What Does Broccoli Do to Your Heart and Prostate Health

Ask anyone to create a list of the healthiest vegetables, and chances are, broccoli is one of the first to come to mind. Its reputation as a nutritional powerhouse is not a coincidence. Modern research has consistently shown a link between broccoli consumption and improved heart and prostate health.

- Many studies have shown that sulforaphane, a naturally occurring sulfur-containing compound found in broccoli, is able to reduce inflammation and lowers the risk of atherosclerosis.

- Broccoli contains potassium, which is known to support cardiovascular health through its management of blood pressure, and vitamin K, which regulates blood clotting and circulation.

- Various studies have linked a broccoli-rich diet to a lowered risk of developing prostate cancer.

Whether you are consuming whole broccoli, broccoli extract, or a juice, you will be benefitting from the many vital components that make broccoli an important superfood.

 

Nutritional Overview

Thanks to its numerous health benefits and incredible nutrient density, broccoli is often considered a nutritional powerhouse. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and A, and contains several important minerals, such as potassium, calcium, and iron. Among other medicinal properties, these vitamins and minerals all work in concert to achieve anti-inflammation, which can contribute to heart health. It also contains many antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, β-carotene, and various flavovoids. Vegetables that are rich in antioxidants help to protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals, and in turn reduce the risk of chronic disease. For example, antioxidants in broccoli may help to prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Additionally, broccoli contains many bioactive compounds, such as sulforaphane, which have also been known to decrease inflammation due to their influence on certain immune cells. The table below provides an easy way to characterize  all the nutritional benefits of broccoli.

 

 

Characteristics	Properties
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals	Vitamins such as C, K, and A, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron help to protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation/
Antioxidant Properties	Broccoli contains an abundance of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, β-carotene, and various flavovoids. It has been shown that antioxidants can lower one’s risk of developing chronic diseases.
Immune System Support	The vitamin C found in broccoli strengthens the immune system and promotes important bodily functions, such as collagen production, wound healing, and iron absorption. In turn, a regulated immune response can reduce excessive inflammation.
Anti-Inflamatory	Sulforaphane has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory substances and reduce inflammatory markers. Along with the decreases in inflammation attributed to the vitamins and minerals found in broccoli, anti-inflammation can promote heart and bone health, and support digestion.

 

Broccoli and Heart Health

Broccoli has many different health benefits, but perhaps none as important as the effects on the heart. One of the leading causes of an increased risk of both heart attacks and strokes is arterial calcification. This occurs when fatty deposits in the arteries attract and retain calcium.

Because of the abundance of vitamin K found in the veggie, broccoli is able to inhibit this process. According to a study published by The British Journal of Nutrition, those who ate more cruciferous vegetables, which include broccoli, had significantly less calcium buildup in their aortas. Therefore, the consumption of broccoli is vitally important for heart health.

 

Additionally, other nutrients such as magnesium and fiber help improve blood flow. In turn, this reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a common disease that develops when sticky plaque builds up in your arteries. The reduced risk of atherosclerosis in turn leads to the prevention of serious complications like heart attacks, strokes and other arterial diseases.

 

Broccoli and Prostate Cancer

What is the link between broccoli and prostate cancer? Broccoli is also a rich source of glucoraphanin, which is converted to sulforaphane in the body. If these names sound a little more complicated than vitamins and minerals, so need to worry! All you need to know is that these are natural plant chemicals which have been to help rid the body of cancer-causing toxins. If that didn’t sound good enough, they also interrupt inflammation pathways, and act as antioxidants which protect cells and DNA from damage. Why should this matter to you? It has been observed that men who ate broccoli were at lower risk of developing prostate cancer!

 

When isolated, sulforaphane, present in broccoli as its chemical precursor, glucoraphanin, has been shown to demonstrate cancer chemoprotective properties. Because supplements offer more concentrated, isolated nutrients, they are useful for addressing specific health goals, such as keeping cancer at bay.

 

Different Ways to Incorporate Broccoli

There are many different ways to ensure you receive all the benefits of all the nutrients in broccoli. Commonly, people might eat them raw or lightly steamed. Alternatively, you can add them to a juice. However, the easiest way to obtain all necessary nutrients is through a supplement. That’s because supplements are specifically designed to fill dietary gaps. It is difficult to know what parts of your diet are insufficient, so supplements can help to ensure a minimum intake of essential nutrients.

 

The Bottom Line

Broccoli is chalk full of many nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals known to stave off inflammation and buildup of plaques in arteries. Adding this vegetable to your diet is a good idea for anyone looking to improve heart and prostate health. It is important to remember to have a balanced diet, and understand that you should only incorporate Unleash’d Organic’s Broccoli powder as part of a holistic, organic approach to wellness.

 

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FAQ:

What is the recommended serving?

Most doctors recommend a daily intake of 200-400mcg of sulforaphane from broccoli-sprout extracts. This translates to 10-20 grams of broccoli sprouts daily.

 

When are supplement forms most helpful?

Supplements are primarily helpful for addressing specific nutritional deficiencies. While supplements can be a necessary tool, it is important to have whole foods in your diet.

 

Are there any potential side effects of taking broccoli supplements?

At excessive doses, sulforaphane, the main ingredient in broccoli supplements, might have side effects including heartburn and stomach upset.