Broccoli is one of those vegetables.

One that just looks healthy. One quick glance: green, fibrous, healthy.

But, there’s more.

It’s what you don’t see.

Broccoli contains amazing super-nutrients like sulforaphane, glucobrassicin, and kaempferol, that detox cells, help fight cancer, improve aging, and more.

In fact, over 300 studies have consistently shown the benefits of broccoli.

Here are 8 proven health benefits of broccoli, and our 8-Ingredient Keto Zone Spicy Broccoli Soup to warm you up and deliver them all.

Keto Zone Spicy Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups organic vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper, or to taste
• 1 med onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 lb Broccoli
• ¼ cup hydrolyzed collagen
• Fresh ground black pepper and salt
• 1 dollop sour cream or 1 Tbsp. Heavy Cream

Instructions:

1. Bring broth and crushed pepper to a simmer over med heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and broccoli. Cover and simmer until veggies are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add collagen. Transfer batches of soup to a blender or food processor.  Puree.
4. Return to pan and season with salt/pepper.
5. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream or freeze.

Nutrition Info: 100 Calories, 6g Fat, 4g Protein, 6g Net Carbs

8 Proven Benefits of Broccoli and Cruciferous Vegetables

1. Weight Loss Aide

Broccoli contains an unmatched combination of high fiber, high volume, low carbohydrates, and nutrient density.

What does this mean to you?

If trying to lose weight, use volume to your advantage. Just 1 cup can fill you up, load your body with nutrients, and only contains 25 calories and 3 net carbs.

2. Reduced Oxidative Stress for Improved Aging

Aging is a natural, beautiful part of life. But, environmental toxins and increased oxidative stress accelerate aging and reduce metabolic function. (1). A high-antioxidant diet can help  (2).

Broccoli contains more antioxidant Vitamin C than an orange, ounce for ounce.

In addition, its sulforaphane increases expression of antioxidant genes (2).

What’s more, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin work to reduce retina and cornea UV ray damage in again eyes while promoting health and vision.

3. Altered Gut Bacteria to Improve Digestion and Endocrine Response

Broccoli and cruciferous vegetables alter and improve our guts’ healthy bacteria.

Specifically, intake of broccoli can result in an improved gut-hormonal response, immune response, and blood sugars. (3)

Unfortunately, some people cannot tolerate broccoli and experience bloating, gas, and cramps. In this case, try our soup. It’s easy-to-digest and the added collagen improves gut health.

4. Heart Health and Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Broccoli provides a five-way boost to cardiovascular health:

• Broccoli’s fiber can reduce cholesterol.  While not the highest-fiber vegetable, its fiber specifically binds bile to decrease “bad” cholesterol.
• Sulforaphane can improve both blood pressure and kidney function.
• Broccoli’s lutein can help reduce thickening of the arteries and plaque buildup.
• Broccoli reduces inflammation with its bioactive compounds, including kaempferol (4, 5)
• Healthy blood sugars protect cardiovascular health. Broccoli’s fiber, low net carbs, and antioxidants may decrease insulin resistance and protect pancreatic cells. (6, 7).

5. Cellular Detoxification and Cancer Fighter

The data on broccoli’s anti-cancer activity is vast.

To start, broccoli contains 3 impressive cancer-fighting phytonutrients: glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin, and glucobrassicin. This trio supports cellular detoxification and contributes to the formation of isothiocyanates.

Isothiocyanates work to fight cancer cells by lowering oxidative stress, neutralizing carcinogens and battling toxins. (8). They stimulate cancer-killing chemicals while working to inhibit tumor growth and DNA damage.

Don’t forget sulforaphane. Studies have consistently shown an inverse relationship between intake of sulforaphane-containing vegetables and cancers. (9, 10).

6. Non-Dairy Bone Health Support

No dairy in your diet for bones? No problem.

Broccoli contains Vitamin A and Vitamin K to support the work of Vitamin D and calcium in the body.

What’s more, the calcium, magnesium, and potassium in broccoli are essential for healthy bones, nails, and teeth (11).

7. Allergy Relief

Broccoli contains a flavonoid called kaempferol.

Kaempferol can decrease an allergen’s impact by reducing the inflammatory hyper-response to an allergen (5).

8. Broccoli and Healthy Skin

How can you promote youthful skin as you age?

Broccoli has an answer: sulforaphane. It increases antioxidant action to repair skin damage and improve skin health and appearance.

What’s more, broccoli’s vitamin A and vitamin C can reduce collagen breakdown, the risk of skin cancer, and skin inflammation.

It’s Easy to Add Broccoli to Your Diet

Add raw and cooked broccoli several times per week with soup, slaw, roasted broccoli, and salads.

Or, double up on your nutrients, and add a daily dose of fermented vegetable powder.

Bottom Line

From your head to your toes, broccoli’s compounds and antioxidants work to improve your health. Warm up and get the benefits of broccoli with Keto Zone Spicy Broccoli Pepper Soup today.