Properties and Benefits of Broccolini or Bimi

Bimi has ten essential nutrients and more zinc, folic acid, antioxidants and vitamin C than green asparagus, regular broccoli, kale and spinach.
Properties and Benefits of Broccolini or Bimi

Last update: 07 October, 2018

Bimi, also known as broccolini, is a vegetable that’s similar to broccoli, and they both belong to the Brassicaceae family. Bimi has a soft and sweet taste, its stem is similar to the stem of the asparagus and the florets are similar to broccoli florets.

It’s also an excellent food to include in weight loss diets due to its high contents of fiber and linoleic acid. It’s rich in glucosinolates (anti-carcinogenic agents) and it contains sinigrin, which promotes the elimination of precancerous cells. According to several studies, Bimi helps to prevent stomach, colon and lung cancer.

Bowl of bimi florets.

Bimi properties

Bimi, or broccolini, is a hybrid vegetable. It originated from crossing the regular broccoli that we all know, with the Chinese cabbage. Because of this, it has similar properties to these foods, but other very particular characteristics.

This food is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and anti-carcinogenic substances, such as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates that can eliminate tumor cells.

It’s also a source for phenolic compounds that have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. Within that group, flavonoids (that also have an anti-tumor effect), stand out.

Regarding its nutrients, bimi or broccolini is rich in potassium, zinc, folic acid, manganese, iron, B-complex vitamins and it contains a considerable amount of vitamin C, which surpasses the amount of vitamin C found in oranges.

On the other hand, its high fiber content and low calorie value, make bimi a very useful ingredient for when you want to eat a nutritious food without increasing the calories in your diet. For example, you can use it to lose weight, or prevent weight gain by eating it until you’re full.

Lastly, it contains plant compounds that act as prebiotics by feeding your intestinal flora. It also contains antibacterial substances that could be promising for medicinal use.

Benefits of bimi

As we mentioned before, the properties of bimi are really beneficial for human health. Mostly because of the high amounts of antioxidant and the anti-carcinogenic compounds it contains.

Pasta salad with bimi.

It’s a food with good properties, and therefore has different benefits that you can take advantage of if you include it in your meals. Let’s look at these benefits:

  • Bimi not only helps to fight against tumor cells, it also prevents and controls heart and metabolic diseases.
  • It’s a great food to drain your body, regulate tension and get rid of excess liquids, which makes it the perfect ally for weight loss diets.
  • The high amounts of vitamin C it contains, strengthens your immune system, which protects your body from bacteria and microorganisms. It also promotes energy production in your cells.
  • Calcium and vitamin D keep your bones healthy and they prevent osteoporosis.
  • Fiber improves your intestinal transit, reduces the risk of constipation and protects you from colon cancer.

How to eat it

You can grill bimi, boil it, steam it or even it eat raw. The regular procedure is boiling it in water for three minutes, with a pinch of salt and then strain it afterwards. Use it as if it were regular broccoli.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.