As kids, we were always told to eat our greens but frequently turned our noses up at roughage. However, there is plenty of evidence that vegetables can benefit. One particular veggie, broccoli, contains lots of carotenoids, which are phytonutrients with antioxidant properties. It is also chock full of Vitamin K, C, and folate. But, here are a few benefits specific to those with metabolic disorders.
#1 It’s a Non-Starchy Veggie
Diabetics are told to avoid starches, such as are found in potatoes, but it can be hard to find yummy alternatives to your favorite bakers, French fries, and casserole components. Broccoli is not only approved as a non-starchy vegetable, but it’s also a good potato substitute. You can dip it in cheese sauce, roast it with some salt and pepper, or mix it into a chicken and brown rice casserole for dinner.
#2 Can Help Control Blood Sugar Levels
Broccoli also contains plenty of fiber, which helps slow digestion and prevent potential blood sugar spikes after meals. As a non-starchy veggie, it contains less sugar that could increase your levels. Additionally, this green plant contains chromium, which has been shown to help control blood sugar by improving the action of insulin.
#3 Sprouts Reduce Oxidative Stress
A study by the National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute at the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, looked at the potential benefits of broccoli sprout powder for diabetics. They recruited 81 diabetics, who were randomly given a placebo or the broccoli sprouts daily for four weeks. At the end of the study, they found that those who ate the sprouts saw a reduction in blood markers of oxidative stress and a reduction in their LDL cholesterol levels.
[expand title=”References“]
5 Blood Sugar-Regulating Foods For Diabetics. URL Link. Accessed June 4, 2017.
Role of Chromium in Human Health and in Diabetes. URL Link. Accessed June 4, 2017.
Broccoli Sprouts Have Benefits for Diabetes Patients. URL Link. Accessed June 4, 2017.
Broccoli. URL Link. Accessed June 4, 2017.
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