Broccoli - Useful Properties And Contraindications

Although today broccoli is considered a "modern and contemporary" product, in fact the vegetable was known in ancient Rome, and for his homeland is considered the southern coast of the Mediterranean. This is a useful and interesting plant. It contains a rich set of essential trace elements and vitamins, occupies one of the leading places among vegetables. Let's find out why it is so useful and when it is contraindicated for consumption.

Nutritional composition of broccoli

One of the biggest advantages of broccoli is its nutrient content. One cup (91 grams) of raw product contains:

• 6 grams of carbohydrates;
• 2.6 grams of protein;
• 0, which are able to reduce the risk of developing cancer, joint, and heart disease

The amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in vegetables is 2.5 times more than in citrus fruits. In addition, it is a source of vitamins PP, K, U. Broccoli is not inferior to carrots and pumpkin in the content of vitamin A (beta-carotene), which is responsible for good vision and beauty.

155 grams of chopped broccoli gives the body twice as much vitamin C per day as needed, as well as 3/4 of the body's required dose of beta-carotene.

In the presence of vitamin U, which fights with ulcers, broccoli is second only to asparagus. The variety of minerals in the composition of this vegetable (potassium, selenium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, iron) ranks second after cauliflower - its competitor.

In addition, broccoli is a source of protein, also fiber - an excellent means of purifying the body, which helps remove toxins from the body, dead cells, and heavy metal ions. The coarse fiber contained in this vegetable rids the body of excess cholesterol.

Along with all the above properties of broccoli, we must say that they are rich in essential amino acids, for example, serotonin - "the hormone of happiness ".

Chlorophyllin broccoli has a positive effect on blood composition.

Useful properties of broccoli consumption

Thanks to wealth and a large number of active substances, the vegetable is useful for people with heart and nervous system diseases. It can be considered one of the best antisclerotic drugs, so people with such problems should include it in their daily diet.

Relatively soon, scientists found that due to the substance sulforaphane, which is contained in broccoli, bacteria, causing stomach ulcers are destroyed, even if they are resistant to antibiotics. Sulforaphane also prevents the development of cancer of the breast, prostate, skin, stomach. The amount of the substance in the stems of young broccoli is 10 times higher than in the cob.

Two more elements are part of this type of cabbage, which are able to resist cancer - sinigrin (killing cancer cells and inhibiting their division) and indole-3-carbinol (I3C ) (not only suppresses cancer cells but has a beneficial effect on the immune system). / p>

How to consume broccoli?

Broccoli can be eaten in a variety of ways: raw, fried, steamed, cooked. In the raw state, they are used for salads in combination with other vegetables. Served as a side dish to fish or meat. It is best to eat vegetables without being heat-treated because this preserves the maximum amount of biologically useful substances.

We must say that heat treatment of the product destroys the vitamins and trace elements that enter its composition. In this way, its useful properties are significantly lost and therefore broccoli dishes should be consumed shortly after processing.

Contraindications

There are no contraindications to eating vegetables, except in cases of individual intolerance to it.

Broccoli is a good source of vitamin K, but this may prevent some people who take drugs to thin the blood. They should not drastically increase the intake of foods rich in vitamin K, such as broccoli.

Some people may have an allergic reaction to the substances contained in vegetables, as well as to other cruciferous vegetables. If a person experiences hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after eating broccoli, they should seek immediate medical attention.