IT'S not everyday that a humble vegetable steals the headlines – and perhaps they should more.
Especially after one new study, which revealed that a brassica family member comes with a whole host of lifesaving benefits.
Health experts have been promoting broccoli as a superfood for decades.
But until now, we didn't know why it was so beneficial.
Scientists from Penn University, US, found that eating three and a half cups of broccoli each day can significantly improve your gut health – that's equivalent to 548g.
When it comes to wellbeing, these days it’s all about the the gut, which comprises of the entire digestive system.
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New studies emerge each week confirming the huge roll it plays in our overall health, from weight management to brain health, inflammation to immune function.
As part of their study, which published in the journal Laboratory Investigation, researchers conducted tests on mice to find out how broccoli affects the gut.
They discovered that certain molecules in broccoli bind to the walls of the gut creating a protect the lining.
This lining only allows beneficial nutrients to pass into the body and blocks bacteria that could cause diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and cancer.
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Gary Perdew, a lead researcher of the study, said, "The gut health of the mice that were not fed broccoli was compromised in a variety of ways that are known to be associated with disease.
"Our research is helping to uncover the mechanisms for how broccoli and other foods benefit health in mice and likely humans, as well."
He added: "It provides strong evidence that cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts should be part of a normal healthy diet," the researchers said.
BENEFITS
Broccoli is full of nutrients, many of which are well absorbed thanks to it's affect on the gut.
Broccoli is a rich source of vitamin A, which is good for growth and the repair of body tissues.
It is also brimming with vitamin K, which is important for normal blood clotting and healthy bones.
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.
Along with this, broccoli is also great for weight loss because it is rich in fibre which keeps you feeling full.
But it's broccoli's cancer-combating powers that make it a phenomenal superfood.
When experts at the World Cancer Research Fund reviewed 206 studies on humans and 22 studies on animals, they found evidence that broccoli lowered the risk of tumours in the stomach, lungs, oesophagus, pancreas, colon and the lining of the uterus.
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The 11 unhealthy gut symptoms you need to know
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating of the abdomen
- Stomach cramps
- Gas
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
- Weight fluctuations
- Low mood
- Skin issues e.g. acne/dry skin
- Heartburn
Source: Gut UK
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