When it comes to hormonal health, few foods offer as many benefits as broccoli. This unassuming green vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients and compounds that can significantly improve your overall well-being. Over the past five years, I’ve made it a point to incorporate broccoli into my daily diet, and the results have been remarkable. In this article, we’ll explore three key reasons why broccoli is essential for hormonal health, backed by insights from Hannah Alderson, a BANT-registered nutritionist and hormone specialist.
1. Broccoli Helps Eliminate Excess Oestrogen
Broccoli, along with its sprouts, belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, which means it contains a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C). When digested, I3C converts into diindolylmethane (DIM), a compound that supports the liver’s breakdown of oestrogen into safer, more easily excreted metabolites. This process is crucial because excess oestrogen can lead to a range of issues, including heavy and painful periods, tender breasts, bloating, PMS, mood swings, and fatigue.
Broccoli sprouts, in particular, are a concentrated source of sulforaphane, a powerful detoxifying compound that aids liver function. Alderson suggests incorporating broccoli sprouts into your diet through salads or smoothies for an extra boost. They are readily available in grocery stores and can also be easily grown at home.
2. Broccoli Supports Liver Function
The liver is the body’s primary filtration system, and its healthy function is essential for hormonal balance, fighting infections, and removing toxins. Broccoli and its sprouts contain compounds that support liver function, and raw or lightly steamed broccoli can up-regulate an important liver enzyme known as CYP1A1. This enzyme plays a key role in detoxification, helping the liver efficiently process and eliminate hormones like oestrogen.
Alderson likens broccoli’s role to that of a packaging and shipping service for the liver, ensuring that hormones are processed and removed safely and efficiently. By supporting liver function, broccoli helps maintain overall hormonal balance and reduces the risk of hormonal imbalances.
3. Broccoli is Rich in Fibre
Fibre is essential for both gut and hormonal health, and broccoli is an excellent source, providing about 5g of fibre per cup. Fibre not only aids digestion but also feeds the gut microbiome, regulates blood sugar, reduces inflammation, and supports detoxification pathways through the liver and bowels. In functional medicine, fibre is often referred to as a daily therapy, as much of the body’s regulation, including hormonal health, begins in the gut.
Excess oestrogen can be eliminated through bowel movements, provided there is enough fibre to keep the digestive system functioning efficiently. The NHS recommends that adults in the UK consume around 30g of fibre daily, and broccoli can play a significant role in meeting this goal. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or shredded into a frittata, broccoli is a versatile and fibrous addition to any meal. Don’t forget to use the stalks, which can be sliced and cooked for a delicious, asparagus-like texture.
Broccoli is more than just a vegetable; it’s a hormonal superfood. By incorporating it into your daily diet, you can enjoy improved hormonal balance, enhanced liver function, and better overall health. Whether you prefer it raw, steamed, or in sprout form, broccoli offers a wealth of benefits that make it an essential part of any health-conscious diet. So, the next time you’re planning your meals, make sure to include this versatile and nutritious vegetable. Your body will thank you.