Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable native to Italy. It belongs to the cabbage family and has the appearance of a tree with large flowers at the top.
If you’re craving broccoli, there is a chance you’re deficient in some vital minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin C found in broccoli.
This article will explain in detail the reason for your broccoli craving. Read on.
Most likely reasons you’re craving broccoli
1. Iron deficiencyÂ
A lack of iron plays a role in broccoli craving.
According to the National Health Service, a healthy adult male needs 8.7 mg of iron per day, and women aged 19 to 50 need about 14.8 mg/day.
Because broccoli is a rich source of iron (one cup serving broccoli contains 1 mg of iron), your body may begin to crave high iron foods like broccoli to make up for its iron deficiency.
2. Dehydration
Dehydration is another likely reason you’re craving broccoli. Broccolis have high amounts of water (90%) and can comfortably provide your body with its daily water intake requirements. You might crave broccoli if you are dehydrated and need to drink water.Â
A great alternative to broccoli is to drink water itself.
3. You have a special liking for broccoli
Perhaps, you haven’t had your favorite broccoli in a while; your intense craving for broccoli may be that you’re missing its unique taste and mild flavor.
If you’re starving of the vegetal taste of your favorite broccoli, we advise that you eat broccoli to your satisfaction; after all, it is a highly nutritious vegetable.
4. You’re on a new diet
If you recently started a vegan diet, you may begin to crave vegetables like broccoli more often. This is because you already know of its rich, healthy nutrients, and so, when you think of healthy foods, broccoli is the first thing that comes to mind.
5. You need more folate
This is especially true if you crave broccoli during pregnancy.Â
Broccoli is a good source of Vitamin B9 (folate), which plays a vital role in developing the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
If you’re intensely craving broccoli, it could mean that you are low on folate. Note that the recommended daily amount of folate for adults is 400 micrograms.
6. Calcium deficiency
Broccoli contains 47mg of calcium per 100g (one cup serving), and an adult requires 700 mg of calcium per day. So, there is a chance of a lack of calcium if you’re craving broccoli; your body is simply trying to meet your daily dietary calcium requirement.
7. Vitamin C deficiency
Broccoli is a vitamin C-rich food as 100g of broccoli contains 89 mg of vitamin C.
The recommended daily requirement for vitamin C is 65 to 90 mg a day for adults.
If you have vitamin C deficiency symptoms such as bleeding gums, slow wound healing, and nosebleeds, you may as well begin to crave broccoli. Broccoli will make up for that deficiency, and your body will heal itself.
8. Potassium and magnesium deficiency
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium and potassium for adults is about 310 – 420 mg and 3500 – 4700 mg, respectively. Link
Also, since one cup of broccoli provides 27 mg to 13 mg of magnesium and 316 mg to 450 mg of potassium, there is a chance we will crave them more often.
Health benefits of broccoli
The following are a few of the numerous benefits of broccoli.
- Eating broccoli can help to reduce inflammation.
- It helps to protect against cancer.
- Controls blood sugar level
- It may help to slow down aging
- Promotes brain health
- Boosts immunity
- It protects the heart
- Improves digestive health
How to stop craving broccoli?
Note that wanting broccoli is a healthy sign, as your body communicates to you through cravings about what it requires.
If you want to stop craving broccoli, eat a sizeable portion of broccoli every day. This way, you are sure that you’re not missing out on any of the nutrients stored in broccoli.
However, if your craving is because you love the broccoli taste, we advise that you enjoy your broccoli while keeping everything moderate.
What else can I eat when craving broccoli?
Though we recommend you eat a healthy portion of broccoli to satisfy your cravings, there are other meals that you can substitute as a replacement for broccoli.
They include;
- Kale
- Peaches
- Oranges
- Pineapple
- Celery
- Tomatoes
- Romaine lettuce
- Zucchini
How to eat broccoli to satisfy your cravings
You can eat broccoli in several ways.
Try the following to satisfy your cravings.
- Bake it
- Cube broccoli stalks and add them to your soup or casserole.
- Stir-fry. For example, Broccoli Red Pepper Stir Fry.
- Grate in a slaw. Grate broccoli stalks and add them to your coleslaw recipe.
- Toss broccoli florets with a bit of olive oil and add to your hot pasta
- Eat it raw.
- Toss some broccoli into a frittata or quiche.
- Steam it.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I craving broccoli?
You’re craving broccoli because you’re deficient in some essential minerals found in broccoli, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin C. It could also be because of your love for it, or you’re on a new gluten diet.
What happens when you overeat broccoli?
Broccoli is generally a safe vegetable; however, having too much of it can cause fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and a bloated face, especially in people with thyroid problems.
What nutrients does broccoli contain?
Broccoli is rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), folate (B9), and vitamins A, B6, C B12, D, E, and K. It also contains carbs and protein.
How much broccoli a day is too much?
Taking four cups of broccoli sprouts a day is not healthy.
Conclusion
Brocolli is a highly nutritious vegetable packaged with many essential vitamins and minerals. If you are craving broccoli, it’s your body telling you to eat more of a particular nutrient. However, you do not have to wait for such cravings to munch on broccoli. You can eat broccoli every day!