Your parents knew what was up when they told you to eat your broccoli. This verdant vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is reputed to benefit the cardiovascular system, immune system and to have anti-inflammatory and even cancer-preventing properties. It is also a fat-free vegetable.

Here are the top 5 health benefits of broccoli:

1. Cancer prevention: Consumption of broccoli may prevent cancer. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, and all vegetables in this group may be protective against some stomach and intestinal cancers.

2. Cholesterol reduction: Broccoli can help lower cholesterol because the soluble fiber in the vegetable binds with the cholesterol in the blood. This binding makes the cholesterol easier to excrete, and consequently lessens cholesterol levels in the body.

3. Detoxification: Phytocheimcals glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin compose a terrific trio in broccoli. Together, they aid all steps of the body's detoxification process, from activation to neutralisation and elimination of contaminants.

4. Heart health: In addition to reducing cholesterol, broccoli can aid in heart health by helping to keep blood vessels strong. The sulforaphane in broccoli is also an anti-inflammatory and may be able to prevent or reverse damage to blood vessel linings caused by chronic blood sugar problems.

5. Anti-inflammatory benefits: Broccoli is a great anti-inflammatory and may slow down the damage to joints associated with osteoarthritis.