Broccoli calcium
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "broccoli calcium"
Calcium in Broccoli: Bioavailability, Nutritional Benefits, and Post-Harvest Quality
Calcium Bioavailability in Broccoli
Broccoli is a notable source of calcium, a critical mineral for human health. Research indicates that the bioavailability of calcium from broccoli is comparable to that from milk, making it an excellent alternative for those who consume limited dairy products. Studies have shown that the fractional calcium absorption from broccoli averages around 0.478, which is slightly higher than the absorption rate from milk2 5. This high bioavailability underscores broccoli's potential as a significant dietary source of calcium.
Nutritional Composition and Health Benefits
Broccoli is not only rich in calcium but also packed with other essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. It contains vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, potassium, and iron. Additionally, broccoli is abundant in antioxidants and compounds like glucosinolates, sulforaphane, and indole-3-carbinol, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties3. These attributes make broccoli a multifaceted vegetable with numerous health-promoting effects.
Post-Harvest Quality and Calcium Treatments
Maintaining the quality of broccoli post-harvest is crucial due to its perishable nature. Various studies have explored the use of calcium treatments to extend the shelf life and preserve the nutritional quality of broccoli. For instance, the application of calcium chloride (CaCl2) has been shown to inhibit the degradation of chlorophyll, reduce weight loss, and maintain the antioxidant activity of broccoli florets during storage1 4 9. Treatments combining calcium chloride with other compounds like salicylic acid have also been effective in delaying senescence and preserving the quality of broccoli heads4 9.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Calcium Content
The calcium content in broccoli can vary significantly depending on genetic and environmental factors. Research has demonstrated that different broccoli cultivars exhibit varying levels of calcium, influenced by both genotype and growing conditions. For example, certain inbred lines and hybrids have shown more than a two-fold difference in calcium concentration5 8. Seasonal variations also affect mineral content, with higher calcium levels observed in certain seasons8.
Enhancing Broccoli Quality with Calcium Applications
Pre-harvest and post-harvest calcium applications have been shown to significantly improve the quality and shelf life of broccoli. Pre-harvest treatments with calcium chloride can increase biomass, enhance the concentration of beneficial phytochemicals like glucosinolates, and delay senescence in broccoli microgreens6 10. These treatments not only improve the visual and nutritional quality of broccoli but also reduce microbial growth during storage, making them valuable for commercial production and retail marketing10.
Conclusion
Broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable with excellent calcium bioavailability, making it a valuable addition to the diet, especially for those who limit dairy intake. The application of calcium treatments, both pre-harvest and post-harvest, can significantly enhance the quality and shelf life of broccoli, ensuring that its nutritional benefits are preserved. Understanding the genetic and environmental factors that influence calcium content can further optimize broccoli cultivation for improved health outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The combined treatment of broccoli florets with kojic acid and calcium chloride maintains post-harvest quality and inhibits off-odor production
Kojic acid and calcium chloride treatment maintains post-harvest quality and inhibits off-odor production in broccoli florets, prolonging their shelf-life.
Absorbability of Calcium from Brassica Vegetables: Broccoli, Bok Choy, and Kale
Brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, and kale, exhibit excellent calcium bioavailability compared to milk.
RCTBroccoli: A Multi-Faceted Vegetable for Health: An In-Depth Review of Its Nutritional Attributes, Antimicrobial Abilities, and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Broccoli is a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, including glucosinolates, sulforaphane, and indole-3-carbinol, which have health-promoting effects.
Literature ReviewExogenous Postharvest Application of Calcium Chloride and Salicylic Acid to Maintain the Quality of Broccoli Florets
Postharvest application of salicylic acid and calcium chloride can maintain the quality and antioxidant compounds of broccoli florets during refrigerated storage at 5°C for up to 21 days.
Non-RCT
Rigorous JournalCalcium and Magnesium Concentration of Inbred and Hybrid Broccoli Heads
Broccoli head calcium and magnesium concentrations vary significantly among inbred and hybrid varieties, with environmental factors potentially complicating genetic improvement of these nutrients.
Metabolomic assessment reveals an elevated level of glucosinolate content in CaCl₂ treated broccoli microgreens.
Preharvest calcium application in broccoli microgreens increases glucosinolate content, which enhances yield and shelf life, with a higher glucosinolate level observed at each post-harvest time point compared to control groups.
Highly CitedEFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID AND CALCIUM FOLIAR APPLICATION ON GROWTH, YIELD AND MARKETABILITY OF BROCCOLI
Foliar application of ascorbic acid and calcium significantly improves broccoli growth, yield, and marketability, with the interaction treatment of A3Ca3 showing the most significant increase in growth, yield, and marketability.
MINERAL CONTENT OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY INFLORESCENCES OF ELEVEN BROCCOLI CULTIVARS GROWN IN EARLY AND LATE SEASONS
Broccoli's mineral content varies by season and cultivar, with Tokyodome being the most calcium-rich cultivar.
Foliar application of salicylic acid and calcium chloride delays the loss of chlorophyll and preserves the quality of broccoli during storage.
Pre-harvest foliar application of Ca (2%) + SA (0.01%) prolongs the shelf life and maintains the green color, marketability, and nutrient content of broccoli during cold storage at 5 1°C.
Non-RCTPre-harvest calcium application increases biomass and delays senescence of broccoli microgreens
Pre-harvest calcium application increases broccoli microgreen biomass and delays senescence, improving postharvest quality and shelf-life, potentially enabling wider retail marketing.
Highly Cited