Eating too much broccoli can be bad for your health. Here’s why (2024)

You might be ecstatic to stuff your refrigerator with the oh-so healthy broccoli, but too much broccoli can cause you more harm than good.

Nikita Bhardwaj Updated: 27 Mar 2024, 13:25 pm IST

If you love gorging on salads, then in all probability, you might end up putting broccoli in it. And why not, it is loaded with a host of nutrients. But, can you eat too much broccoli? What if we tell you that your beloved broccoli could be causing you more harm than good, especially if you’re consuming it on a daily basis.

Broccoli has some amazing health benefits. It is good for your bones and also has a lot of fibre. However, broccoli has some serious side-effects as well. Be it thyroid or your digestive system, too much broccoli can impact your health in a negative way. Health Shots for in touch with dietician and clinical nutritionist, Anshika Srivastava to understand the disadvantages of eating too much broccoli.

Disadvantages of eating too much broccoli

1. Can impact thyroid levels

Sadly, broccoli impacts the functioning of your thyroid gland, because it is goitrogen in nature. They are those chemicals which suppress the functioning of the thyroid gland. This chemical interferes with iodine in your body, due to which your thyroid gland enlarges and leads to goitre. A study, published in Cancer Causes Control, supports this claim,

Broccoli also has thiocyanates. This compound is very dangerous because it leads to hyperthyroidism, and due to which, you experience problems like weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and a bloated face”, informs Srivastava.

Eating too much broccoli can be bad for your health. Here’s why (1)

2. Can lead to gastric issues

Another thing that too much broccoli can do is create gastric issues. Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous family, just like kale and cabbage, and leads to gastric issues as well as bloating in some people. The National Institute of Diabetes and digestive and Kidney Diseases, also lists broccoli as one of the cruciferous vegetables that can cause gas.

3. Can lead to bowel irritation

Another reason that one must avoid eating too much broccoli is that it can give you issues with your bowel movement. Broccoli is rich in fibre which is good when eaten in moderation. “If you eat too much fibre, then your body doesn’t make as many enzymes to digest it, and hence you experience bowel irritation”, says Shrivastava.

4. Increases chances of an ischemic stroke

There are also some other side effects of broccoli. If it is not cooked properly, it increases the isoflavones present in it, due to which chances of an ischemic stroke increases, especially in women.

Eating too much broccoli can be bad for your health. Here’s why (3)

5. Can interfere with other medications

According to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, people taking blood-thinning medications should keep a tab on their broccoli intake. As per the study, broccoli contains vitamin K, and that could have an impact on the effectiveness of your medicine.

How much broccoli should you eat in a day?

How much broccoli is too much broccoli? The answer to this is that you should must limit your consumption of broccoli to one or two cups a day of cooked broccoli. The best way of eating broccoli is my steaming it. The high fibre content of broccoli can make it hard to digest in the raw form.

Select Topics of your interest and let us customize your feed.

PERSONALISE NOW

Eating too much broccoli can be bad for your health. Here’s why (2024)

FAQs

Eating too much broccoli can be bad for your health. Here’s why? ›

Broccoli contains isothiocyanates which are goitrogens and can alter iodine uptake, functioning of thyroid gland and can cause hypothyroidism. In some people it may cause headaches, nasal congestion, wheezing and skin rashes.

What happens to your body if you eat broccoli everyday? ›

The health benefits of daily broccoli consumption

Introducing broccoli into your daily dietary routine can yield various health benefits. Its fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contribute to improved digestion, bone health, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.

When should you not eat broccoli? ›

First, check the color of the florets. They should be a bright, uniform green. If they have any yellow or brown spots, that's a sign your broccoli is starting to spoil. If you notice fuzzy white or black patches growing on the florets or the stem, that tells you that mold is starting to form, and it's time to toss it.

Is 1 cup of broccoli a day too much? ›

How much broccoli is too much broccoli? The answer to this is that you should must limit your consumption of broccoli to one or two cups a day of cooked broccoli. The best way of eating broccoli is my steaming it. The high fibre content of broccoli can make it hard to digest in the raw form.

Is it bad to eat a whole bag of broccoli? ›

Eating too much broccoli could affect thyroid function

Cruciferous veggies, including broccoli, contain thiocyanate, progoitrin, and other compounds that may affect thyroid health.

What is the disadvantage of eating too much broccoli? ›

Broccoli and cauliflower both are high in fiber they aid to digestion. But consuming these in larger quantity can cause bloating, excessive gas and discomfort. They can also interfere with the thyroid function. It can contributes to the formation of kidney stones when consumed in large amount.

Is broccoli good for the kidneys? ›

Broccoli is a medium potassium food, low in sodium and phosphorus, and suitable for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week)

Why you shouldn't eat broccoli at night? ›

Broccoli : Broccoli is beneficial for health. But don't make the mistake of eating at dinner. The fiber present in broccoli takes longer to digest, which can disrupt sleep at night. Apart from this, gas or acidity problems may also occur in the morning.

Why should you not eat raw broccoli? ›

In most cases, raw broccoli is safe to enjoy with little or no risks. However, like most vegetables in the cruciferous family, both raw and cooked broccoli may cause excessive gas or bloating in some people. Broccoli may cause digestive distress, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ( 12 ).

What is the healthiest way to eat broccoli? ›

Cooking (Or Not Cooking) Broccoli To Protect Its Nutritional Riches : The Salt Cooking broccoli too long destroys the beneficial enzyme that breaks down chemicals into cancer fighters. The best way to eat it is raw or steamed for just two to three minutes, a nutrition expert says.

What are the pros and cons of broccoli? ›

Broccoli provides benefits related to your brain, heart, bone, and overall health—though eating it can have side effects like gas and bloating. In whatever way you incorporate it, eating more of this vegetable is a smart way to upgrade your nutrient intake and help safeguard your health.

How many times a week can you eat broccoli? ›

Overall, one to two servings of broccoli per week is definitely something that we recommend as part of a healthy diet. Eating cruciferous vegetables in general and eating or drinking other 'bitter' foods every day will do you good. These bitter foods include: Olive Oil.

How to tell if broccoli is bad? ›

If there are yellow or brown spots, it's a sign that it's past its prime. If you see any mold, such as white or black fuzzy patches, it's definitely spoiled. Smell: If the broccoli has a strong odor or an off smell, throw it out. Texture: Broccoli should have tight florets and a firm stem.

What vegetables should I eat every day? ›

Healthy eating means consuming more dark green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and other dark leafy greens. Include more red or orange vegetables, such as carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and legumes, in your diet (dry beans and peas).

Can I eat a pound of broccoli a day? ›

Not impossible but it's a lot. A full head of broccoli weighs about a half-pound. In theory, then, you would need to eat about 2 full heads of broccoli each day. Perhaps 1 full head at lunch and 1 full head at dinner?

Does broccoli burn belly fat? ›

Broccoli contains vitamin K, which is beneficial for glucose and fat metabolism. It is especially helpful in burning belly fat. Broccoli contains carotenoids, a natural plant compound that can help stimulate fat burning and thereby aid in weight reduction.

Does broccoli cleanse the body? ›

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, radish and collard greens contain unique compounds that can help support your body's ability to detox. They also contain phytonutrients (plant-based compounds) which can work together to help promote good health.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 5902

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.