Broccoli cabbage: benefits and harms

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Since ancient times, broccoli has been famous for its beneficial properties that contribute to the proper development of the human body. In addition, it has an amazing taste that can diversify any work of culinary art.

Very strange, but many people think that broccoli and cauliflower are the same thing. However, in reality this is far from the case. And the point is not only in the difference in the color of the inflorescences, but also in taste, and most importantly, in the different biochemical composition of these vegetables.

How to cook broccoli? What properties does it have? And can eating such a vegetable have negative consequences? More on that later.

History

The original green inflorescences, decorating modern feasts, as well as giving amazing taste to individual dishes, have been known since ancient Rome. Then they were widely used not only in cooking, but also in medicine. Healers considered them a magical potion that curedmany diseases.

On the territory of modern Europe, such a product appeared quite a long time ago - in the 16th century. However, despite this, to this day, broccoli has not become very popular. It is rarely cultivated in household plots, which is a big omission on the part of the owners of private houses, because it is a real storehouse of vitamins and beneficial trace elements that help maintain normal body he alth.

Composition of broccoli

This vegetable is especially valued for its beneficial composition. Among the useful trace elements here are potassium, phosphorus and calcium. Magnesium, copper, manganese, selenium, iron, zinc and sodium were found in a smaller proportion. Of course, such a combination of trace elements in one product is quite rare.

If we talk about vitamins, then in broccoli they are truly a great variety. In addition to the fact that almost all representatives of group B were found in its composition, it also contains A, C, PP, E and K.

Invaluable influence on the human body is provided by components such as chlorophyll, beta-carotene and amino acids, which are also found in the structure of broccoli. If we talk about the calorie content of such a product, then it is very low: there are only 34 kilocalories per 100 g. It is thanks to this quality that nutritionists often recommend eating cabbage of this variety.

Beneficial effects on the body

Undoubtedly, a product containing so many useful components has a positive effect on the bodyperson. People who regularly consume this vegetable do not suffer from diseases of the intestines or stomach, the vegetable has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, stimulates the production of bile, and also normalizes the condition of the hair and nail plate.

In addition to all this, the vegetable contributes to the removal of drug residues from the body, and also accelerates the process of tissue repair. It is thanks to these qualities that it is often prescribed for food by patients who have undergone surgery.

Harmful effects

It would seem that such a vegetable simply cannot harm the body. But how else can! Especially if you cook it wrong.

First of all, in the process of cooking cabbage, you should remember that during long-term hot processing, the entire bouquet of useful components noticeably disappears. Also, fans of such a product should be aware that the liquid that remains after cooking should not be eaten - it contains adenine and guanine. That is why you should avoid eating soups that contain such cabbage.

Frying broccoli in a lot of oil is also not recommended, in such cases it also releases harmful carcinogens.

It is strictly forbidden to eat raw broccoli for people who suffer from pancreatic diseases, as this can only aggravate the situation.

Vegetable for weight loss

Knowing the minimum calorie content of cabbagebroccoli, many use such a product for weight loss. Moreover, nutritionists note that by eating this vegetable as the main product for weight loss, various problems associated with the deterioration of the stomach and digestive system as a whole can be avoided. Once in the body, the vegetable enhances metabolism, which contributes to the burning of fats in all parts of the body. Only, in pursuit of such a goal, it is necessary to remember that it must be consumed with a minimum amount of sunflower oil, and not with mayonnaise or other high-calorie sauces.

How to cook cabbage in such a way that it is as he althy as possible? Most nutritionists recommend steaming or boiling in water for no more than seven minutes.

For pregnant women

This variety of cabbage is perfect for eating for those women who are preparing to become mothers. Regular eating of such a vegetable by pregnant women stimulates the normal development of the child, and also prevents the formation of unwanted pathologies in his body. Those women who eat enough broccoli during pregnancy may not drink pharmacological preparations containing calcium, selenium and retinol, because all these components are present in the composition of cabbage, if cooked correctly.

This vegetable also has a beneficial effect on the female body at the stage of pregnancy planning. Women who regularly eat this product have no problems conceiving.

Cabbage of this variety also brings invaluable benefits to young children. By eating it, children do not suffer from constipation, which often occurs in infancy. Moreover, with its help, all harmful substances are removed from the body. Some pediatricians recommend feeding your baby puree made from broccoli, as it does not cause allergies. Babies who have problems with being overweight are also often recommended to eat such cabbage. It will speed up the metabolic process, which will positively affect he alth.

Among the useful qualities of broccoli for children, the fact that the vegetable perfectly strengthens the immune system is especially appreciated, which is simply necessary for a child from birth. Also, the product has pronounced antiparasitic properties.

How to choose cabbage

The greatest number of useful components will be contained only in a quality vegetable. How to choose it? The following photo of broccoli is an image of a ripe and tasty vegetable that contains the largest amount of vitamins and minerals in its composition.

When evaluating a product visually, you should pay attention to its size. The most delicious fruit will be considered the one with a diameter of 11-16 cm. In addition, you need to feel the inflorescence, ideally it should be dense, and the buds should be hidden under the petals.

Omelette

An omelette with this he althy vegetable can be a great option for a diet breakfast. To prepare it, you need to take 200 gbroccoli cabbage (frozen must first be thawed), disassemble it into inflorescences and fry in a hot frying pan using butter. After a couple of minutes, add an egg beaten with 150 ml of cold milk to the cabbage and cover the food with a lid for a few minutes until the dish is ready.

At the very end of cooking, sprinkle broccoli in an omelet with grated hard cheese.

Casery

Casole is another option for a diet dish that will certainly appeal to the household. It is in the manner described here that you can cook broccoli in the oven. To do this, the desired amount of vegetable must be disassembled into inflorescences and boiled in lightly s alted boiling water for 5-7 minutes. While the cabbage is being cooked, you should start preparing the rest of the ingredients. To do this, in a separate bowl, beat 4 eggs with a glass of sour cream, lightly s alt the mass and pour 200 g of grated hard cheese into it.

After all the components of the dish are ready, you should grease the baking dish with a little oil, sprinkle the bottom with breadcrumbs and put the cabbage, pour it with the egg-sour cream mixture.

In this form, the future casserole should be sent to the oven, preheated to 200 degrees. At this temperature, it will be ready in 20 minutes.

With chicken

Amazing chicken broccoli recipe is sure to become a favorite in every family where they try it at least onceprepare such a truly delicious piece of culinary art.

For chicken with broccoli, you should first of all pay attention to creating the sauce. To do this, melt 50 g of butter in a small saucepan, add a couple of tablespoons of sifted flour to it and fry it, stirring, until it dissolves in butter. As soon as this happens, pour a small amount of cold milk into the pan and, without stopping the stirring process, wait until the consistency of sour cream is obtained.

When the sauce is ready, you can work on the vegetables. 500 g of broccoli must be disassembled into inflorescences, grated one carrot, boil these vegetables in a separate pan, which will take no more than five minutes. While the vegetables are cooking, cut 500 g chicken fillet into small cubes.

When all the ingredients are ready, you need to take a baking dish, grease it with oil, put cabbage and carrots mixed on it, as well as meat, pour it all over with sauce, sprinkle with 50 g of grated cheese and send to bake in the oven. The fact that the dish is already ready is evidenced by the golden crust formed on top.

With cauliflower

Oven-baked broccoli and cauliflower can be a great diet dish for those who want to quickly lose a few extra pounds. To prepare a delicious vegetable snack, you need to take a head of each cabbage, wash them and disassemble them into inflorescences. Boil these ingredients in a pot of s alted water forfor five minutes, then drain the water and let the cabbage stand for a while so that it dries.

After that, you need to take a baking dish and put vegetables in it. On top of all the contents, sprinkle with herbs that can be used dry, pour in a glass of cream and sprinkle with 350 g of grated hard cheese. After all these manipulations, the vegetables with cheese and cream must be put in a preheated oven and, after waiting for the golden crust to form on top, get it.