These restrictions could ultimately lead to severe nutritional deficiencies, making such cleanses unbalanced and unsafe. Weight loss cleanses differ from VLCDs, as they often eliminate vital nutritional components — such as protein — without providing any guidance for replacing them during the cleanse. Interestingly, one 15-week study showed that short-term, rapid weight loss by way of a VLCD was more effective at lowering cholesterol and blood sugar than slower, sustained methods for weight loss . Broccoli is one of the cruciferous vegetables, which are named for their cross-shaped flowers and known for powerful antioxidant properties. Science has shown that a diet rich in cruciferous veggies reduces the risk of certain cancers.