However, like most vegetables in the cruciferous family, both raw and cooked broccoli may cause excessive gas or bloating in some people. Broccoli may cause digestive distress, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ( 12 ). This is due to its high fiber and FODMAP content.
If the stem is soft, it has begun to spoil. Jackson also says to avoid eating any florets that have become mushy. The smell test is also an easy one because broccoli tends to give off a very unpleasant odor once it's gone bad. If the broccoli no longer smells fresh, you'll know immediately and shouldn't consume it.
Leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach, kale and brussel sprouts,can influence how you metabolize certain drugs, for instance, blood thinners like Coumadin.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are high in sulfur and can cause bloating and gas. Try some of these vegetables to see if they are easier to digest: carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, celery and squash.
Broccoli Helps You Eat Less While Feeling Fuller
According to the Mayo Clinic, it helps to normalize bowel movements, lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar, maintain bowel health and aid in achieving a healthy weight.
Broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant that decreases inflammation by reducing your levels of cytokines and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which are molecules that drive inflammation in your body ( 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ).
Overall, one to two servings of broccoli per week is definitely something that we recommend as part of a healthy diet. Eating cruciferous vegetables in general and eating or drinking other 'bitter' foods every day will do you good.
May cause gas or bloating
However, like most vegetables in the cruciferous family, both raw and cooked broccoli may cause excessive gas or bloating in some people. Broccoli may cause digestive distress, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ( 12 ). This is due to its high fiber and FODMAP content.
Broccoli and cauliflower are difficult for the body to digest — which is why they may trigger symptoms in those with IBS. When your intestine breaks these foods down, it causes gas, and at times, constipation, even for people without IBS.
Other Foods that Can Cause IBS Symptoms
Even some healthy foods can generate digestive discomfort, including beans and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well as nutritional and weight-reduction supplements.
Rich in magnesium, calcium, and potassium, broccoli is a great source of regulating and controlling blood pressure. Broccoli sprouts are rich in compounds that minimise the blood pressure.
A Northwestern University Chicago study found higher dietary intake of the amino acid glutamic acid via vegetables like broccoli, was linked to lower blood pressure.
Broccoli
For example, adding this cruciferous veggie to your diet may be a smart way to reduce blood pressure. Broccoli is loaded with flavonoid antioxidants, which may help lower blood pressure by enhancing blood vessel function and increasing nitric oxide levels in your body ( 27 ).
It's not good for thyroid as cruiciferous vegetables such as broccoli interfere with how your thyroid uses iodine.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, are full of fiber and other nutrients, but they may interfere with the production of thyroid hormone if you have an iodine deficiency.
Diet goals for gout include avoiding foods high in uric acid because eating these foods can worsen symptoms. Fortunately, there's lots of healthy and delicious foods out there that are low in uric acid. Broccoli is one of them. Here's why broccoli is a good option for people living with gout.
Certain vegetables cause gas and abnormal bowel habits. Avoid cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, coleslaw and sauerkraut. Also, limit artichoke, brussels sprouts, onions, shallots, leeks and asparagus.
The research suggests that cruciferous vegetables — such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage — contain an organic chemical compound that helps maintain gut flora and immune surveillance. This may help prevent various cancers and Crohn's Disease, caused by gut inflammation.
Promotes Healthy Digestion and Reduced Constipation
Broccoli is rich in fiber and antioxidants — both of which may support healthy bowel function and digestive health. Bowel regularity and a strong community of healthy bacteria within your colon are two vital components to digestive health.
Broccoli, spinach, and cabbage are three diabetes-friendly veggies because they are low in starch. Filling up with vegetables is a great way to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Foods that are high in sugar or fat can be difficult to digest and can spike acid production. Some veggies that reduce heartburn include cucumbers, leafy greens, broccoli, green beans, potatoes, asparagus and cauliflower.
1. Spinach. This leafy green tops the chart as one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. That's because 1 cup (30 grams) of raw spinach provides 16% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A plus 120% of the DV for vitamin K — all for just 7 calories ( 1 ).
(17) So if you eat 1 cup of broccoli per day (whether it's with a meal or snack), you're nearly halfway to the recommended daily intake of vegetables for adults.
"Fresh veggies often taste the best, especially if the vegetable is in season. But the good news is that the nutritional value of a vegetable isn't reduced during either the canning or freezing process — making canned or frozen veggies just as healthy as fresh ones.
Broccoli
Studies have demonstrated a connection between consuming vegetables and reducing the risk of heart disease. Broccoli in particular is plentiful in soluble fiber, which does wonders for high cholesterol. Other cholesterol-busting vegetables to consider include spinach, Brussels sprouts and collard greens.