What are beneficial properties of broccoli?

Broccoli is good for the heart, liver and joints, say American nutritionists Jennifer Weis, Sara Peternell, and Kim Denkhaus.

According to Real Simple, broccoli is low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber and vitamins C and K. It also contains vitamin A, folic acid, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium.

Broccoli helps the body fight disease and infection with two types of antioxidants: sulforaphane and indole, which experts say act as regulators of detoxifying enzymes that protect cells.

"The antioxidants that come from green vegetables ward off heart disease by protecting the narrowing or hardening of blood vessel function, and reduce the growth of fatty deposits on the vessel walls that become plaque over time," said Denkhaus.

According to nutritionists, broccoli is rich also in chromium, which affects the production of norepinephrine, melatonin and serotonin, on which the human mood depends.

The use of this vegetable improves the function of the liver and joints, as sulforaphane, found in broccoli, decreases inflammation of the cartilage in your joints.