Broccoli: what it contains and why it matters
Broccoli is a green cruciferous vegetable. This page lists its nutritional content from published sources and explains which lab parameters it relates to.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-04
Nutritional content of broccoli
Per 100 g edible portion, from published composition data.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Source |
|---|---|---|
| EnergyRaw edible portion | 34 kcal | USDA |
| Protein | 2.82 g | USDA |
| Carbohydrate | 6.64 g | USDA |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | USDA |
| Vitamin C | 89.2 mg | USDA |
| Calcium | 47 mg | USDA |
| Iron | 0.73 mg | USDA |
| Folate | 63 µg | USDA |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 31 µg | USDA |
| Vitamin K | 101.6 µg | USDA |
Which lab parameters does broccoli relate to?
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the immune system and helps the body absorb non-heme iron from plant foods [WHO].
Calcium
Calcium is the main mineral in bones and teeth, and is also needed for muscles and nerves [WHO].
Understand your Calcium result →See all calcium-rich foods →
Iron
Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body [WHO].
Understand your Haemoglobin result →See all iron-rich foods →
Folate
Folate is needed to make and repair DNA and to form red blood cells [WHO].
Vitamin A
Vitamin A supports vision, the immune system and the health of skin [WHO].
Vegetarian and dietary notes
Broccoli is a raw plant food derived from the species Brassica oleracea that complies with vegetarian and vegan dietary standards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the vitamin C content of raw broccoli?
Raw broccoli contains 89.2 mg of vitamin C per 100 g [USDA]. In human physiology, vitamin C functions as a water-soluble antioxidant, a cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen biosynthesis, and a promoter of intestinal non-heme iron absorption.
How much calcium does broccoli provide?
Broccoli contains 47 mg of calcium per 100 g [USDA]. Calcium serves as an essential structural mineral in bone and teeth and participates in cellular signaling, muscle contraction, and blood clotting mechanisms.
What amount of folate is found in broccoli?
Raw broccoli provides 63 µg of total folate per 100 g [USDA]. Folate functions in one-carbon metabolism, supporting DNA methylation, purine and thymidylate synthesis, and red blood cell production.
What forms of fiber are present in broccoli?
Broccoli contains 2.6 g of total dietary fiber per 100 g [USDA], comprising both cellulose-based insoluble fiber that adds bulk to digestive contents and soluble fibers that undergo fermentation by colonic bacteria.
What characteristic sulfur-containing compounds are in broccoli?
Broccoli synthesizes secondary plant metabolites known as glucosinolates, primarily glucoraphanin. When plant tissues are physically broken, endogenous myrosinase enzymes hydrolyze these precursors into isothiocyanates, including sulforaphane.
Sources
- USDA — USDA FoodData Central, Agricultural Research Service. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
- WHO — World Health Organization — nutrition fact sheets. https://www.who.int/