Useful properties of broccoli and contraindications to its use

Broccoli cabbage, known since the times of ancient Rome, has become widespread in Russia relatively recently. Despite the fact that she is the closest relative of cauliflower, which is very popular in our country, still many people are suspicious of her. And this is a big mistake, because it is broccoli that is considered the most useful among all types of cabbage.

We will tell you how this vegetable is useful for the human body and, in particular, for the health of women, how many calories and what substances are valuable for the health it contains.

Composition and calorie

Broccoli - a real storehouse of vitamins and mineralsIn its composition, it can be compared with good multivitamins, but it is a natural product. How many calories in cabbage? It will be a true find for those who are accustomed to count the caloric content of food - 100 grams of this cabbage contain only 34 kcal. At the same time, this portion has 2.82 g of protein, only 0.37 g of fat and 6.64 g of carbohydrates.

Unlike calories, there are many vitamins in it.

• By the amount of vitamin C, broccoli significantly exceeds such recognized leaders as lemon and orange.
• There is vitamin U, which is necessary for the healing of ulcers and erosions.
• Vitamin PP participates in redox processes in the body, promotes tissue growth.
• In addition, the composition of broccoli contains vitamins of group B, in particular folic acid, thiamine and riboflavin, vitamins A, K, E.

It is also worth noting such micro and macro elements as magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, each of which plays a role in the proper functioning of the human body.

Useful properties for the human body

Medicinal properties of this vegetable:

1. Cancer Prevention and Control. Modern studies have shown that this cabbage can help fight against certain types of cancers, such as breast, ovarian and skin cancer. Sulforaphane stops the development of cancer cells, and synergin and indole-3-carbinol destroy them and strengthen the immune system.
2. Reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Regular consumption of this vegetable favorably affects the work of the heart, as well as the condition of the walls of blood vessels, allowing you to prevent diseases such as heart attack, stroke, arthritis or atherosclerosis.Broccoli choline (vitamin B4) and methionine are involved in the elimination of cholesterol from the body, excess of which leads to problems with the cardiovascular system.
3. Improves the functioning of the digestive tract. High fiber content helps to normalize the digestive processes, improve the work of the intestines and solve the problem of constipation, including chronic. By stimulating the secretion of bile, broccoli helps to improve the condition of the liver and gallbladder. In addition, it has the ability to remove dead cells, slags and even heavy metal ions from the body.
4. Helps in recovering from illnesses. Broccoli contains substances that accelerate the process of regeneration of cells and tissues, helping the body to recover faster. Phytoncides increase the overall immunity and prevent the reproduction of harmful microorganisms.
5. Normalizes blood sugar. Many experts recommend including this vegetable in the diet of diabetics, since it contains sulforaphane, which can reduce glucose levels and regulate insulin production.
6. Improves the nervous system due to the presence of vitamin B1. People with nervous disorders, poor memory, frequent stress should often include this plant in their diet, because it is rich in thiamine, which is very important for the brain.
7. Positive effect on vision. Carotenoids, of which there are almost as many as in pumpkin and carrots, can prevent cataracts by strengthening the retina and lens.
8. Body care. What is it useful for the body of women? It is worth paying special attention to this product also because it perfectly helps to lose weight and get rid of cellulite. Its constituent elements help clean the intestines of toxins, regulate metabolic processes in the body.
   A large amount of fiber gives a long-lasting feeling of fullness with a small amount of food eaten.

   The reduction of the "orange peel" is due to the fact that excess fluid is quickly and safely excreted from the body, as a result of which the skin becomes smooth and taut.

9. Preventing prostatitis and prostate cancer. The composition of the vegetable includes enzymes that not only have a beneficial effect on potency and men's health, but also help to prevent the development of serious prostate diseases.

Contraindications

Absolute contraindication to the use of broccoli can only be allergic to this plant. Fortunately, it is extremely rare. Otherwise, there is it in one form or another for almost everyone. Restrictions relate mainly to the form of use.

• You can not use broccoli for cooking broth, because decoction of it contains substances that carry harm to the body (adenine and guanine). In soups, this cabbage, too, must be added at the end, when the soup is ready.
• It is worth remembering that with prolonged roasting, especially in large quantities of oil, cabbage will not only lose all its beneficial properties, but also forms carcinogens.
• The use of raw cabbage is contraindicated for people with high acidity of the stomach and those who have diseases of the pancreas.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

For pregnant women, this product is indispensable for a number of reasons:

1. Low calorie and high nutritional properties allow you to control weight gain.
2. A high content of vitamin C boosts immunity.
3. Folic acid is necessary for the development of the nervous system of the fetus.
4. Calcium is necessary for the health of the future mother and for the child.
5. Reducing sugar levels is important for pregnant women with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

Broccoli - hypoallergenic product, which has a minimum of contraindications, so it is one of the first to be allowed to include in the diet of a nursing mother, after 4-5 weeks of birth, you can gradually add it to the menu when breastfeeding. Most children respond well to the introduction of this vegetable, first in the mom's diet, and then, from 6-7 months and as a complementary food.

Can I have it with pancreatitis?

In the period of exacerbation of pancreatitis, this type of cabbage can be consumed in the form of mashed soups, steam stews. Doctors recommend introducing it not immediately and only if it is well tolerated and does not cause bloating, flatulence and other problems with digestion. At first, after entering, you need to be especially attentive and stop the use when the first symptoms appear.

In the remission phase, there are no restrictions on consumption.

Summing up, it remains only to repeat that broccoli is a very useful vegetable, which must be present in the diet.How to cook it to get the maximum benefit? Steaming or short cooking is considered the most correct way, because with long-term heat treatment many useful properties are lost. You can serve this vegetable as a separate dish, as a side dish, and as a part of vegetable stews or casseroles.