Raw green broccoli taste as good as sautéed ones when used in salads. And it has numerous health benefits. In fact, broccoli is listed among the top healthy foods in the world. Raw broccoli is rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and other healthy nutrients. Hence, the green vegetable has several healing properties. According to experts, its daily intake keeps the body healthy and helps to prevent cancer and other fatal diseases.

15 facts on Broccoli and its health benefits according to studies

Broccoli is a dark green and sturdy flowering vegetable

Its botanical name is Brassica

Broccoli, some say,  means arms or branch as the green vegetable looks like a tiny tree

It belongs to the cabbage family. Both its flower and stem can be eaten raw

It makes for a quick steamy dish and was once a popular food in ancient Romans

The green vegetable has zero fat content, hence it is a good weight control food

Its raw form is a good source of Vitamin C, A, B-6 and dietary fibre

Broccoli has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and helps in detoxification of toxic matter in the body

It also has a promising chemical – sulforaphane, a naturally occurring compound found in a cruciferous vegetable

The above properties help to prevent cancer and other serious health problems

Broccoli protects the skin cell membranes and slows the ageing process

It prevents ultraviolet radiation damage

Experts advise intake of half a cup broccoli per day

Eating green broccoli three to four times a day can reduce the risk of cancer and other degenerative diseases

Eating broccoli sprouts may help diabetes patients manage their blood sugar level

Best way to have broccoli

Have it raw, sautéed or steam it. Do not boil. Raw and steamed broccoli retains its nutrients better

Steam it for not more than five minutes, as extended steaming may destroy the nutritional properties

Wash it well and use it in salads or mix vegetables dishes

Remember, cooking may destroy some of its good nutrients