Is it possible to eat broccoli during pregnancy, in what form and quantity?

During pregnancy, a woman monitors her health more carefully than usual. It controls nutrition, water consumption and correlates the intake of nutrients in foods and synthetic vitamins.

Particular attention is paid to fruits and vegetables. But not all of them are equally useful; many, on the contrary, complicate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cause undesirable consequences. Broccoli, or cabbage, is a healthy vegetable, but it must be consumed correctly during pregnancy.

Is it possible to eat broccoli during pregnancy, in what form and quantity – read our article.

Can pregnant women eat broccoli?

The brightly colored vegetable ranks first among the recommended foods for a healthy diet and is included in diets, including therapeutic ones. It is recommended that the expectant mother add cabbage to her diet only in boiled form.

Raw vegetables carry the risk of E. coli infection. Even if you carefully select a fresh head of cabbage and wash it for a long time, you can still miss bacteria.

E. coli causes gastrointestinal upset. If a woman's immunity is weakened, the infection affects the fetus.

Reference. E. coli is a bacterium that causes a number of problems in the body. Poisoning, dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, vomiting and other symptoms indicate infection. Prevention will include personal hygiene and keeping the food and space around clean.

You should not drink broccoli broth. It causes bloating and increases gas formation.

Benefits of broccoli during pregnancy

Asparagus cabbage contains a minimum of fat. When boiled, the vegetable retains its beneficial properties, microelements iron, iodine, calcium and vitamins A, C, group B.

Vegetable protein in broccoli is involved in the formation and growth of the fetus. Thanks to him, a pregnant woman retains her teeth and hair.

Important! The vegetable contains a large amount of folic acid, which reduces the risk of developing pathologies in a child. It is recommended to include broccoli in the diet at the stage of pregnancy planning to absorb all nutrients in the early stages of fetal formation.

In addition to its nutritional value, this cabbage improves the physical condition of expectant mothers. Namely:

1. During pregnancy, a woman suffers from edema. Regular consumption of cabbage helps the body remove excess fluid.
2. In the later stages, introducing broccoli into the diet prevents stool retention.
3. Asparagus cabbage contains natural antibiotics, so it is recommended for viral and colds.
4. The vegetable contains potassium, which prevents the development of heart disease in a child.
5. Calcium in cabbage is actively involved in the generation of bone tissue in a pregnant woman and fetus.

Contraindications and possible harm

You should avoid eating broccoli:

• if appeared allergic reaction to a vegetable – specific allergens are transmitted from mother to child and cause related problems in the future;
• intolerance to the product was discovered;
• the pregnant woman has a history of pancreatic disease;
• with high stomach acidity.

If you are prone to allergies, you should introduce vegetables into your diet gradually, in small doses.

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Recipes with broccoli for pregnant women

There are many recipes for dishes with asparagus cabbage. It cooks quickly, so it is important not to overcook the vegetable. The cabbage is pureed using a blender, boiled onions and potatoes are added.

The stem of broccoli is as rich in vitamins as the young leaves. It is cut into strips into a salad and added to the main dish, after boiling the vegetable in boiling water. When frozen, it retains its beneficial properties and antibacterial effect.

Salad

A quick and nutritious salad will provide the expectant mother’s body with useful substances. For preparation you will need:

• broccoli – ½ head;
• carrots – 1 pc.;
• apple – 1 pc.;
• peeled walnuts – 3 pcs.;
• greens, salt, pepper to taste.

Before cooking, immerse the cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes.

Recipe:

1. Grind the apple and carrots on a coarse grater.
2. Chop broccoli, greens and onions.
3. Chop the nuts with a knife or grind in a mortar.
4. Mix all ingredients, season with sour cream or olive oil, and add salt to taste.

Oven baked

When baked, broccoli is easily digestible. To enhance the taste it is cooked together with cauliflower or other vegetables.

To bake broccoli, you need foil or a mold, spices to taste, and additional vegetables as desired.

Recipe:

1. Unfold the foil and place small pieces of broccoli on it.
2. Salt, pepper, add oil.
3. Bake covered for 20 minutes at +180°C.
4. Serve with cheese and sour cream to taste.

Cream soup

Light and nutritious broccoli soup is suitable for pregnant women as a main course for lunch or dinner.

For preparation you will need:

• broccoli – ½ head;
• vegetable broth – 1 l;
• potatoes, onions - 1 pc.;
• garlic – 1 clove;
• salt and black pepper - to taste.

Since the vegetable broth is already ready, the soup cooks very quickly:

1. Peel the potatoes and cut into cubes.
2. Peel the onion and garlic, chop finely.
3. Wash the broccoli thoroughly and separate it into florets.
4. Pour boiling broth over the vegetables and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Cool, beat the soup with a blender.
6. Return to heat and simmer until fully cooked for 10-15 minutes.
7. Serve with herbs and breadcrumbs.

If your body is prone to constipation, do not use crackers.

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Conclusion

Broccoli is an important source of vitamins and minerals. When properly prepared, the vegetable in a pregnant woman’s menu replaces pharmacy vitamins and strengthens the body of the expectant mother and child. To enhance the taste and increase the beneficial properties, asparagus cabbage can be alternated with cauliflower, as well as carrots and pumpkin.

However, not only benefits, but also harm comes from broccoli during pregnancy. Negative consequences include allergic reactions, exacerbation of gastritis and pancreatitis.