Yes, broccoli has a lot of nutrients. But can it also help you lose weight?

While many health-food buzzwords get thrown around a lot on social media and people usually know they mean something good or bad, they can't often say why. "Organic," for instance, is usually thought of as being good for you, but if you ask enough people why that's the case or what organic really means, chances are the answers will be all over the map. Ditto for terms like "gluten-free," "all-natural," "probiotic," "non-GMO," or "BPA-free."

Another of the most common health-food buzzwords that gets used a lot is "superfood." Though there are a variety of definitions and interpretations of what a superfood really is, it's essentially a nutrient-dense food that is not only known for being good for you but also for containing properties or ingredients that can improve or prevent disease.

Some of the most popular superfoods include blueberries, Greek yogurt, chickpeas, salmon, walnuts, quinoa, and a host of cruciferous vegetables that include cauliflower, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and, of course, broccoli.

What is broccoli?

Broccoli is an edible green plant in the Brassicaceae (cruciferous) family of vegetables that's known for its flowering head and nutritious stalk. A broccoli head is known as a floret and it's where the where the majority of the vegetable's nutrients are contained - though broccoli stalks are highly nutritious as well.

"Broccoli is loved for its versatility, mild yet earthy flavor, and satisfying crunch," says Lisa Young, a registered dietitian nutritionist, author of "Finally Full, Finally Slim," and an adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University.

Broccoli is grown in well-drained, fertile soil and prefers cooler weather, so it is generally planted in early spring or late summer, per the University of Minnesota Extension. China and India are the world's top broccoli producers, followed by the United States, per World Population Review. Nearly all the broccoli cultivated in the country comes out of California.

Is broccoli good for you?

No matter where your broccoli comes from, it's packed with enough nutrients and benefits to make the vegetable worthy of its "superfood" status. One cup of raw broccoli, for instance, contains magnesium, potassium, selenium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, nearly 2 grams of protein and close to 2 grams of dietary fiber, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"And, according to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, cooked broccoli contains about 100 milligrams of calcium per cup," says Jen Messer, a nutrition consultant and registered dietitian at Jen Messer Nutrition. "This can really add up when paired with other calcium-rich foods, especially for those following a plant-based diet." Calcium is important for a lot of things, including being good for your heart and building stronger bones and muscles.

Young also praises broccoli for "supporting skin health, thanks to its antioxidants that combat free radicals." LeeAnn Weintraub, a registered dietician and nutrition consultant based in Los Angeles, says the high-fiber content of broccoli helps with digestion and promotes gut health and that the food supports immunity as well by being "a great source of various antioxidants, including sulforaphane."

Broccoli has also gained significant attention in the field of cancer research due to its potential anti-cancer properties. "This is because broccoli contains glucosinolates, which can be converted into substances that fight cancer," explains Weintraub.

How many calories in broccoli?

Another of the reasons broccoli is so good for you is that it contains very little calories. One cup of raw broccoli not only contains a high number of important nutrients - that nutrition also comes with only 29 calories. On top of that, it's high-fiber content means that broccoli is also filling, making it ideal for healthy weight management.

Can you eat broccoli every day?

Despite so many benefits, some people limit their consumption of broccoli. For instance, "its high-fiber content can cause bloating or gas, which is not recommended for individuals with sensitive digestive systems, irritable bowel syndrome, or those who are recommended to eat low-fiber diets post-gastrointestinal surgeries," says Weintraub.

Young adds that people with hypothyroidism may choose to limit raw broccoli consumption, "as it contains goitrogens that can affect thyroid function in large amounts."

Another consideration is that broccoli it relatively high in vitamin K, "which could interfere with blood-thinning medications," cautions Messer. "This is, however, usually not an issue as long as you keep your intake of vitamin K-rich foods consistent."

So long as such considerations are kept in mind, she says, broccoli is an important vegetable to eat often and can incorporated into a healthy diet a variety of ways. "One of the best things about broccoli," Messer says, "is how convenient it can be when it comes frozen, pre-chopped, and ready to toss into meals on those busy nights."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How many calories in broccoli?