Top 5 health benefits of broccoli

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What is broccoli?

Broccoli is a branched, green vegetable with either purple or more commonly green flower buds. It belongs to the brassica family, along with cauliflower, cabbage and kale, and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Discover our full range of health benefit guides and find out more about the health credentials of other green vegetables. Or check out some of our best broccoli recipes, from mains like quinoa, squash and broccoli salad to new twists on a side such as broccoli with garlic and lemon.

Want to try planting your own broccoli crop? Discover the best way to grow broccoli, at gardenersworld.com.

The benefits of broccoli may include…

Good for heart health, broccoli may help to reduce the total amount of cholesterol in the body.
Contains cancer-protective compounds.
May be good for eye health.
Acts as a plant oestrogen and may help to support hormonal balance.
Rich in sulphur, which could help to support the immune system and improve defences against infection.

Nutritional benefits of broccoli

An 80g portion broccoli (boiled) provides:

22 kcals/96KJ
2.6g protein
0.4g fat
2.2g carbohydrates
2.2g fibre
478mcg carotene
35mg vitamin C

An 80g portion (about two spears) count as one of your five-a-day. Take a look at our printable infographic to discover what counts as five-a-day.

Top 5 health benefits of broccoli

1. Good for heart health

A study by Nutrition Research found that consuming steamed broccoli regularly lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the total amount of cholesterol in the body. Another study in the US also found that increasing vegetables in the diet, especially brassica vegetables like broccoli, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Contains cancer-protective compounds

While there are no single superfoods that can prevent cancer, and certain risk factors for cancer are unrelated to diet, there is evidence that eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cancer. A key component of broccoli is a phytochemical known as sulforaphane, which is also responsible for broccoli’s slightly bitter taste. Studies have shown that sulforaphane may play a part in enhancing detoxification of airborne toxins, such as cigarette smoke, and could help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Further research has suggested that broccoli may have anti-cancer properties and could reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Broccoli sprouts are an even more concentrated source of these cancer-fighting compounds. You can easily sprout broccoli seeds on your windowsill, just like you would cress.

3. May be good for eye health

Broccoli contains the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, that, in 2003 and 2006 studies, were linked to a decreased risk of age-related eye disorders, such as cataract and macular degeneration. Broccoli also contains beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, a deficient of which is associated with night blindness.

4. May support hormonal balance

Brassica vegetables, like broccoli, contain a plant compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which acts as a plant oestrogen and may help balance hormones by regulating oestrogen levels. I3C has also shown promise as a means of lessening the risk of oestrogen induced breast and reproductive cancers in both men and women, although more studies are needed in this area.

Brassicas, like broccoli, appear to influence oestrogen metabolism, potentially shifting it to a more favourable composition.

5. May support the immune system

Being rich in sulphur, brassicas like broccoli may support gut health, and as a result improve your defence against infection. This is because sulphur supports the production of glutathione which is important for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining, as well as supporting its repair. As a potent antioxidant, glutathione works throughout the body protecting cells from inflammatory damage.

Is broccoli safe for everyone?

For most of us, broccoli is a healthy option. However, if you have a thyroid issue you may be advised to minimise the amount of brassica vegetables you eat. This is because these vegetables may interfere with the absorption of iodine which is needed for the production of thyroid hormones. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that you would need to eat a reasonable amount and on a consistent basis for this to be an issue.

Broccoli is a high-fibre food, which for most of us is highly beneficial – it supports the digestive process and provides a fuel source for the healthy bacteria which reside in our gut. However, for some people, high-fibre foods may cause bloating and gas, this is especially relevant for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

If you are on blood thinning medication such as warfarin, your GP or dietitian may suggest you monitor the vitamin K foods, like broccoli, in your diet to ensure you eat similar amounts consistently. If in doubt, consult your GP before making any significant changes to what and how much you eat.

Overall, is broccoli good for you?

Yes – regularly eating brassica veg like broccoli can help with cholesterol levels, may help to balance hormones by regulating oestrogen levels, and will support gut health. It’s believed broccoli also contains cancer-protecting compounds, so this versatile green vegetable makes a great choice to include in a balanced diet.

Healthy broccoli recipes

Steak & broccoli protein pots
Sesame salmon, purple sprouting broccoli & sweet potato mash
Poached eggs with broccoli, tomatoes & wholemeal flatbread
Wholewheat pasta with broccoli & almonds
Stir-fried chicken with broccoli & brown rice

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Nicola Shubrook is a nutritional therapist and works with both private clients and the corporate sector. She is an accredited member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Find out more at urbanwellness.co.uk.

Kerry Torrens is a qualified Nutritionist (MBANT) with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including Good Food.

All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.