Broccoli (brassica oleracea var. italica)

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Other names for broccoli

Broccoli Powder
Broccoli Sprout Extract
Sulforaphane-Rich Broccoli
broccoli seed
Broccoli sprout
broccoli sprout

Synopsis of broccoli

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a cruciferous vegetable native to the Mediterranean region, widely recognized for its dense nutritional profile and disease-preventive properties. A member of the Brassicaceae family, broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and potent phytonutrients such as glucosinolates, which convert into sulforaphane, one of the most studied plant compounds for detoxification, antioxidant defense, and anti-cancer potential.

Nutritional highlights of broccoli include:

  • Vitamin C and vitamin K – for immune health, collagen synthesis, and bone support
  • Folate and B vitamins – important for DNA synthesis and energy metabolism
  • Fiber – supports digestion, satiety, and gut health
  • Sulforaphane – boosts the body’s phase II detox enzymes, combats oxidative stress, and may protect against cancer
  • Lutein and zeaxanthin – carotenoids beneficial for eye health
  • Calcium, iron, magnesium, and trace minerals

Health benefits of broccoli include:

  • Supporting liver detoxification and hormone clearance
  • Reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Protecting against cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, especially breast, prostate, and colon
  • Improving gut health and supporting microbial diversity
  • Supporting cognitive and neuroprotective function, especially with sulforaphane-rich extracts
  • Broccoli is consumed as fresh, steamed, roasted, or in powdered, sprouted, or extract forms (such as broccoli sprout extract for sulforaphane concentration).

Historical Use:

Broccoli has been cultivated since the Roman Empire, with its use as a digestive tonic and general health food rooted in Mediterranean folk practices. It was highly regarded by the ancient Romans and later introduced into other parts of Europe, becoming especially prominent in Italian cooking and herbal tradition.

Though broccoli was not a central herb in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda or TCM, the Brassica genus as a whole (which includes cabbage, kale, and mustard) was used for cleansing, digestion, and immune strengthening.

The modern scientific interest in broccoli began in the 20th century, particularly with the discovery of sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, compounds that modulate detox enzymes, estrogen metabolism, and cellular defense systems. Today, broccoli is widely studied in nutritional science, oncology, and integrative medicine for its role in chronic disease prevention, and remains a core food in functional and preventive health protocols.

Broccoli is used for these health conditions

Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Anemia (Scientific)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Constipation (adults) (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Scientific)
Free Radical Damage (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)

broccoli is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Breasts (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Eyes (Scientific)
Female Reproductive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Glandular System (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Hepatic System (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Joints (Scientific)
Kidneys (Scientific)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Lungs (Scientific)
Male Reproductive System (Scientific)
Mucus Membranes (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Ovaries (Scientific)
Prostate (Scientific)
Reproductive System (Scientific)
Respiratory System (Scientific)
Skeletal System (Bones) (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Scientific)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Scientific)