One of the most sadly unknown facts in the world of juicing is the laundry list of broccoli juice benefits that are available to anyone who has the curiosity and sense of adventure required to juice this humble crucifer. And yes, many may wrinkle their noses at the mention of broccoli juice but it’s nowhere near as bad as you think it’d taste. In fact, broccoli juice is delicious.
So if you’re sick of broccoli being pushed off the plate and snuck into the garbage, and you want to trick your family – and yourself – into consuming an incredibly nutritious vegetable that provides anti-cancer, cholesterol reducing, digestive health, and detoxification benefits, broccoli juice is the answer.
This cruciferous vegetable has so many vitamins and minerals in addition to antioxidant components which not only improve your overall health, but fight disease.
“Broccoli is incredible. It can prevent DNA damage and metastatic cancer spread; activate defenses against pathogens and pollutants; help to prevent lymphoma; boost the enzymes that detox your liver; target breast cancer stem cells; and reduce the risk of prostate cancer progression.”- Michael Greger M.D., founder of NutritionFacts.org
One cup of broccoli contains 135% of your daily recommended intake (DRI) of vitamin C, 116% of your DRI of vitamin K, 14% of your DRI of folate, 11% of your DRI of vitamin A, as well as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and manganese. Surprisingly, broccoli is also a good source of vegan protein and has more protein per calorie than beef.
And not surprisingly, it comes with a heavy list of amazing health benefits.
10 Badass Broccoli Juice Benefits
Broccoli juice benefits are nothing to sneeze at – in fact, this humble crucifer offers some of the most impressive health perks out there. Here’s why you want to sneak in a bit of broccoli in your daily juice…
Fights Cancer
Broccoli may prevent certain types of cancer including cancers of various internal organs, but most particularly lung, colon, breast and uterine cancer.
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain sulforaphane which works by inhibiting the enzyme involved in the growth of cancer cells.
Broccoli also contains certain antioxidants which remove excess estrogen from the body that can lead to the growth of cancer cells in the breast and uterus. Other nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, potassium, and certain amino acids are all important cancer-fighting elements that broccoli provides.
Reduces Cholesterol
Broccoli contains plenty of soluble fiber which works by binding to “bad” LDL cholesterol and pulling it out of the body.
Improves Eye Health
Amongst the most underrated of the broccoli juice benefits is the fact that this veggie contains antioxidants beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin which protect the eyes from ultraviolet light. Sulforaphane and sinigrin are two compounds found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli which also protect the eyes.
The higher the broccoli intake, the lower the chance of developing age-related eye disease like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Encourages Detoxification
Broccoli is full of antioxidants which boost liver function, remove free radicals, and make the detox process more efficient. The phytonutrients in broccoli rid the body of unwanted contaminants and toxins like uric acid which can build up in the system and cause arthritis and gout.
Boosts Immune Function
One serving of broccoli contains more than 100% of your DRI of vitamin C which is vital in immune function. Other nutrients like beta-carotene, selenium, copper, zinc, and phosphorus—all present in broccoli—strengthen the immune system and help the body fight infection and disease.
Strengthens Bones
Vitamin K is an essential component in bone building and prevention of osteoporosis. One serving of broccoli contains 116% of your DRI of vitamin K for the day. In addition to the incredible amount of vitamin K, broccoli also contains calcium which is vital to bone health.
This is especially important for post-menopausal women, 50% of whom will develop osteoporosis due to the drop in estrogen production.
Aids in Digestion and Eases Constipation
The natural fiber, or “roughage,” found in broccoli will make you regular and reduce symptoms like constipation, bloating, and diarrhea which cause you discomfort. The fiber adds bulk and retains water, making effortless and complete bowel movements.
Broccoli also contains magnesium which neutralizes acidity and facilitates proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Improves Skin Health
All that wonderful antioxidant activity from broccoli repairs and protects the skin from sun damage and wards off infection. Glowing and radiant skin is only possible with the proper nutrients—which broccoli has. Vitamin K, amino acids, and folates all contribute to maintaining healthy, young-looking skin.
Prevents Cardiovascular Disease
Sulforaphane, found in broccoli, may prevent certain inflammatory conditions in high risk arterial areas. A study by the Imperial College London in 2009 found that sulforaphane can prevent atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can lead to heart attack or significantly compromise heart function, preventing the proper amount of oxygen from getting to other organs in the body.
The high fiber content in broccoli reduces bad cholesterol and regulates blood pressure, supporting the heart and making it more effective.
Reduces Allergy Symptoms and Inflammation
Broccoli contains antioxidants, like kaempferol, and omega-3 fatty acids which experts claim can ease allergic reactions and reduce inflammation.
Allergies are a form of inflammation that may be managed with enough consumption of antioxidant-rich foods. Arthritis symptoms are also eased by the antioxidants found in broccoli.
4 Delicious Broccoli Juice Recipes
Eager to take advantage of all those broccoli juice benefits you just read about? Juicing broccoli is a great way to spruce up a vegetable that you may not enjoy eating raw. Broccoli has so much to offer in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that it would be a crime not to incorporate it into your diet.
So how do you do so without it being so…broccoli-like? Here are the tastiest broccoli juice recipes – they’re so tasty, you won’t even suspect there’s broccoli in them 🙂
Quick broccoli juicing tip: Broccoli florets are great but the stalks are really where the action is at when it comes to juicing. So don’t throw those stalks away – use everything: the florets, the stalks and even those little leaves. Put it all in your juicer!
Sweet Corn Broccoli Protein Juice
In you don’t already know, corn juice is freakin’ delicious. It’s a sweet, nourishing and very comforting type of juice, which makes it the perfect base to mix with a little broccoli:
- 1 stalk of broccoli, stems and all
- 2 ears of corn, boiled for around 10 minutes and cooled
Plus, it’s just two ingredients – perfect to shop for and prepare again and again. The best part? Both corn and broccoli are really rich in protein so this is one juice that’s perfect for when you need a protein boost or just want something that’s quite filling.
Green Goddess Juice
This sweet juice is tropical, nutritious and incredibly refreshing. You just can’t go wrong with a juice that contains sweet pineapple fruit, antioxidant-rich greens like spinach and broccoli, and refreshing mint and lemon. Green Goddess Juice has a lot to offer by way of detoxifying, energizing, and boosting every system in your body.
What you’ll need:
- 2 cups pineapple, cut into chunks
- 1 ½ cups broccoli, cut into chunks
- 1 large cucumber
- 3 handfuls of spinach
- 1 handful of mint
- 1 lemon
Juice and enjoy!
Sweet Broccoli Juice
Sweet and spicy, this juice can calm a queasy tummy with mint and ginger, aid in digestion with lots of fiber, and provide antioxidant and anticarcinogenic benefits. Broccoli, apple, mint, and ginger combine for a perfect fall drink (tip: you can drink it all year round).
What you’ll need:
- 2-3 stalks broccoli
- 1-2 apples
- Handful fresh mint
- 1 inch piece ginger
Juice and enjoy!
Veggie Blueberry
Apple, blueberry, broccoli, carrots, and tomato. This antioxidant powerhouse packs a mean punch to those toxins floating around wreaking havoc to your body. This juice contains nutrients that will protect your brain, eyes, heart, liver, and maintain your overall health for the best version of you.
What you’ll need:
- 1 medium sized apple
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 stalk broccoli
- 6 large carrots
- 1 tomato
Juice and enjoy!
One cup of any of these juices provides you with all the vitamin C and vitamin K your body needs in one day. Nourish and reenergize with broccoli juice!
