Pilates Wellness Wednesday: Should We Really Eat Broccoli Every Day?

A fresh plate of steamed broccoli in a bright kitchen highlights simple daily wellness choices.

I recently read that we should be eating broccoli every day and it made me pause. As someone who is always interested in health and wellbeing, especially how it supports our Pilates practice, this seemed like a bold suggestion. Is daily broccoli really a good thing and are there any downsides?

Let’s start with why broccoli is considered a superfood. It is packed with nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium, iron, and a good amount of fibre. It also contains powerful compounds like sulforaphane which is believed to have cancer-protective properties. From a Pilates perspective this means supporting our immune system, reducing inflammation, and helping with recovery and repair, all important when we are physically active and committed to moving well.

Broccoli is also great for gut health which in turn supports mental wellbeing. The gut brain connection is something we are starting to understand more deeply and eating more vegetables, especially cruciferous ones like broccoli, has been linked to improved mood and cognitive function. So yes, eating broccoli daily could support both our physical and mental wellness.

But is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? Possibly. Eating large quantities of raw broccoli every single day can lead to digestive discomfort for some people, especially those with sensitive stomachs. Broccoli is high in FODMAPs, a group of fermentable carbohydrates, which can cause bloating or gas in some individuals. Cooking broccoli can reduce this effect and also makes some nutrients more bioavailable.

Another concern is for people with thyroid issues. Broccoli, like other cruciferous vegetables, contains goitrogens which may interfere with thyroid function when consumed in large amounts, particularly if iodine intake is low. Again, cooking can help minimise this effect.

So should we eat broccoli every day? It depends on your body and how it responds. For most people, incorporating a moderate amount of broccoli a few times a week is incredibly beneficial. You could steam it, roast it, stir fry it or even blend it into soups. Variety is key in any wellness plan. Eating a rainbow of vegetables alongside your broccoli will give you a broader range of nutrients and avoid overloading any one system.

As Pilates teachers and practitioners we are always striving for balance, whether that is in movement or nutrition. Broccoli is a brilliant part of that picture but it does not have to be every single day to be effective.

What is on your plate today?