11.10.2017 2 613

Broccoli, benefits and harms to the body - who can be dangerous dietary product?

Broccoli is often referred to as the queen of cabbages. Known since the times of Ancient Rome, this annual culture is famous for its many beneficial properties. Broccoli is a subspecies of cauliflower, differing from it in appearance and taste, as well as in chemical composition. The name of this plant comes from the Italian "brocco" - shoot, branch.

Broccoli is native to Asia Minor and the Mediterranean. In Europe, cabbage began to gain popularity in the 16th century, but received real recognition only in the 20th century. In Russia, broccoli is practically not grown. In food, as a rule, use inflorescences and stalks of broccoli. Inflorescences can be purple or green. We are more accustomed to the latter option, this variety is called Calabrese.

Useful properties of broccoli

Broccoli cabbage contains a huge amount of vitamins and elements necessary for a person. It contains vitamins of group B, vitamin E, A, PP, K, U, C, and the latter contains an order of magnitude more than in and. Vitamin U can effectively fight ulcers, and broccoli contains just as much vitamin U as asparagus. Of the macro- and microelements, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, copper and selenium can be mentioned. Potassium removes excess salts from the body, calcium is necessary for health and normal growth and nails, magnesium is useful for, sodium helps maintain water and electrolyte balance in the body, manganese and zinc have a beneficial effect on the development of tissues and cells, copper plays an important role in hematopoiesis, selenium removes heavy metals and residues of synthetic drugs.

There is a lot in broccoli and beta-carotene - much more than in other vegetable crops (even carrots), and this element is considered a vitamin of beauty and youth. This plant also contains chlorophyll, which has a beneficial effect on the blood, and essential amino acids, which are found in large quantities only in beef meat. Among the amino acids, there is also a compound that contributes to the production of the “hormone of happiness” - endorphin.

Broccoli is rich in protein, which is highly valued due to the presence of lysine and isoleucine in it - they equate this vegetable to the protein of a chicken egg. Only unlike animal products, broccoli does not contain cholesterol, on the contrary, it contains substances that prevent accumulation in the body and its excretion - choline and methionine. Therefore, it is recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, arthritis,. The use of this vegetable significantly reduces the risk of and.

Fiber is also present in large quantities in cabbage, which can naturally cleanse the intestines, normalize digestion processes, and get rid of. Stimulates broccoli and bile secretion, facilitating the work of the liver and biliary organs. Regular use of this product promotes the processes of regeneration of tissues and cells of the body, which play an important role in the recovery period after illnesses.

Broccoli is an indispensable product for diabetics and lovers of sweets - it contains components that help normalize insulin levels, as well as protect the walls of blood vessels from damage caused by high blood sugar. Those who have problems with the nervous system should also include this plant in their diet: the physiologically active substances present in large quantities in cabbage have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and heart. This vegetable also has a beneficial effect on vision: carotenoids prevent the occurrence of cataracts, strengthening the retina and lens of the eye.

The properties of broccoli are known to remove toxins, dead cells, heavy metal ions, free radicals from the human body. Therefore, cabbage is advised to be consumed by seriously ill people who have suffered from radiation, living in ecologically unfavorable areas with high levels of radiation. Broccoli also helps to get rid of excess fluid, which is a companion of cellulite. One has only to start using this product regularly, as the skin will become more even and toned. A decoction of the seeds of this crop is effectively used in the fight against worms.

Due to the high content of folic acid in broccoli, it is recommended for pregnant women. Acid contributes to the rapid formation of new healthy cells, and maintains their condition.

What else is good for broccoli?

Recent medical studies have shown that broccoli is able to fight, for example, breast, ovarian, prostate, bladder, skin cancer. It contains the most valuable substance - sulforaphane, which stops the development of cancer cells. Especially a lot of this component in young stems and shoots of cabbage. True, it is contained in heads of cabbage almost 10 times less than in stems. The same substance kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cause.

In addition to sulforaphane, broccoli contains two more substances necessary for oncological diseases: synegrin and indole-3-carbinol (ISC). Sinegrin is part of other types of cabbage. It not only prevents the division of cancer cells, but also destroys them. IZS acts both on cancer cells and on a person, significantly strengthening it, due to which the body is able to more actively resist cancer.

In those patients who ate broccoli dishes at least twice a day, the growth of cancerous tumors was stopped. In the near future, it is planned to develop anticancer drugs based on the above substances. Their advantage is that they are optimally absorbed by the human body.

Harm broccoli

By itself, broccoli is a product that is favorable for the human body from all points of view. It is very difficult to cook and eat this cabbage in such a way that it causes harm, but still it is possible.

Firstly, it is not recommended to use a decoction obtained from cabbage - it contains guanine and adenine - substances harmful to the human body. Therefore, when preparing vegetable broths, broccoli is not used. Secondly, with serious heat treatment, most of the nutrients are lost, vitamins and microelements are destroyed. This is especially true of the methods of cooking in the microwave that are so common in our time.

Categorically do not advise frying broccoli over high heat with a lot of fat. In this case, instead of the beneficial properties that this cabbage is so rich in, the body will receive a serious blow, which will be facilitated by the carcinogens formed during the heating of the oil. Thirdly, when eating raw broccoli (this is the best option), people with high stomach acidity and impaired pancreatic function should be careful. Some diets prescribed after surgery also prohibit the use of raw vegetables containing a large amount of coarse fiber.

It turns out that in order to gain the maximum benefit from the use of this product and not cause harm to health, you should only cook the cabbage correctly (or eat it raw) and store it correctly - in the freezer or no more than a week in the refrigerator.

How many calories are in boiled broccoli?

Due to the low calorie content, this product is considered one of the dietary products. Broccoli cooked without adding fat contains a little more than 30 kcal per 100 grams of the product.

For comparison, an apple has about 35 kcal per 100 grams (fruits contain sugar, therefore, are more caloric and are not recommended for those who want to lose weight). Therefore, broccoli is often included in body shaping diets - it is healthy, tasty and safe, and also perfectly nourishes.

Broccoli for weight loss

The basis of any diet is to reduce the amount of fat and carbohydrates in the diet. In this case, broccoli is the perfect option to include in your diet menu. There is a myth that broccoli is a product with a negative calorie content, that is, more energy is spent on its digestion than it brings to the body. This is far from the truth, rather, we can say that it gives very few calories - this is quite enough to make an optimal diet that allows you to lose weight without harming your health.

As mentioned above, raw broccoli will bring the greatest benefit. In second place is steamed cabbage - this way a certain amount of useful substances will be lost, but a lot will remain. It is permissible to stew broccoli for a short time (no more than 7 minutes) without adding salt, which contributes to the retention of excess fluid in the body. The least desirable ways of preparing this product are long boiling, baking. The most unfavorable option is roasting.

Despite the fact that raw vegetables are healthier, nutritionists advise regularly eating light vegetable soups: they have a beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa, saturate and are a gentle source of fiber, which is not contraindicated in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Broccoli soup is one of the healthiest and most beneficial foods.

A dietary version of this tasty and healthy soup is prepared with unsalted vegetable broth. First, leeks are cut and boiled, and broccoli is added 7 minutes before the vegetables are ready. Fresh or dried herbs, onion, garlic, bay leaf are added to taste. After 7 minutes, the pan is removed from the heat, and the resulting vegetable soup is crushed with a blender into a puree of the desired consistency. Of course, this soup is desirable to use without bread. For a more satisfying option, you can add boiled white chicken meat. One serving of vegetable soup with chicken pieces contains about 300 kcal, which will provide the body with energy for about 5 hours.

It is also believed that broccoli helps to speed up the metabolic processes in the body, helps burn fat. Indeed, there are prerequisites for this, because this cabbage contains a rather large amount of chlorophyll and B vitamins, which contribute to metabolic processes. True, for this it is desirable to use raw cabbage, for example, add it to light vegetable salads. Of course, during the diet period, salads with broccoli are recommended not to be seasoned with mayonnaise or sour cream, but with a minimum amount of vegetable oil and lemon juice.

Since broccoli contains a large amount of fiber, it will help cleanse the intestines, and as a result, get rid of excess weight. Therefore, it is advisable to eat broccoli at least once a day. For lunch, you can eat a portion of lean meat with a side dish of stewed cabbage, a steam omelet with broccoli will serve as an excellent breakfast. The diet will be most effective if you replace one of your meals with a lean dish of this cabbage. It is better if it is a vegetable salad with fresh broccoli for dinner. If the cabbage seems too hard, you can scald it with boiling water - this will not bring significant damage to the benefits of cabbage.

Video recipe from the program "Just delicious - broccoli!"

Contraindications to eating broccoli

As mentioned earlier, broccoli has an exceptionally beneficial effect on the body of a healthy person. It is not recommended to eat raw broccoli for people with high acidity of the stomach, as well as for those who, for health reasons, should not eat foods containing coarse fiber. Of course, this vegetable is contraindicated for those who have an individual intolerance to broccoli, but, fortunately, such cases are extremely rare. For everyone else, nutritionists advise using this wonderful product as often as possible.

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University N. I. Pirogov, specialty "Medicine" (2004). Residency at the Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).

For many, broccoli is associated only with the diet and is considered tasteless, dull and forced part of a healthy diet. It is not as popular with us as, for example, in the West.

But its useful, even medicinal properties are so unique that in our country it deserves a completely different attitude towards itself and widespread distribution.

The mere fact that scientists are working to create a cure for cancer based on substances contained in broccoli is worth a lot. But besides this, there is still a lot of usefulness, with the almost complete absence of contraindications, hidden in these lilac-green inflorescences.

Broccoli, unfortunately, is not as popular with us as, for example, white cabbage.

But 100 g contains almost 100% of the average daily value of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Phylloquinone (vitamin K) in 100 g of broccoli - 85% of the daily requirement.

In addition, it contains antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin), folic acid. Boron and silicon in it - more than 260% of the daily requirement. Broccoli has sulfur, potassium, manganese, iodine, fiber, but there is no sucrose and starch.

Only 34 kcal per 100 g with such a content of nutrients make broccoli one of the best foods for dietary nutrition.

But those who suffer from gout or kidney stones should be aware that broccoli contains purine bases (about 17% of the daily requirement in 100 g).

Cabbage against cancer cells

Not so long ago, scientists made a discovery, thanks to which broccoli gained fame as a fighter against cancer.

It was found that this cabbage contains substances that activate the immune system to fight cancer cells, stop their growth and even destroy them.

One of them is called "sulforaphane" - an organic substance that has a strong anti-cancer and antibacterial effect.

True, broccoli contains only glucoraphanin, which is converted to sulforaphane under the influence of enzymes when chewed. So the folk wisdom “The longer you chew, the longer you live” in the case of broccoli is absolutely true.

Most of this substance is found in the seeds and stems of the plant.

Broccoli against other diseases

• Sulforaphane is not only an anti-cancer, but also a powerful antibacterial substance.

It effectively fights even bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, broccoli dishes are useful for stomach ulcers, gastritis, inflammatory diseases, and dysbacteriosis.

• Thanks to fiber and dietary fiber, it helps with constipation.

It helps the body to remove harmful substances: from toxins to salts of heavy metals. Improves digestion, stimulating the secretion of bile, normalizing the work of the pancreas.

• Broccoli is good for diabetes.

• Broccoli fights excess cholesterol and prevents its accumulation in the body.

Good for cardiovascular health.

• The substances contained in broccoli have a beneficial effect on the condition of the eyes, and specifically the retina and lens.

This cabbage should be included in the diet in the treatment of cataracts.

• Broccoli increases the body's defenses.

Therefore, it is necessary in the diet of the weakened after illness and the elderly, pregnant women, and children.

Diet vegetables help you lose weight

Broccoli is a staple in many weight loss diets. And this is not surprising.

• Low calorie content in the absence of fats and starch, the presence of fiber (which improves digestion and metabolism), a lot of protein are the characteristics of an ideal dietary product.
• Broccoli contains a lot of vitamins and micro and macro elements, especially necessary for a limited diet.
• Due to its composition, it has an anti-cellulite effect, and is also useful for hair, nails and skin, which usually do not have the best effect on diets.

Broccoli for women and their health

This is a product that women need not only to maintain beauty and normal weight.

It is also very useful for future mothers and their babies.

• The protein contained in broccoli is a building material for muscles, and it is vital for a growing little man.

And pregnant women often cannot eat meat or fish because of changed taste preferences. Many people can't even stand their smell.

• This cabbage helps maintain salt balance, and for the body of pregnant women with their frequent edema, it is very important.
• A common nuisance in pregnant women is constipation.

Broccoli will help to cope with this delicate problem.

• A portion of this cabbage can almost completely meet the daily need of a pregnant woman for ascorbic acid, which means strengthening her immunity and helping her resist colds.
• Folic acid, iron and other substances are necessary for the normal development of the child.

And although pregnant women usually take vitamin-mineral complexes, those vitamins and minerals that are ingested with food, such as broccoli, are better absorbed.

Broccoli for kids

When the child is born and grows up a little, mothers will be able to appreciate this vegetable again.

• Broccoli is ideal for the introduction of complementary foods.

It is hypoallergenic, so it is suitable for most children who try adult food for the first time.

• And in baby food, the vegetable is also valued for vitamins, micro and macro elements that contribute to the growth and health of children.
• Today's children are increasingly faced with the problem of being overweight. Broccoli is great for feeding these kids.

Application in cosmetology

Only in this area is valued not so much the plant itself, but the oil from its seeds.

Cold-pressed, it retains all the beneficial properties of the vegetable.

It should not be ingested - it is toxic due to the erucic acid it contains.

But it has a lot of vitamins (A, B, C, PP, E, K), it contains fatty acids, iron, magnesium, zinc, sodium, phosphorus, chlorophyll, potassium, calcium and other useful substances.

• It moisturizes and nourishes the hair, making it shiny, silky and smooth. Helps repair damaged and split ends.
• Broccoli oil is used for skin care of all types. It restores its protective functions, softens, nourishes, relieves irritation.

The easiest way to take advantage of the healing properties of broccoli seed oil is to add a few drops to your hair and skin care products.

Contraindications and harm: possible, if careful

It would seem that a vegetable, pleasant in all respects. And useful, and dietary, and affordable. But, unfortunately, he also has contraindications. And fortunately - they can rather be called restrictions.

• Nursing mothers should include this cabbage in their diet with caution, especially in the first months of feeding.

Despite the fact that broccoli is a good source of vitamins necessary for mother and child, it can cause harm - cause gas formation in the baby, although to a lesser extent than its relative - white cabbage.

• Broccoli contains purine bases - adenine and guanine, although less than, for example, cauliflower.

But when cooked, they concentrate in the broth. Therefore, broccoli soup is not the most healthy dish, and for gout, kidney stones, pregnancy and childhood, it can be eaten in small quantities. Moreover, from it you can cook more healthy and tasty dishes.

• Increased acidity of the stomach and problems with the pancreas are also a reason to limit the use of this type of cabbage.

We choose, we store, we prepare correctly

Broccoli is a vivid illustration of the thesis "Food is the best medicine." To get the effect of a natural medicine, it is enough just to eat it. The most important thing is to choose, store and prepare it correctly.

Selection rules

Owners of beds with broccoli have no problem choosing a quality vegetable.

It is enough to choose not overripe cabbage, without yellowed leaves, with unopened inflorescences.

In the store, to choose really good cabbage with the maximum amount of nutrients, you need to be very careful.

• The normal color of broccoli is lilac-green, gray.

Open buds, yellow leaves are a sign that this cabbage is best left on the shelf.

• Naturally, the absence of mold, rot, black or brown dots is a prerequisite.
• Not only the appearance speaks of the quality of broccoli: it must be strong, dense, firm.

But if you are not lucky, and you get a wilted cabbage, you can reanimate it. To do this, cut the stump and put it in fresh clean water. After a few hours, the head of cabbage will again become elastic and strong.

• The fresh smell also speaks in favor of the selected instance. No musty smell, mold or rot.

Storage rules: it is better to freeze

The maximum amount of useful substances is in fresh, even freshly cut broccoli. But this ideal option is not available to everyone and not always. Therefore, it is important to save it with minimal losses.

• If it needs to be stored for no more than 12 hours, then it is enough to put it in a jar or vase with clean cold water.

"Bouquet" will wait for cooking without compromising its beneficial properties.

• If longer storage is expected, then the best place for this is the vegetable shelf of the refrigerator.

An unwashed vegetable should be placed in a loosely closed container or bag (paper or plastic). So broccoli can be stored for about three days, a maximum of five to seven.

• If broccoli is frozen, it will retain its beneficial properties for up to 12 months.

Before freezing, it must be disassembled into inflorescences and washed thoroughly.

To get rid of possible small insect pests, the inflorescences are soaked for an hour or two in cool salty water (a tablespoon of salt per liter of water).

Then they are washed, blanched for about three minutes and quickly cooled in very cold water.

Arrange the dried cabbage in bags and send it to the freezer to wait in the wings.

Cooking rules

Cooking broccoli so that it retains its medicinal properties is not difficult. It is boiled, stewed, fried, baked.

But the maximum of useful properties is in fresh broccoli or steamed in compliance with simple but important rules.

• Before use, fresh cabbage should be washed very thoroughly under running water, and then soaked in water or saline.

Harmful substances and possible insects will remain in the water.

• Broccoli leaves contain more vitamins than the florets.

Therefore, if they are not yellowed, they do not need to be cut off.

• Salads with broccoli are best not seasoned with lemon juice: it changes its color to an unpleasantly gray.
• Steaming should take 3 minutes. 10 minutes is the maximum.

So cabbage will lose a minimum of useful vitamins. Yes, and those very anti-cancer substances, for which broccoli is especially valued, are destroyed by heat treatment.

• Fast and hassle-free microwave cooking is not the same as steam cooking.

The microwave oven deprives the cabbage of the benefit for which it is cooked.

Useful recipes for the benefit of the body

1. Egg muffins can be prepared for breakfast for athletes, children, pregnant women.

Thanks to broccoli and eggs, they have a very high content of protein - a building material for muscles, thanks to cheese - calcium, which is necessary for bones, teeth, the cardiovascular system, and thanks to broccoli and green onions - vitamins.

• So, beat 6 eggs with a whisk or a blender.
• Steam one or two heads of broccoli (in a double boiler or slow cooker).
• Grate 100 g hard cheese.
• Chop up a bunch of green onions.

Mix everything (but not with a blender, but with an ordinary spoon), salt a little, pour into cupcake molds and bake for 10-15 minutes.

1. Cottage cheese and broccoli casserole is also a healthy dietary dish that contains a lot of protein, calcium and vitamins.

For it, you need to mix 200-250 g of cottage cheese, 100-200 g of broccoli, 2-3 eggs, some greens.

Break the broccoli into small florets and mix well.

Cook in a double boiler or, sprinkled with grated cheese, bake in the oven until tender.

1. Any salad (naturally, without mayonnaise, smoked meats and pickles), to which the “secret ingredient” is added, can become a prevention of viral diseases and even cancer. The name of this ingredient is broccoli sprouts.

The fact is that the very sulforaphane, to which broccoli owes the glory of a fighter against cancer, is concentrated in the seed of the plant. Interestingly, as the cabbage grows, it does not become more. That is, its amount is the same in a small sprout and in an adult vegetable.

Therefore, for the prevention of cancer, you can eat broccoli sprouts. What’s more, it’s not hard to get them. Seeds need to be wrapped in damp gauze and wait a few days until they germinate. Like wheat germ, oats, soybeans, they can be added to salads or other dishes.

Broccoli is not a vegetable that can be eaten by force just for its benefit.

With proper preparation, dishes from it are not only extremely healthy, easily digestible, but also very tasty.

If they are cooked correctly, they will retain the maximum benefit, become a valuable source of vitamins, micro- and macroelements, and other substances that we need so much. And if broccoli dishes are included in the diet from childhood, then they will become familiar and take their rightful place in the diet of people who want to eat not only tasty, but also healthy.

The surrounding nature is unusually rich in valuable products, one of them is broccoli, a tasty and healthy cabbage that comes from the Mediterranean, where it was bred by selection. The plant is similar in shape to the beloved cauliflower, but the flower head, which grows from a thick stem, is usually dark green in color, sometimes with a purple tint. Broccoli can be eaten raw or cooked, but it contains more beneficial nutrients and vitamins when raw. Women should not ignore broccoli, as it contains huge benefits for health, skin and hair beauty.

Broccoli - tasty and healthy, its features

For centuries, dishes were cooked from this cabbage mainly only in Italy, and now it is cooked almost all over the world, using it in various national cuisines, taking into account all its natural virtues:

1. Highly nutritious

Broccoli is a wonderful source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, among them - potassium, magnesium, manganese, which are so necessary for the body to maintain health. This is especially important for the nutrition of pregnant women, as the developing fetus needs a balanced mix of beneficial nutrients. One cup of broccoli a day is enough for

2. Beneficial effect on the circulatory system and heart function

Broccoli is one of the best foods that help the heart be healthy, because the beneficial substances - potassium, calcium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids contained in it, regulate blood pressure, lower blood pressure. Broccoli protects blood vessels from damage, normalizes blood flow, which directly protects the body from strokes and heart attacks. The iron and folic acid contained in it act prophylactically against anemia.

3. Protects the body from the development of cancer

Research scientists have found that the use of broccoli contributes to the excretion of estrogen from the body, causing the development of cancer. Broccoli is especially effective in preventing breast and uterine cancer.

4. It has a positive effect on the state of the nervous system

For the normal functioning of the nervous system, the body needs potassium, which is contained in sufficient quantities in broccoli. It provides protection from stress, and also helps the normal functioning of the brain.

5. Promotes weight loss and slimming

For those who want to lose weight, broccoli is one of the best foods. Sufficient fiber content ensures a highly productive work of the digestive system, maintaining blood sugar levels, and preventing constipation. The presence of glucoraphanin in the composition of a healthy vegetable enhances the processes of detoxification of the body, removing toxins and toxins.

6. Strengthens the skeletal system

Broccoli is an excellent source of calcium, providing more than the amount found in dairy products. It helps women overcome osteoporosis, which is especially common after pregnancy and later in life. The lack of his women is usually covered with ready-made calcium preparations. An alternative to these may be to consume a sufficient amount of broccoli daily.

7. Beneficial effect on the retina

Vitamin A, which is part of the green vegetable, protects the retina from excessive absorption of light and ensures eye health. In addition, broccoli prevents the development of cataracts, which develop with age in almost all older people.

8. Provides healthy skin

Broccoli is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and E. Vitamin E stimulates the production of collagen, thereby maintaining healthy skin, and protects skin cell membranes from ultraviolet and radiation radiation.

9. Promotes regeneration and speedy recovery of the skin epithelium

Broccoli contains a substance called glucoraphanin, which provides the fastest healing of the skin and its renewal. In the process of tightening the damaged areas, the skin epithelium not only regenerates faster, but also acquires a beautiful natural glow.

10. Helps fight aging

You most likely know that vitamin C contains, which actively fight free radicals, thereby preventing age-related changes in the skin structure. It is free radicals that are responsible for the problems that occur with age on our skin and are to blame for accelerating skin aging. By blocking, vitamin C prevents the appearance of fine and deep wrinkles, age spots. In addition, broccoli contains beta-carotene, vitamin E and B-complex vitamins, which help to naturally rejuvenate the skin and give it a healthy and fresh look.

11. Protects the body from ultraviolet radiation

This cruciferous vegetarian vegetable protects the skin from UV radiation better than sunscreen. This can be explained by the fact that sunscreens simply absorb the sun's rays, thereby preventing them from penetrating deep into the skin, and when eating broccoli, a kind of matrix of protective enzymes is formed in the skin cells, protecting it from the aggressiveness of the sun. Under the skin, the substance sulforaphane appears, reducing its redness and inflammation caused by the action of ultraviolet rays. Therefore, daily consumption of broccoli during the holiday period, especially while on the beach, is no less useful than using protective creams from sun exposure.

12. Protects the Body from Skin Cancer

Scientists have proven that sunburn not only causes reddening of the skin and changes in the structure of the skin layer, but can also cause cancer. Sulforaphane significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.

13. Strengthens the immune system of the skin

Broccoli is useful for women to maintain beauty:

1. For hair health

In order for hair to be healthy and strong, hair follicles must receive daily a certain amount of vital substances, primarily vitamins A, C, E, B5, B12, iron, niacin, zinc, sulfur, silicon dioxide and germanium. These substances, found mainly in dark green vegetables, including broccoli, are super nourishing for hair, strengthening it from the very roots.

2. For hair growth

3. To strengthen hair follicles

Broccoli is especially good for skin and hair. This is a natural product containing a whole range of beneficial nutrients, including vitamins C and B6, which make hair strong and silky from the very roots, helping to straighten it.

4. Against hair loss

The antioxidants found in broccoli help block free radicals and promote the growth of healthy cells, thereby making hair healthy and strong. Vitamins C and B group help relieve stress that causes hair loss, maintain a normal psychological state and physical health, which in turn affects the health of the hair. In addition, broccoli contains powerful substances that significantly reduce the chemical reactions in the body that lead to thinning and hair loss.

5. Provides shine to hair

Broccoli oil contains a unique silicone-like fatty acid composition that is responsible for healthy, natural hair shine. Omega-9 fatty acids keep hair smooth by helping to overcome the effects of harmful detergents and chemicals on hair follicles. In this regard, broccoli is clearly a good competitor to ready-made shampoos and conditioners.

Broccoli is best eaten raw. Most often it complements salads. You can cook a wide variety of dishes from broccoli, because it can be consumed

• steamed,
• blanched,
• stew,
• baked in the oven
• add to meat, soups, yoghurts, etc.

Broccoli. Where could I buy? Storage

This cabbage can be bought in supermarkets. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the color of the head. It should be dark green or purple. Yellowing flowers indicate that the vegetable is stale and should be avoided.

It is recommended to store broccoli in plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Do not wash before cooling. This will lead to premature deterioration of the product. Blanched broccoli can be stored frozen for up to a year.

Cooked meals stay in the refrigerator for several days.

Tender and crunchy, broccoli florets are extremely nutritious and healthy. Add them to your diet, make a choice towards broccoli - tasty and healthy, towards natural health and natural beauty. Be joyful, happy and kind to each other!

Although everyone has heard about the unique health-improving qualities of broccoli, few people regularly include this cabbage in their diet, considering it bland and tasteless. Today our hero is broccoli. What are its benefits and harms, how to cook cabbage? We learn more about her in order to fall in love with this "green curl".

The most useful of all varieties of cabbage!

This vegetable is very pretty on the outside and no less attractive on the inside. In appearance, it resembles a flower bouquet, as it is assembled from bright green inflorescences. Broccoli is a type of cauliflower. It is full of vitamins (B, A, PP, C, K, U), minerals - selenium, iron, sodium, iodine, zinc, calcium, silicon, magnesium and others.

This cabbage contains folic acid, fiber, bioactive substances. The therapeutic qualities of broccoli are so high that it has been called the "vegetable of the 21st century"!

A vegetable is not without flaws: how does broccoli threaten health?

She is so much and often praised, and some do not even realize that the miracle healer broccoli has contraindications.

The main taboos for eating broccoli:

• high acidity of gastric juice;
• exacerbation of diseases of the pancreas;
• bowel surgery.

You will have to completely abandon this cabbage in any form if the body does not tolerate such a product and responds to it with an allergy.

And now about the unpleasant properties of broccoli. The benefits and harms of this vegetable can change places if it is used improperly. Although doctors urge to regularly include it in the diet, this does not mean that cabbage should be eaten in large quantities. Eating only kale (something some women do in an effort to lose weight) or eating too large portion sizes can lead to underactive thyroid and weight gain. This is especially dangerous for teenagers, as it is fraught with stunted growth.

Important! To ensure that the benefits of broccoli remain the same after heat treatment, it is not recommended to cook it using microwaves or fry it in oil in a pan. When roasted, carcinogens are formed that provoke cancer. And the use of dishes with an appetizing crust strikes at the liver.

It can be boiled, stewed, fried. Calorie content depends on how to cook this cabbage.

If you evaluate a dish not by its taste, but by the number of calories, then steamed broccoli will take the leading position. Its benefits and harms for losing weight are explained simply: in such a product, there are only 27 Kcal per 100 g! He will feed and supply the body with vitamins and microelements, which are so lacking for those who are on a diet.

Preparing this dish is simple: rinse the head of cabbage. Cut off the base, divide the head of cabbage into inflorescences (if the cabbage is frozen, do not defrost). Put the broccoli in a double boiler or in a colander that you place in a pot of boiling water. Cook 7 minutes. You can pour the cabbage with garlic-lemon dressing.

A boiled vegetable is no less valuable in terms of health and harmony. It has 28 kcal. Blanching cabbage is even easier. It is enough to boil water, salt, place the inflorescences in it for 3 minutes, and then put them in a colander. If desired, cabbage can be seasoned with olive oil.

Important! It is forbidden to use water in which the vegetable was boiled, since it contains nitrogenous bases that adversely affect the body.

The calorie content of the stew will be slightly higher - 37 Kcal. The recipe for its preparation is as follows: wash the broccoli, sort it into inflorescences. Place them in a hot skillet with olive oil. Add a little water, put salt and spices, close the lid, simmer for 15 minutes. You can add chopped garlic, onion.

In last place in terms of dietary abilities is fried broccoli, it contains 46 kcal. If it is pre-boiled, then frying will take 5-10 minutes. Raw cabbage will have to be held in a pan for 10-15 minutes. Heat a frying pan with olive oil, put the cabbage, sprinkle with seasonings (chili, garlic, cumin) and fry for about 4 minutes.

Put the broccoli on a dish, add soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, mix. The dish will turn out very tasty if the boiled pieces of cabbage are rolled in breadcrumbs or batter, and then browned in butter for 10 minutes.

There is no consensus regarding the use of broccoli in its natural form. Some experts believe that thermal exposure reduces its healing reserve by half. Others do not advise eating such cabbage raw, so as not to bring E. coli into the body.