The benefits and harms of broccoli for women

Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables. It is a dietary product and a source of numerous vitamins and minerals. This allows you to use broccoli to eliminate the deficiency of essential components in the body, prevent and treat a number of diseases, as well as normalize weight with dietary nutrition.

The article will tell you about the chemical composition of broccoli, its beneficial properties, indications and contraindications for use.

Broccoli chemical composition

100 g of fresh vegetable contains about 35 kcal. The share of carbohydrates is 6.65 g, proteins - 2.8 g, fats - 0.37 g. This portion includes:

• dietary fiber - 2.6 g;
• sugar - 1.7 g;
• water - 90 g.

100 g of the product also contains:

• retinol - 31.0 mcg;
• beta-carotene - 361.0 mcg;
• alpha carotene - 25.0 mcg;
• tocopherol - 0.8 mg;
• ascorbic acid - 89 mg;
• folic acid - 63 mg;
• nicotinic acid - 0.639 mg;
• vitamin B1 - 0.1 mg;
• vitamin B2 - 0.1 mg;
• vitamin B6 - 63.0 mcg;
• vitamin K - 102.0 mcg.

The amount of macro- and microelements is as follows:

• calcium - 47 mg;
• magnesium - 21 mg;
• sodium - 33 mg;
• phosphorus - 66 mg;
• iron - 0.73 mg;
• iodine - 15 mcg;
• selenium - 2.5 mcg.

Why broccoli cabbage is useful for women

The useful components that make up the vegetable prevent the development of diseases and eliminate already existing health problems.

For the body in general

Broccoli is a source of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that damage cells and promote the development of malignant tumors. The sulforaphane compound in the product has anti-cancer and antibacterial properties. Cabbage will be useful not only in oncology, but also in the treatment of various infectious diseases.

Reference! Sulforaphane is effective against bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.

This compound also prevents the development of inflammation in the joints by inhibiting molecules that activate the inflammatory process.

Cabbage is a storehouse of minerals. Calcium is not less than in dairy products. This element strengthens bone tissue, hair and nails, improves blood clotting, participates in cell division, the passage of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and other vital processes in the body.

Potassium promotes the removal of excess salt. Sodium ensures the maintenance of the water-salt balance. Zinc and manganese have a positive effect on cell division. Selenium removes harmful substances from the body.

Broccoli is good for women with diabetes. It contains nutrients that normalize blood glucose levels and protect blood vessels from damage from high blood sugar.

The carotenoids in the product have a beneficial effect on the visual organs. They help to strengthen the lens and retina and prevent cataracts.

The increased fiber content normalizes digestion, eliminates constipation, and stabilizes the intestinal microflora. Systematic use of the product effectively cleanses the body of toxins, toxins, heavy metal ions.

Fresh vegetables and dishes made from it contain amino acids. Serotonin, which is produced from tryptophan, is considered the "happiness hormone". It maintains a positive emotional background and improves mood.

Numerous B vitamins have a positive effect on the state of the nervous system, strengthening and calming it. In addition, these compounds normalize sleep and relieve stress.

Cabbage is indicated for women who have problems with the cardiovascular system. Beta Carotene and Omega 3 Fatty Acids:

• reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease;
• normalize blood pressure;
• prevent the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques;
• strengthen blood vessels and heart muscle.

Folic acid, which is part of the vegetable, is also important for the female body - it slows down the aging process of the body and stimulates the formation of new cells.

During pregnancy and lactation

A sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals in the body of the expectant mother is a necessary condition for the normal course of pregnancy and the full development of the fetus. They are replenished not only with vitamin preparations, but also with herbal products, including broccoli. Cabbage contains a lot of protein, which serves as a building material for organs and tissues.

Reference! Nutritionists have calculated that 100 g of the product contains more protein than the same amount of beef.

Broccoli has a strong antibacterial effect, which is extremely important during pregnancy. The immunity of the expectant mother is weakened: the vegetable not only strengthens it due to vitamin C, but also helps to fight various infections, effectively eliminating pathogenic bacteria. The beneficial substances in broccoli maintain the salt balance of the body of the expectant mother and prevent the development of edema.

A large amount of fiber has a positive effect on the work of the gastrointestinal tract of a pregnant woman, normalizing digestive processes and eliminating the problem of stool retention.

Other useful properties of cabbage during pregnancy are also important. Regular introduction of the product into the diet:

• improve the properties of blood;
• remove toxins and toxins from the body;
• calms the nervous system and improves mood;
• strengthen blood vessels;
• reduce the risk of developing infectious diseases.

After the birth of a child, it is recommended to consume the vegetable no earlier than 1 month later. Dishes made with broccoli will be useful not only for the mother, but also for the newborn. This variety of cabbage does not cause high gas production in the intestines.

In order for the product to be fully absorbed by the body, it is better to use it after heat treatment, adding it to soups.

It is interesting:

How to properly plant and grow cabbage seedlings at home.

A selection of the best varieties of cabbage for pickling and storage for the winter.

Cooking rules with benefit

The maximum amount of nutrients is contained in a fresh vegetable, which is recommended to be included in a variety of salads. Broccoli goes well with other vegetables. Sour cream or vegetable oil is added to the dish.

During heat treatment, some of the valuable components are lost, but still a sufficient amount of such substances is retained. Nutritionists advise to boil the cabbage for 4-5 minutes, and use the broth to make soup or sauce.

Attention! It is important not to overcook the vegetable in order to retain more nutrients in it. The cooked product should not be loose, but have an elastic structure. Throw the cabbage into boiling water, not cold.

Boiled inflorescences are used as a side dish for fish and meat.

The vegetable is stewed with other ingredients. Fry onions, garlic and carrots, then add cabbage and leave on fire for another 4-6 minutes. It is helpful to cook cabbage using a double boiler. In this way, it is thermally treated for no more than 5 minutes.

Contraindications and possible harm

Experts do not recommend the product to people with the following health problems:

• chronic inflammation of the pancreas;
• increased acidity of the stomach;
• individual intolerance to the components of the product.

It is better to refuse raw cabbage after undergoing surgery, so as not to provoke bloating.

Outcome

Broccoli is a real pantry of vitamins, minerals and other valuable components necessary for the full functioning of the body. Regular inclusion of this product in the diet will enrich and diversify the everyday menu. Everyone can choose for themselves the most acceptable methods of cooking vegetables, preserving the maximum amount of nutrients.