The queen among the rest of the cabbage world, this is how broccoli can be described. She was awarded this title because of her beneficial properties. Fiber and vitamins, which are contained in large quantities in cabbage, are suitable for people involved in sports, on a diet, and simply for the everyday diet.

Broccoli stimulates immune system person. It contains many minerals, trace elements, and vitamins that are beneficial to humans. All this diversity nutrients promotes normal development the body and its systems. They not only perform nutritional function, but also protect the body from harmful factors during illness.

Composition of broccoli

Beneficial properties of broccoli

1. Cancer prevention

   Broccoli is a godsend for preventing and helping with cancer. Cabbage contains the following compounds: glucoraphanin, calcium, potassium, selenium, they have an anti-carcinogenic effect. The presence of vitamins “A”, “C”, “E”, and amino acids help to positively fight cancer of the intestines, lungs, kidneys, reproductive organs in men and women, and other types of cancer. Eating broccoli has a particular effect on breast and cervical cancer.

The presence of calcium in broccoli, nutrients and other elements that help the body absorb calcium becomes indispensable for children, pregnant and lactating mothers, elderly people, patients who have undergone surgery bone tissue. This vegetable can easily compensate for the lack of calcium in the body.

2. Detoxification effect

   Ascorbic acid, sulfur and amino acids help remove toxins and waste from the body. Ridding the body of its natural pollutants helps cleanse the blood, which ensures better saturation of organs with oxygen and improves their functioning and accelerates their functioning. metabolic processes, positively affecting the immune system.

3. Heart Health

   Fighting cholesterol is one of the the most important problems at work cardiovascular system. Broccoli, which contains vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, helps lower blood cholesterol levels. The most positive effect can be achieved if the cabbage is steamed, in which case more is preserved. useful substances, promoting the removal of cholesterol, which cleans blood vessels and improves blood flow. Potassium is part of broccoli; it has a vasodilating effect, which increases blood flow to the organs and saturates them with oxygen.

4. Rejuvenating effect for skin

   Constant presence of broccoli in the diet, especially in winter and spring periods will promote the regeneration of skin cells and increase cell turgor. The skin will be smoother, more elastic, velvety, and there will be less inflammation of all kinds in the form of pimples and acne. This effect is achieved thanks to a number of vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants. In the summer, all these elements and minerals will protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

5. Improves the functioning of the stomach and intestines

   The fiber in broccoli helps normalize the functioning of the stomach and intestines. Fiber fibers retain water and provide better permeability feces through the intestines, effectively coping with constipation. Broccoli juice contains vitamins and minerals that promote proper digestion, stabilize acidity and restore the mucous membrane of the digestive organs.

6. Source of Vitamin D

   Vitamin “D” is produced abundantly in the summer when ultraviolet light hits the skin; this is a natural process in which it is synthesized in the body. IN winter period, a person is deficient in vitamin D. But broccoli contains enough of this vitamin and in winter time, it should always be part of the diet, especially for children under three years of age.

7. Strengthening the immune system

   Good immunity prevents pathogenic microbes from entering the body. Vitamins and microelements found in broccoli, such as copper, zinc, ascorbic acid, help strengthen the immune system and its active work during the period viral diseases or in the postoperative period, when immunity needs to be restored.

8. Help for pregnant and nursing mothers

   Broccoli should definitely be included in the diet of a pregnant woman, if not individual intolerance product. A diet that includes broccoli promotes the proper formation of systems and organs in the fetus during pregnancy. This effect is achieved due to the vitamins, omega-3 amino acids, trace elements and minerals that are part of broccoli. A large amount of fiber helps prevent constipation in a pregnant woman, normalizes the pH environment and preserves the intestinal microflora. During lactation, the female body needs an increased content of nutrients and vitamins, broccoli is a good product that compensates for this deficiency.

9. Nervous system health

   Eating broccoli helps strengthen the nervous system, which is especially necessary in early childhood and in patients who have undergone neurosurgical operations. The potassium contained in cabbage promotes the formation of nerve fibers. Broccoli is also considered a good way to prevent Parkinson's disease.

10. Help with diabetes

    With this disease, it is recommended to consume more vegetables that contain fiber and are low in calories, and broccoli comes first here. When consumed, there is no sudden increase in blood sugar levels. Systematic consumption of broccoli and compliance general diet will help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Vitamins and microelements that broccoli contains and omega-3 fatty acids all play a role important role in decline blood pressure. To achieve this effect, you need to systematically eat broccoli, having previously calculated the daily intake from a nutritionist and consulted with a cardiologist.

Lack of protein and iron in the body leads to anemia. In 100g. Broccoli contains a sufficient amount of protein, a tenth daily norm iron, as well as copper, which also plays an important role in hematopoiesis.

11. Keen vision

    Studies have shown that the carotenoid lutein helps prevent age-related macular degeneration of the retina, cataracts, as well as benign and malignant tumors eyes. In addition, broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin A - more than 20% of the daily value. Vitamin A is included in visual pigment rhodopsin, contained in rods, plays a key role in the process of light perception. With its deficiency, night blindness develops.

Contraindications to eating broccoli

Everyone has healthy products There are contraindications to one degree or another. But not broccoli. Modern medicine After conducting many experiments and studies, I confirmed that broccoli has no contraindications for use. This vegetable can truly be considered universal; its effect on the body from the allergic side is neutral. The only factor in which it is not recommended to eat broccoli is individual intolerance, but such cases are extremely rare. As a result, eating broccoli has only a positive effect on health and immunity.

The name of this vegetable originates from ancient times. According to primary sources, the word broccoli with Latin language translated as “branch” (bracchium). Translated from Italian, broccoli (Italian Broccoli) means “flowering stem”, “shoot”.

In terms of nutritional value, broccoli proteins can be compared to the proteins found in meat or eggs.

Western scientists decided to improve the properties of broccoli and, after numerous breeding tests, a new variety appeared. The new vegetable contains three times more compounds that have anti-oncological and antibacterial properties compared to traditional varieties of broccoli.

Broccoli has a very low calorie content, only 34 kcal per hundred grams of weight. The human body requires a certain amount of energy to process this product. But large number The fiber in cabbage ensures a feeling of fullness for a long time.

What else is useful?

Broccoli is a variety of cauliflower that is distinguished by its head of intense green. The described vegetable is very popular among those who choose proper nutrition and healthy food.

Low calorie and delicious product is also valued in folk medicine, since it contains many useful substances and microelements. This cabbage is well digestible in any form.— it can be baked, boiled, stewed or fried. In addition, fresh broccoli is also a great addition to your daily menu.

What does broccoli contain?

Useful properties The benefits of this vegetable are due to the optimal content of biologically active substances and valuable microelements in the product. The table below shows chemical composition cabbage inflorescences.

It is worth noting that broccoli is a low-calorie product, since 100 g of the vegetable contains from 30 to 34 calories. The share of vegetable proteins in such cabbage is 2.82 g, and it also contains carbohydrates of 6.60 g. Broccoli is also valuable because it contains a minimum of fat. Large quantity dietary fiber- fiber, has a good effect on intestinal function and makes a dish made from this green vegetable even more healthy.

Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, manganese, when combined with vitamins, enhance healing properties cabbage They normalize the condition of bone tissue and have a positive effect on the process of hematopoiesis. Iron contained in green inflorescences ensures oxygen transport in the body and improves the functioning of the endocrine glands.

The benefits and harms of broccoli (video)

Numerous vitamins and folic acid included in the inflorescences protect the body from negative influence environment. For example, ascorbic acid and carotene prevent premature aging body, improve vision and condition skin. Regular consumption of broccoli dishes also has a positive effect on human immunity.

There is noticeably more carotene in broccoli than in other types of cabbage. He raises protective properties body and has a positive effect on the health of the retina. Potassium contained in inflorescences has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, expels excess fluid from the body and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Essential amino acids, which broccoli is rich in, contribute to the production of serotonin, which has a positive effect on human well-being. Therefore, dishes made from this product are indispensable for increased mental stress and chronic fatigue.

It is known that cabbage proteins contain choline, which normalizes the nervous system and also helps to lower the level of bad cholesterol and fatty acids in the blood . Doctors note the presence of indoles in broccoli — unique substances, which inhibit the growth of malignant tumors in the body. In addition, they reduce the risk of ulcerative processes in the digestive organs and fight pathogenic bacteria.

Undoubtedly, including broccoli in the diet prevents the appearance of overweight, has a positive effect on work gastrointestinal tract and reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Medicinal properties of broccoli

Green inflorescences contain a lot of fiber, which means they help gently cleanse the intestines and even treat chronic constipation. Vitamins and minerals in cabbage accelerate tissue regeneration processes in the human body, and most importantly, a small portion of the product stabilizes blood sugar levels and strengthens the walls of blood vessels, so broccoli is very useful for diabetics.

Knowing the benefits of this type of cabbage, we can highlight the following healing properties:

• strengthening;
• anticancer;
• cleansing.

Broccoli, steamed for a few minutes, has an anti-inflammatory effect on the human body. Active components natural origin protect tissues from cancer development; young inflorescences of the vegetable are especially useful. Vitamin C in cabbage is strong antioxidant , which not only has a positive effect on the quality of skin and hair, but also improves immunity.

Nutritionists strongly recommend including broccoli in your diet, as this vegetable is famous for its low calorie content and abundance of coarse dietary fiber. For smooth weight loss, it is enough to eat stewed or boiled inflorescences 2 times a day, and they can also be added to salads. The plant protein in broccoli helps maintain muscle and vitality.

Broccoli for weight loss (video)

For women broccoli florets are real natural medicine from many ailments. For example, if you have mastopathy, you should definitely eat this vegetable in any form every day. For men's health the described variety of cauliflower is also healthy, which is why it should not be neglected; systematic use of the vegetable as a side dish reduces the risk of cancer prostate gland, and also promotes gentle cleansing of the body.

A healthy diet strengthens the immune system, normalizes metabolism and promotes relief. unpleasant symptoms. Currently, broccoli-based preparations have been created that can be purchased at the pharmacy.

What else is this amazing vegetable useful for? Broccoli has long been used not only to maintain the health of the body, but also for the beauty of skin and hair. Cabbage seed oil keeps the face fresh, prevents premature aging and treats flaking. In addition, it helps to smooth the hair and gives it shine, and is effective against split ends. Reviews about this product are most often positive; this product is no worse than industrial balms and masks.

The benefits of vegetable seeds are due to increased content they contain fatty acids and useful vitamins, and applying the oil is easy and pleasant.

If you want to eat broccoli for health purposes, then the best option would be a salad made from the tender inflorescences of young cabbage. It can also be blanched without loss of vitamins and nutritional properties. In this case, the usefulness of the product will be preserved, and its taste will remain piquant.

Possible contraindications

It is generally accepted that such cabbage cannot harm the human body. However, many people cook the vegetable incorrectly. For example, It is not recommended to use a decoction of broccoli florets, as it contains guanine, which is not part of a healthy diet.

Powerful heat treatment negatively affects the quality of the vegetable; it loses vitamins and minerals, which means it becomes useless. Don't fry the broccoli too much in a lot of oil.

If you have pancreatitis, you should carefully consider dishes made from such cabbage. In the acute phase of the disease, it provokes the appearance of colic and bloating, since the green vegetable contains a lot of fiber. How many servings of the product per day can a person eat in this case? Doctors recommend consuming an average of up to 200 g of boiled broccoli daily in the form of soups, purees or stews. For gastritis with high acidity gastric juice You should avoid raw broccoli florets. Steamed cabbage dishes, as well as boiled vegetables, will be useful in this case.

How to cook broccoli (video)

Like other vegetables, the inflorescences of this cabbage help to lose weight and maintain health in conditions big cities. It is accessible to everyone, and preparing it is quite simple and quick. In order to engage in prevention dangerous diseases, you should eat broccoli once a day.

Broccoli is very popular among devotees proper nutrition and lovers of varied diets. To have a clear idea of ​​the effects of cabbage on the human body, let's look at its beneficial and harmful qualities.

Composition and benefits of broccoli

1. Protein has a place of honor. In terms of its content, broccoli can surpass beef, rabbit meat and chicken eggs. This type of cabbage has become famous among people who regularly go to the gym. Protein is necessary for muscle formation and weight loss, as well as other vital processes in the body.
2. Not without amino acids; cabbage contains them in abundance. Moreover, many amino acids are not produced autonomously and therefore must be supplied with food.
3. For uninterrupted operation The body requires lipids, which act as substances necessary for the production of thyroid hormones and the building of bone tissue.
4. Broccoli contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. All of them are needed to eliminate heavy metal salts, normalize heart function, and remove cholesterol from the blood channels.
5. Omega acids, concentrated in large quantities in vegetables, control intracranial pressure, and also fight hypertension (high blood pressure).
6. Copper with cobalt and iron are involved in hematopoiesis processes and enhance the production of red blood cells. Phosphorus affects brain activity, increasing perception, concentration and memory.
7. The product contains a lot of tocopherol, which is a natural antioxidant. Broccoli keeps tissues youthful and prevents skin aging. This quality is appreciated by girls and women who always strive to look perfect.
8. Ascorbic acid protects against viral epidemics and prevents vitamin deficiency. Chromium in large quantities regulates blood sugar levels, and phytoncides prevent the proliferation of fungal microorganisms.
9. Broccoli is famous for its abundance of dietary fiber, which includes fiber. These substances are necessary to accelerate the absorption of food, cleanse the body of toxins and remove toxins.
10. Cabbage is not deprived of vitamin B9, or folic acid, which is necessary for the female body. The vitamin improves the functioning of the reproductive system and increases the chances of conceiving a child. This substance is also necessary for pregnant women to ensure the development of the fetus in accordance with the gestation period.
11. Other B vitamins, such as thiamine, pyridoxine, riboflavin, niacin, are responsible for the correct functioning of the nervous system. Systematic intake of broccoli reduces the number of neuroses and fights insomnia.
12. Broccoli is a record-breaking food for carotene content, which is essential for eye health. This type of cabbage is recommended for people who suffer from poor vision. There is slightly less carotene in broccoli than in the notorious carrots.
13. Chlorophyll in combination with carotene prevents the formation of cancer due to the complete neutralization and removal of free radicals. Also, the first substance is necessary to improve blood circulation and compact cell membranes.

Important!
With such a powerful list chemical elements Broccoli has a relatively low calorie content. For a serving of boiled vegetables weighing 100 g. accounts for only 29 kcal. In view of all this, cabbage is often used for weight loss and allows you to achieve impressive results.

1. Not all girls liked the unleavened vegetable, but it is extremely useful for female body. First of all, broccoli helps you lose weight. This becomes possible due to the accumulation of protein and amino acids. When combined, these substances speed up metabolism and natural weight loss begins.
2. The accumulation of antioxidants provides support to all vital systems and organs. Vitamin E is responsible for the health of skin and hair, eliminates toxic substances.
3. Dietary fiber cleanses the intestines of stagnation, against this background the frequency of constipation is reduced and digestion is improved. Vitamin complex needed for the heart and circulatory system.
4. Folic acid, which has always been considered pure women's vitamin, affects fertility. Vitamin B9 increases the chances of conception and also supports the health of a pregnant woman.
5. Broccoli has a choleretic effect. This quality is necessary for regulating fat balance and eliminating cellulite. The liver is also unloaded and its structure is restored.

Benefits of broccoli for children

1. Broccoli is a type of cauliflower. The vegetable belongs to the category of the most useful products for human body. Raw materials are often included in children's menus.
2. Regularly eating cabbage will help your child prevent constipation. The vegetable saturates the body with a sufficient amount of dietary fiber. The abundance of beneficial microelements cleanses tissues from toxic substances and slags. The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract improves.
3. The benefit of broccoli for infants lies in the fact that cabbage is hypoallergenic. Vegetables in the form of juices and purees can be given with early age. In this case, you should not be afraid that the raw materials may harm.
4. Vitamins strengthen children's body. The child is less exposed to seasonal viruses and colds. Cabbage contains diindolylmethane and sulforaphane, substances that prevent inflammatory processes in the respiratory organs.
5. Broccoli performed well as a effective remedy for obesity in children. The cabbage is perfectly balanced. It contains a sufficient amount of protein and fiber. The body quickly gets a feeling of fullness, with a minimum of calories.

Benefits of broccoli for men

1. Men prefer to get pure protein from animal foods. Therefore, eating vegetables is not taken seriously. If you look from the other side, the benefits of broccoli for the stronger sex are invaluable.
2. Cabbage is famous for its excellent antioxidant properties. The vegetable prevents the development inflammatory processes And cancer cells prostate gland.
3. Systematic consumption of broccoli actively resists the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system. The vegetable cleanses the blood of excess bad cholesterol. Therefore, broccoli should be eaten together with fatty foods.

1. During the period of bearing a baby, representatives of the fair sex should carefully monitor their health. Girls need promotion protective functions body.
2. Broccoli is rich in folic acid, an enzyme essential for correct formation and fetal development. The substance prevents the formation of pathologies and synthesizes new cells.
3. If you eat cabbage regularly, you don’t need to take any additional medications or vitamins. Broccoli contains sufficient amounts of calcium, selenium and retinol. It is recommended to eat the vegetable when planning pregnancy.

Benefits of broccoli for gastritis

1. Broccoli's composition is practically no different from white cabbage. The only difference is that in the first case the raw material contains more carotene. The enzyme has a positive effect on the mucous membranes of internal organs.
2. Carotene blocks heavy metal ions that negatively affect the walls of the intestines and stomach. It is recommended to eat broccoli during gastritis. Active components tighten damaged tissues and ulcers.
3. The only condition remains that the cabbage must be eaten stewed or boiled. Broccoli removes dead particles from the body. If you cook a vegetable correctly, all the benefits will be retained.

Harm of broccoli

1. It is forbidden to abuse vegetables, high concentration beneficial enzymes may have a negative impact on health.
2. Broccoli is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance. However, the product is hypoallergenic.
3. Cabbage is prohibited for consumption if there are pathologies of the pancreas. Experts also do not recommend including raw materials in the diet when increased acidity in the stomach.

Broccoli is extremely healthy. All this becomes possible thanks to the low calorie content of the vegetable, as well as a rich chemical list of elements. Cabbage has almost no contraindications, but you should still be careful.

Video: beneficial properties of broccoli

The variety most often found on shelves is “Calabrese”. It is easily recognized by its green inflorescences on a thick stem, tightly adjacent to each other. It is worth knowing what the health benefits and harms are of this product, which nutritionists recommend to include in your diet.

Useful substances in the composition

The first thing that attracts attention is the vitamin composition.

• Beta-carotene is extremely important for maintaining youth and maintaining visual acuity.
• B vitamins are essential for normal functioning almost all organs and systems of the body.
• Vitamin C enhances the body's protective properties and has a positive effect on the elasticity of blood vessels. Broccoli contains it significantly more than citrus fruits.
• Vitamin E protects cell membranes from destruction.
• Vitamin U is a fairly rare, but at the same time extremely important element. It promotes the healing of ulcers. In terms of its content, broccoli can compete with.

• Calcium is needed for healthy bones and teeth. Broccoli is one of the leaders in content of this element, so cabbage is recommended to be included in the diet of people with lactase deficiency.
• Phosphorus is also important for the formation of bone tissue.
• Magnesium is good for the nervous system and improves brain function.
• Potassium is necessary for normal operation cardiovascular system.
• Sodium is involved in water-salt metabolic processes.
• Iron is also necessary - without this element it is impossible to transport oxygen in the body; internal secretion organs also need it.

The benefits of broccoli for the body do not end there. It is valued for such an element as chlorophyll, which has a beneficial effect on hematopoietic processes. Broccoli contains a significant amount of protein, containing essential amino acids. Some of them, besides this vegetable, can only be found in meat. However, this product has an advantage over food of animal origin: it does not contain cholesterol. Moreover, it contains substances that help eliminate bad cholesterol and normalize its level in the blood.

As a part of the vegetable it has positive influence on the intestines. Cabbage stimulates the excretion of bile, helping the liver and bile ducts work. Modern research show that broccoli contains substances that help fight oncological diseases: sulforaphane, sinigrin and indole-3-carbinol. The latter not only helps destroy cancer cells, but also makes the immune system stronger, so that the body successfully resists cancer.

Effect on the body

The remarkable composition of the product provides the benefits of broccoli for the human body. Regular consumption of vegetables helps heal ulcers, promotes the removal of salts and harmful metals, rapid growth healthy nails and hair, bone strength. The elements it contains are involved in the processes of formation of new cells, stabilize nervous system, support the organs of vision.

This type of cabbage has the following beneficial properties.

• Broccoli helps cleanse the intestines, normalizes digestive processes, helps to forget about constipation.
• Prevents cholesterol from accumulating. If a vegetable is often present on the menu, the likelihood of heart attack and stroke is reduced.
• The elements that are present in this cabbage strengthen the immune system and help fight malignant tumors.
• It is recommended to eat the vegetable for seriously ill people. After all, it affects the processes of removing toxins from the body, heavy metals, excess liquid.
• Broccoli promotes cell regeneration and tissue formation. So it should be used by those who have undergone operations and any diseases.
• The product improves the condition of joints and prevents the destruction of cartilage.

The vegetable has low glycemic index, so it is recommended for sick people to eat it diabetes mellitus. Individual components in the composition help normalize insulin levels. Medicinal properties Broccoli can be used in the treatment of cataracts, so this product is included in a recovery diet.

The benefits of broccoli for pregnant women are great. During this period, it is important to receive a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals; regular consumption of vegetables will help with this. It also helps prevent constipation, a common problem during pregnancy.

Protein, which is contained in fairly large quantities in the product, will also be useful. It is used as building material for the formation of tissues and organs of the baby. Vitamin C and other components will help protect expectant mother from various diseases.

Broccoli juice is very beneficial. It is easily digestible and enriches the body with elements important for maintaining health.

Another important quality of a vegetable is the presence folic acid in the composition. This substance is extremely important for the proper development of the child. A pregnant woman should receive it in sufficient quantities to reduce the risk of pathologies, especially in the first trimester.

It is worth noting that the product not only contains many vitamins and minerals, but is also considered hypoallergenic. Broccoli for babies - good option for the first feeding. Manufacturers baby food They offer puree from this type of cabbage; you can also prepare it yourself.

This vegetable is recommended for those who want to lose weight. Broccoli, the benefit of which is to improve digestion and remove excess fluid, helps get rid of extra pounds. In addition, it has a low calorie content - less than 30 kcal per 100 g. That is why this cabbage is included in various diets, satisfied fasting days based on it. And the composition, rich in useful substances, will help support the body during periods of restriction in certain products, so that weight loss will take place without harm to health.

Contraindications

Like any product, broccoli has contraindications. Its use should be avoided if the following pathologies are present:

• increased stomach acidity;
• intolerance to coarse fiber (it is also possible to limit consumption raw vegetables, which contain a lot of this substance, after some operations);
• allergic reactions to this product.

If there are any disturbances in the functioning of the pancreas, it is recommended to consult a doctor about the possibility of consuming the vegetable. In other cases, when proper preparation broccoli harm for the body is practically absent.

Which form is best to eat?

An important question is how to cook this type of cabbage. Important Feature The product lies in the fact that as a result of heat treatment, a significant part of the beneficial substances is lost. How much remains depends on the cooking method. It's better not to use it for this microwave oven, since it manages to preserve very few vitamins and minerals.

Raw cabbage is the most beneficial. It is added to salads or eaten as a side dish. But not everyone likes the taste of raw broccoli. In addition, only young vegetables can be eaten in this form; more mature ones become harsh.

Broccoli will retain most of its valuable qualities if it is steamed or slightly simmered with water and oil. You can also bake or boil it, however, it’s a waste important elements higher with these methods. You can eat the vegetable in soups. It cooks quickly, so it is recommended to add it a few minutes before it is ready.

How to select and store

The benefits of broccoli for the body are great, but only if the product high quality. You need to know what to look for when purchasing.

• The stems of the vegetable should be firm, the inflorescences should be dense and richly green. Interspersed yellow are a sign that the cabbage is overripe.
• An unpleasant odor means that the vegetable has begun to deteriorate.
• Dark inflorescences, shimmering purple, are a sign of high beta-carotene content.
• It is better to avoid buying stale-looking cabbage, with limp stems and inflorescences and spots of rot.

To save useful qualities Broccoli is good for the human body and should be stored properly. It can be placed in the refrigerator for a short period. The best option- Place the stem in a container with water or wrap the vegetable with a damp cloth. It is also possible to store it in an airtight container or plastic bag, in which small holes are made for air access.

For long-term storage, freezing the product is suitable. With this procedure, about 90% of the nutrients are retained. They do it like this.

1. Rinse the vegetable in running water, then shake off the water.
2. Divide the cabbage into pieces. If stems or inflorescences with defects are found, they are removed.
3. Next, you need to blanch; without this, the broccoli will change color in the future. taste qualities will get worse. In addition, this process will help get rid of invisible to the eye insects and microorganisms. To do this, place the vegetable in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then take it out and immediately plunge it into cold water.
4. Broccoli should be dried and then placed in containers for freezing.

Cabbage processed in this way can be eaten throughout the year.

Broccoli is a vegetable that can become a valuable source of substances important for the body. It is not for nothing that nutritionists recommend consuming it as often as possible, if there are no contraindications. You just need to know how to prepare this wonderful product to get greatest benefit.

Broccoli is an imported product that appeared on the tables of our compatriots relatively recently. Few people know that this vegetable is a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that preserve human health and youth. Seeing fancy rich green inflorescences on a supermarket shelf, many people will think about how to prepare the product? In what form is it best to consume and is it possible to eat broccoli raw? The answers to these and other questions are in this article.

Broccoli. What kind of vegetable?

An annual plant, a member of the cabbage family. Subspecies - cauliflower. The stems and inflorescences of the plant are suitable for consumption. The color of the latter can be green or purple. The species that is most widespread in our region is calabrese, represented by green heads of cabbage resembling an umbrella with many inflorescences tightly adjacent to one another. Less well known is the asparagus variety, where small buds are set on numerous thin stems.

What's under the umbrella? Vitamins and nutrients

Broccoli is the leader among existing species cabbage in terms of protein content. There is a lot of fiber and fat here. Contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, selenium, sodium, magnesium, iron and copper. The vegetable will boast and high content vitamins A, B, C, PP, K, E, U.

For example, ascorbic acid(vitamin C) here is twice as much as in tangerines or oranges. To get your daily dose, which is responsible for strong immunity, it is enough to consume 100 grams of broccoli.

Regular consumption of the product as food triggers the processes of active restoration of cells and tissues of the body, which is especially important in recovery periods- after illnesses, operations, serious injuries.

The coarse fiber in its composition normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, helps improve digestion, cope with constipation, indigestion, etc. Stimulating the processes of bile outflow facilitates the functioning of the liver.

How to cook broccoli to preserve nutrients in maximum concentration?

In the minds of consumers, the opinion is firmly established that in its unprocessed form it is better absorbed by the body. When boiling, stewing or frying, the vast majority useful components they simply evaporate. However, experts have still not agreed on whether raw broccoli can be eaten. Some are sure that heat treatment “steals” more than half of the vitamins from a vegetable, others are not inferior, arguing that with proper cooking or blanching, the amount of useful substances in the product will only increase.

In Europe and America, there are many recipes for dishes with raw broccoli, and raw cabbage salad is especially popular. For those who watch their figure and count calories, best recommendation- blanching.

Due to the lack of a clear answer, each person must decide whether broccoli can be eaten raw, depending on their own taste preferences.

Cabbage in the fight against cancer

Those who have not yet decided what kind of broccoli should be before eating - raw or boiled - need to familiarize themselves with the achievements of scientists from the Netherlands.

The tissues of cruciferous vegetables, which include cabbage, contain a large number of glucosinocytes. The latter are transformed in the body into isothiocynates - powerful anti-carcinogenic components. Which, in turn, are precursors of sulforaphene.

A team of experts has shown that eating cooked broccoli, as opposed to fresh, reduces the absorption of this active anti-cancer substance.

A group of 8 men took part in the study. Every day the first four had to consume 200 grams of the plant raw, the second - boiled. Participants' sulforaphene levels were systematically measured.

According to the results of a scientific experiment, it was found that eating raw cabbage promotes accelerated absorption and accumulation of sulforaphene in comparison with the one that was exposed to heat treatment. Concentration active substance in the bodies of raw foodists averaged 38%, while lovers of cooked food were content with only 4%.

The answer to the question is it possible to eat raw cabbage broccoli, obviously. This is not only possible, but also necessary.

Is there any benefit in

The sharp low-temperature effect on the vegetable preserves vitamins and microelements in full. Bought in a supermarket or frozen yourself, it will bring no less benefits than one picked a few hours ago from the garden. This property of broccoli is especially important for residents of the northern regions, where cabbage does not grow at all.

Can I eat thawed broccoli raw? When 8-9% of nutrients are lost. If, after defrosting, the vegetable is subjected to heat treatment, the losses will be twice or even three times greater. Experts strongly recommend eating thawed broccoli raw.

How to properly freeze cabbage?

To avoid wondering whether broccoli can be eaten raw, it is necessary to properly cold process it.

The head of cabbage should be disassembled into small inflorescences and thoroughly cleaned of any remaining soil and dust. Dip into boiling water for 5-10 seconds and immediately place ice cubes for a cocktail in the ice chamber and add water). Dry, put into bags. A product processed in this way can be stored in the freezer for no more than a year.

Is it possible to eat raw broccoli that is stored in the refrigerator? The vegetable retains its beneficial qualities for 5 days after removal from the garden. It is suitable for consumption if kept at a temperature of 5-10 degrees Celsius for no more than 5-7 days.

Creamy fresh broccoli soup with shrimp

World-class chefs, whose qualifications are confirmed by Michelin stars, offer several recipes with fresh product in response to the question of whether broccoli can be eaten raw. leading role, which claim to become favorites in every family.

Main ingredients:

1. Broccoli - 1 head.
2. Boiled peeled shrimp - 10-12 pieces.
3. Onions - 2-3 pieces.
4. Broth (meat, vegetable or fish) - 1.5-2 liters.
5. Cream - 300 grams.
6. Garlic - 3 cloves.
7. Butter (melted) - 5 tablespoons.
8. Lemon juice, pepper, salt, nutmeg - to taste.
9. Parsley - for decoration.

Making a creamy soup

Wash the broccoli thoroughly, separate the inflorescences, and cut into 1-2 centimeter pieces. Peel the onion and garlic, chop. In a high-sided frying pan or heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter and fry the onion and garlic until lightly golden. Pour in the broth, after 10 minutes add the cream. Add broccoli to the mixture and blend with a blender until pureed.

Season the dish with salt, pepper, lemon juice and nutmeg.

Under the stream cold water Rinse the shrimp, dry with a paper towel, and fry with minimal olive oil.

Pour into serving bowls, place 2 shrimp, sprinkle with parsley leaves.

Salad "Freshness"

No less popular vegetable salad from raw broccoli. The presented recipe is a storehouse of vitamins, recommended for consumption at least three times a week. summer time year.

Main ingredients:

1. Broccoli - 1 bunch.
2. Sweet red onion - 1-2 pieces.
3. Tomato - 200 grams.
4. Sweet pepper - 100-150 grams.
5. Chicken egg - 2-3 pieces.

For the sauce:

1. Apple cider vinegar - 2 teaspoons.
2. Olive oil - 2 tablespoons.
3. Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon.
4. Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons.
5. Brown sugar - 1 teaspoon.

1. Green onions - 3-4 feathers.
2. Parsley - 30-40 grams.
3. Garlic - 2 cloves.
4. Sesame - to taste.

Cut the broccoli into florets 2-3 centimeters in size. Rinse thoroughly and place on a paper towel. Wash the pepper, tomato and onion and cut into large cubes. Boil the eggs hard and chop into 6 pieces. Combine vegetables and eggs in a deep container.

To prepare the sauce, mix all liquid ingredients, pour into an enamel container, and put on fire for 30-45 seconds. The mixture should be slightly warm to dissolve the brown sugar. Add it to the bowl removed from the heat and mix thoroughly. Cool the sauce and pour over the vegetables.

Finely chop the green onions, separate the parsley leaves from the stems and chop. Squeeze the garlic through a press. Add to the dish, stir. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds on top.

The rich green vegetable is easy to prepare, easily absorbed by the body and contains a minimum of calories. The product should occupy one of the leading places in the diet modern man, becoming an excellent addition to meat and fish dishes.

Broccoli is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals, which the body especially needs in winter.