Broccoli has numerous benefits for diabetics, including improving heart health, protecting eyes, lowering blood sugar and bad cholesterol, aiding weight loss, and increasing insulin reception. Its compounds, vitamins, and minerals interact with enzymes in the body. Raw or lightly steamed broccoli is best to preserve its nutrients. Further research is needed to determine the full extent of broccoli’s benefits for diabetes.
Circulatory and heart improvement, eye protection, lowering blood sugar, lowering LDL or bad cholesterol, weight loss, and increased cell reception of insulin are benefits of broccoli for diabetes. These advantages come from the compounds, vitamins, and minerals that broccoli contains, which interact with enzymes within the body. It should be noted that these may not be the only ways that broccoli can help diabetics. Broccoli and other vegetables are still being researched to determine if there are other benefits of broccoli for diabetes available.
Broccoli has significant benefits for the heart and circulatory system of a diabetic. Like other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli contains chemicals called glucosinolates, which the body converts to isothiocyanates. These substances help protect cells in the body, including those inside veins and arteries, from oxidative stress that increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and circulatory problems. Some research suggests that sulforaphane, the main isothiocyanate in broccoli, can reduce free radical production by nearly 75 percent.
The benefit of broccoli for sulforaphane-related diabetes is somewhat indirect. Sulforaphane causes a chemical reaction that stimulates enzymes in the body. It is these enzymes that experts believe provide valuable free radical protection that benefits the heart and circulatory system.
Broccoli contains many vitamins, minerals, and other substances that are good for the body, such as chromium, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fiber. Each of these items can target specific areas of concern for diabetics. Chromium helps lower blood sugar, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that, similar to sulforaphane, can fight free radicals. Beta-carotene is connected to healthy eyes: Many diabetics experience vision loss as a result of the disease. Fiber supports weight loss which can reduce cell resistance to insulin and can lower LDL or bad cholesterol.
It is not known exactly how much broccoli for diabetes is needed to be effective, so it is not clear how much broccoli a diabetic needs to consume on a regular basis to see improvement. However, the available evidence is promising enough that professionals are conducting additional research to understand exactly how beneficial broccoli and other vegetables might be for the disease.
An important note about the benefits of broccoli for diabetes is that broccoli loses much of its value the more it is cooked. Raw broccoli is ideal, but steaming the vegetable for a few minutes provides a cooked option that is still rich in nutrients and vitamins. For dishes that require other ingredients such as meat to cook longer, it’s best to add broccoli late in cooking to preserve its benefits.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
