For seven days, an American dietitian agreed to put the same green vegetable at the center of each of her meals, just to measure its real impact on the body. In his story published by the magazine Preventionshe talks about how this broccoli challenge shook up her digestion, her skin and even her morale.
What changed in the body after a week of daily broccoli
It is not a spectacular metamorphosis, rather a series of very concrete micro-changes. And they speak to anyone who is wondering what eating broccoli every day for a week can really change.
After seven days, this healthcare professional describes much more regular digestion, less bloating and a real feeling of lightness. She also talks about slightly brighter skin. However, the dietitians interviewed by the site Parade confirm that this cruciferous vegetable concentrates enough fiber and vitamins to explain these small, rapid changes.
A particularly marked effect on transit and the skin
The first effect noticed therefore concerns the stomach. “Thanks to the numerous fibers of broccoli, its transit has become more regular and the sensations of swelling have reduced“, she says in Prevention. Broccoli acts as a prebiotic: it feeds the good bacteria in the intestinal microbiota, which improves digestion and helps with easier bowel movements. Some work cited by the magazine also links a fit intestine to better immunity and more stable morale.
On the skin side, the author says she saw a slightly brighter complexion at the end of the week, while remaining lucid about a possible placebo effect. According to Preventiona cup of broccoli provides more than 100% of vitamin C requirements, which is used to produce collagen essential for firmness of the skin.
It also evokes an overall feeling of a lighter body, linked to the fact of nourishing yourself every day with vitamins, minerals and plant compounds.
Why can broccoli work so quickly?
On paper, this little green bouquet is a concentrate of nutrients. A cup of cooked broccoli provides only about 30 calories, but also vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, folate and potassium. This combination, associated with fibers, supports transit, immunity and the protection of cells against oxidative stress.
Broccoli also contains sulforaphane, a sulfur compound that is mainly formed when it is cut or chewed. Studies suggest that it supports the detoxification functions of the liver and protects blood vessels, which contributes to long-term cardiovascular health.
Eating broccoli every day: precautions and ideal profile
Prevention finally reminds that people with thyroid problems must limit raw cruciferous vegetables because of goitrogens, cooking reducing this effect.
Finally, patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or taking warfarin should talk to their doctor, as fermentable fiber and excess vitamin K may upset digestion or alter the effect of treatment.