Broccoli: benefit and harm

Broccoli cabbage has been known since the time of Ancient Rome - it was eaten by all the estates of the people, appreciated by it and the healers of those times.Its distribution in Europe, it began only in the 16th century, but in Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union, the type of cabbage is almost not grown.

Chemical composition of broccoli and caloric content

Nutritional information 100 g :

• Calorie: 34 kCal
• Proteins: 2,82 g
• Fats: 0,37 gr
• Carbohydrates: 6.64 g

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As part of broccoli, there are many useful trace elements and vitamins - they are essential for the normal functioning of the human body. In particular, the following components of the were identified:

• vitamins E, B, A, C, PP and U;
• beta-carotene;
• chlorophyll;
• is an essential amino acid.

The broccoli contains a lot of protein, but there is no cholesterol in the product under consideration - it makes the protein important for the normal functioning of the body really useful.Broccoli cabbage contains substances that are able to influence blood sugar levels, very much in its inflorescences and fiber, and carotenoids in cabbage are generally elements that are very rare in vegetables.

With such a huge benefit, broccoli is a low-calorie product - it can safely include the diet of those who are on a diet for medical reasons or simply follow a healthy lifestyle.

Use of broccoli

It is possible to list the useful properties of the cabbage species in question for a very long time, therefore only the most basic and significant for human health are identified in this material. So, what is the use of broccoli :

1. Normalizes the condition of nails and hair - nails cease to separate, hair strengthens.
2. The remnants of synthetic drugs are withdrawn - this is necessary for long-term admission of certain groups of drugs.
3. Regular use of broccoli serves as a prevention of strokes and heart attacks - the walls of blood vessels are strengthened.
4. Stabilizes the work of the intestines - people even stop chronic constipation.
5. Stimulates the production of bile - this prevents the development of stagnant phenomena in the gallbladder and bile ducts.
6. Accelerates tissue regeneration processes - broccoli should be used by those patients who are in the rehabilitation period after long-term chronic diseases or surgical interventions.
7. Normalizes blood sugar level - this factor makes broccoli extremely useful for diabetics who, with regular use of this type of cabbage, can reduce the dose of insulin administered and keep within the norm the walls of the vessels( they usually suffer because of the high sugar content in the blood).
8. Restores the psychoemotional background - in the broccoli there are physiologically active substances, due to which the nervous system is strengthened.
9. Helps prevent progressive development of cataracts, strengthens the retina and cornea of ​​the eye.
10. Broccoli removes excess fluid from the body - this is the first cellulite companion.If you regularly eat this type of cabbage for 2 months, then visible changes in the appearance of the skin will surely please every woman.
11. Broccoli contains a lot of folic acid - this product must be present on the table in pregnant women or those who are just planning to conceive.

Medical research of the latest generation led to the conclusion that broccoli can fight even malignant tumors!The fact is that in its composition there is sulforaphane - a substance that stops the growth of cancer cells.Sulforaphane helps to fight and with bacteria, which contribute to the development of ulcerative processes in the stomach, duodenum and in general the entire intestine.

As part of broccoli, there is also synegrin - it strengthens the immune system, prevents the division of cancer cells and even destroys them.

Note: , according to recent studies in cancer patients who consumed broccoli twice daily, sustained stopping the growth of malignant tumors.This makes it possible to invent drugs against cancer from extracts and extracts of broccoli, but this is still a theory.

Harm to broccoli

It is believed that broccoli itself can not harm a person's health.But still, if you prepare the product in question incorrectly, the harm can be done.

First, you can not eat decoction of broccoli cabbage - it contains guanine and adenine, which is unlikely to add value to the human body.That is why we do not recommend cooking soup from broccoli.

Secondly, too long and powerful heat treatment of the product in question can not be carried out - almost all vitamins and trace elements will be destroyed.Especially this applies to those who prefer to cook food in the microwave oven - broccoli should simply boil in salted water or bake in the oven.

Thirdly, doctors categorically do not recommend roasting cabbage broccoli on high heat in a large amount of fat - the body not only will not benefit, but will also have to withstand the powerful impact of carcinogens, which are formed just in the process of broccoli frying.

Please note: in raw form of broccoli should be used carefully for people with diagnosed gastritis with high acidity of gastric juice.It is necessary to limit the use of the product in question and those who have problems in the functioning of the pancreas.

In order not to cause damage to health, you only need to properly prepare broccoli cabbage or eat it raw( optimal option according to doctors), and also observe the rules of its storage - in a freezer or in a regular refrigerator, but no more than 7 days.

There are also categorical contraindications to the use of broccoli :

• in its raw form, the product in question is forbidden to be consumed by anyone diagnosed with gastritis and / or gastric ulcer;
• it is undesirable to introduce in the menu cabbage broccoli to those who have an anamnesis of bowel disease.

Slimming broccoli

Many diets that promote weight loss include broccoli in the diet.This is due to the fact that this type of cabbage has a low calorie content and contains a lot of fiber. But there are several myths related to the use of broccoli for weight loss - we will debunk them :

1. Broccoli is a product with a negative caloric value, that is, it requires more energy for digestion than cabbage gives to the body.This is an absolute lie, but its low caloric content allows you to lose weight correctly and without serious consequences in the form of a sick stomach or metabolic disorders.
2. It is better to eat broccoli in raw form - this is not entirely true.Doctors, nutritionists say that the best option for losing weight is to prepare the product in question for a couple, you can also boil it, but not more than 7 minutes with slow boiling and without the addition of salt.
3. Broccoli accelerates metabolic processes and literally burns fats in the body.A shred of truth in this statement is: broccoli, used in its raw form, simply supports metabolic processes within the limits of the norm.And this is true if cabbage is taken for food not with mayonnaise or sour cream, but with a minimum amount of vegetable oil or lemon juice.

Broccoli cabbage is a very useful product that will help not only to diversify the menu, but also to strengthen, normalize the work of all human systems and organs.