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 during dietary nutrition.

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

Chemical composition of broccoli

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 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.

What are the benefits of broccoli for women?

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

For the body in general

Broccoli is a source of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that damage cells and contribute to the development of malignant tumors. The sulforaphane compound in the product has anticancer and antibacterial effects. Cabbage will be useful not only for oncology, but also for 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. There is no less calcium here 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 helps remove excess salt. Sodium ensures the maintenance of 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 due to increased sugar.

Carotenoids in the product have a beneficial effect on the visual organs. They help strengthen the lens and retina and prevent the occurrence of 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, waste, and heavy metal ions.

Fresh vegetables and dishes prepared from them contain amino acids.Serotonin, which is produced from tryptophan, is considered the “happy hormone.” It maintains a positive emotional background and improves mood.

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

Cabbage is indicated for women with 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;
• strengthens 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 plant 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 product contains more protein than the same amount of beef.

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

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

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

• improve blood properties;
• remove toxins and waste from the body;
• calm the nervous system and improve 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. Dishes made from broccoli will be useful not only for the mother, but also for the newborn. This variety of cabbage does not cause high gas formation in the intestines.

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

This is interesting:

How to properly plant and grow cabbage seedlings at home.

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

Rules for cooking with benefit

The maximum amount of useful substances is contained in fresh vegetables, which are recommended to be included in a variety of salads. Broccoli goes well with other vegetables. Add sour cream or vegetable oil to the dish.

During heat treatment, some of the valuable components are lost, but a sufficient amount of such substances is still preserved. Nutritionists advise boiling the cabbage for 4-5 minutes, and using 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 already boiling water, not into cold water.

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

The vegetable is stewed with other ingredients. Fry the onions, garlic and carrots, and then add the cabbage and leave on the fire for another 4-6 minutes. It is useful to cook cabbage using a steamer. 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 stomach acidity;
• individual intolerance to product components.

It is better to avoid eating cabbage in its raw form after surgery, so as not to provoke bloating.

Results

Broccoli is a real storehouse 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 daily menu. Everyone can choose for themselves the most appropriate methods of preparing vegetables that preserve the maximum amount of nutrients.