日本語 ｜ English
The Green Superfood: Why Broccoli Is Worth Eating
Hello, everyone! I hope you are spending a lively, smiling day.
This time I’ll talk about broccoli, the “green superfood” I’ve loved eating for many years. Once you know its amazing health benefits, I’m sure you’ll want it on your table every day!
The history of broccoli and how it spread in Japan
Broccoli originated on the Mediterranean coast and is a vegetable with a long history, eaten since ancient Rome. It reached Japan in the early Meiji era along with cauliflower, but it only became widespread from the 1980s on. Around then, with the spread of family restaurants and salad bars, eating salad became a habit, and a boom in green and yellow vegetables brought broccoli attention.
Packed with nutrition: the main components of broccoli
Broccoli is a treasure trove of nutrients with a range of health benefits. Here are the main ones:
- Vitamin C: 140 mg per 100 g (equal to about seven lemons). Expected to support immunity, healthy skin and antioxidant action. Nutrients are lost if you boil it too long, so watch the cooking time.
- Vitamin K: essential for blood clotting and bone health. Helps calcium metabolism and strengthens bones.
- Dietary fiber: stimulates your intestines and is effective against constipation. Rich in insoluble fiber, with about 5.1 g per 100 g.
- Sulforaphane (an antioxidant): protects cells from oxidation and boosts detoxification, and is also expected to help prevent cancer.
- Beta-carotene: converted to vitamin A, an important component for maintaining eye health.
- Folate: an essential nutrient for cell division and growth, especially recommended during pregnancy and growth years.
Seven health benefits of broccoli
- Better immunity: vitamin C helps prevent colds!
- Anti-aging: sulforaphane prevents cell oxidation and keeps your skin looking young.
- Supports bone health: the combination of vitamin K and calcium strengthens bones.
- Detox effect: helps your liver’s detoxifying function and flushes out waste.
- A friend to dieters: low in calories yet filling, perfect for weight management.
- Cardiovascular health: carotenoids and fiber protect your heart and blood vessels.
- Eye health: lutein and vitamin A support your vision.
My recommendation: easy ways to eat broccoli
Here are a few ways to enjoy broccoli easily, even on busy days:
- Steam it in the microwave: put broccoli florets in a heatproof container with a little water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 2–3 minutes. Just sprinkle with salt for a simple dish.
- Olive oil and lemon: drizzle steamed broccoli with olive oil and finish with a squeeze of lemon. A refreshing taste.
- In soups and stir-fries: add leftover broccoli to soup, or stir-fry it with bacon and garlic. Delicious too.
At Orange Fitness we value healthy eating and exercise. Broccoli is a superfood you can add easily. Please put it on your table every day! Please make use of Orange Fitness in Kai City to achieve a nutritionally balanced diet.
Today is the youngest day of your life. I hope it is a wonderful day for you all!
Orange Fitness is a semi-personal gym in Kai City, Yamanashi. Learn how coaching works, see our plans and pricing, or book a trial or tour. You are welcome to just look around.