds), minerals, and vitamins that work together to increase absorption and activation of each other and your body’s processing of the nutrients. Eating the whole vegetable means you benefit from the cooperative action of all of these amazing compounds. For example, did you know that broccoli is a great source of calcium? So, while your primary focus may be reducing cell damage, eating the whole vegetable also means you are supporting healthy bones and teeth as a bonus! From a vegetable-loving perspective, eating whole broccoli adds flavor and texture to your meals, and at the same time encourages you to explore different dishes that make broccoli the start of the meal!

The Naturopathic Approach

Broccoli is a perfect example of how nature is equipped with wonderful resources that help nurture our body’s optimal health. Its amazing health properties, whether enjoyed through whole vegetables or supplements, is best guided by a naturopathic doctor, whose expertise in what nature has to offer can help you determine the best natural solutions for your unique case and preference. At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine advisors will empower you through this journey of recovery and healing. Talk to us today!

BECOME A CLIENT

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. 

​Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.

REFERENCES: 

1. Syed RU, Moni SS, Break MKB, et al. Broccoli: A Multi-Faceted Vegetable for Health: An In-Depth Review of Its Nutritional Attributes, Antimicrobial Abilities, and Anti-inflammatory Properties. Antibiotics (Basel). 2023;12(7):1157. Published 2023 Jul 7. doi:10.3390/antibiotics12071157
2. Sim HW, Lee WY, Lee R, et al. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) Sprout Extract in RAW 264.7 Macrophages and a Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Liver Injury Model. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023;45(11):9117-9131. Published 2023 Nov 14. doi:10.3390/cimb45110572​

Author

Kate Nemenzo's passion for holistic health has led her to become a registered nurse who promotes optimal care throughout her patient’s therapeutic journey. When not writing, she spends her time crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing the guitar!