Isabel Viña, a doctor specializing in metabolism: "Broccoli and cabbage can help you live longer and better."

Broccoli isn't just a classic in healthy diets because of its low calorie content and high fiber content. According to Dr. Isabel Viña, a physician specializing in metabolism and social media influencer, this vegetable can be key to prolonging life and improving its quality. She asserted this in one of her most recent videos, in which she highlighted the unique properties of cruciferous vegetables, which also include cabbage and Brussels sprouts.

"They contain certain compounds in their nutritional matrix, such as glucosinolates, flavonoids, and carotenoids," explains Viña. These bioactive elements have been the subject of numerous scientific studies, which attribute to them antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and, above all, protective effects against chronic diseases. Furthermore, the specialist emphasized that the benefits of broccoli go far beyond its vitamin and mineral content.

One of the most important mechanisms by which these vegetables affect health is their ability to promote liver detoxification . This means they help the liver eliminate toxins and compounds that shouldn't accumulate in the body. According to Viña, this purification helps reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage, two factors closely linked to premature aging and the development of diseases such as cancer.

But the benefits don't stop there. Viña points out that these compounds "contribute to proper genetic repair mechanisms," something especially important as we age. As we age, the body becomes less effective at correcting errors in DNA, which increases the risk of mutations.

"These repair mechanisms are affected, favoring and predisposing us to the development of mutations that can eventually lead to cancer and other diseases," he warns.

Furthermore, broccoli also plays a key role in the elimination of damaged cells , a process known as cellular apoptosis. This natural mechanism allows the body to rid itself of cells that have suffered some type of damage and could become dangerous if not eliminated. "It helps the damaged cells to be eliminated properly," says the doctor.

And how much should we consume to benefit from these effects? Isabel Viña is clear: between four and seven servings of broccoli a week would be enough . However, she adds that if you can include more, even better. There's no strict limit, and its versatility in the kitchen allows it to be prepared in a variety of ways: steamed, baked, sautéed, or even raw in salads.

However, there is a little trick the expert recommends keeping in mind: adding a little mustard to broccoli before eating it . This seemingly simple gesture can improve the absorption of its key nutrients. Mustard contains myrosinase, an enzyme that enhances the bioavailability of glucosinolates, especially if the broccoli has been cooked and has lost some of its properties.