You won’t surprise anyone with broccoli cabbage, and it has thoroughly won its place in our diet. In appearance, it is not by chance that it resembles cauliflower – this is one of its subspecies. According to its properties, broccoli is much more nutritious and contains even more vitamins than its counterpart. If you have already appreciated this vegetable and it is a frequent guest on your table, then you will be interested to know the beneficial properties of broccoli.
This vegetable was cultivated in ancient Rome, and Asia Minor and the Mediterranean are considered to be their homeland. He began his distribution from the countries of Europe and was especially popular in Italy and France, settling in local beds. Having crossed the ocean, broccoli came to America, but was not successful. Only at the beginning of the 20th century, it was tasted and appreciated for its taste and useful properties.

General information
Broccoli is an annual plant. The height of the stem can reach about 1 m, the top of which is decorated with many peduncles, on which green buds are formed in groups. Together, this forms a loose head, which is cut off before it begins to bloom and develops into yellow flowers.
The crop is cut when the head of green buds reaches a diameter of 15-17 cm. New buds begin to grow from the lateral buds and therefore, in a mild climate, several crops are possible.

Composition of broccoli
Composition of broccoli очень богат всевозможными полезными и питательными веществами. Judge for yourself – vitamins A, C, E, PP, group B, carotene, which is not found in cauliflower; minerals – boron, iron, iodine, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, copper, chromium; carbohydrates and proteins.
In terms of protein, broccoli has more of it than any other type of cabbage. And since this protein is rich in a variety of useful amino acids, it has a positive effect on the work of the whole organism, and prevents the development of many diseases, such as atherosclerosis.
In terms of nutritional value, broccoli proteins are not inferior to meat proteins or chicken egg proteins. If we take into account vegetables or plants that could compete in this indicator, then potatoes, spinach, asparagus and sweet corn can be distinguished among them, but it is worth noting that they still have less protein.

Useful properties of broccoli
Such a huge amount in the composition of useful substances cannot positively affect human health. Since each of the active components plays an important role in human life, their joint interaction can have a therapeutic effect.
Broccoli has antioxidant properties because it contains a fairly large amount of vitamin C.
By the amount of carotene, it is in second place, after carrots. And since it still contains zinc and vitamins E and C, such a tandem is able to protect the body from free radicals.

Regular consumption of cabbage, rich in dietary fiber and fiber, improves digestion, cleanses the intestines and removes toxins from it.
In addition, the presence of iodine supports the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and prevents disorders in the endocrine system; phosphorus and calcium strengthen the skeletal system and normalize the state of the brain tissue; potassium removes salt and excess water from the body. The ability of broccoli to prevent the formation of cellulite is associated with the presence of iron, copper and cobalt, which improve the strength and elasticity of tissues, improve the process of hematopoiesis.
B vitamins strengthen the nervous system, and a sufficient amount of phytoncides “blocks access” to pathogenic microbes and bacteria.
Frequent use of this cabbage improves cardiac activity, prevents the development of atherosclerosis and delays old age.

Medicinal properties of broccoli
It is useful to include this vegetable in your diet for all people, but especially for those who have liver disease, stomach ulcers, suffer from flatulence and dysbacteriosis.
The composition of broccoli contains substances that improve the condition of the lens and retina of the eye, so doctors recommend its use as a prophylactic against cataracts or as a restorative diet in the treatment of this disease.
Green inflorescences improve skin condition, increase appetite and normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulate bile secretion, and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Of particular note is such a property as the prevention of cancer. Scientists have found that broccoli contains sulforaphane, a plant-derived substance that has a pronounced antibacterial and anti-cancer effect. In particular, this organic compound is able to stop the development of prostate cancer in men, breast cancer in women and skin cancer. As surveys have shown, for this you need to regularly, twice a day, eat broccoli dishes.

In addition to sulforaphane, this vegetable contains other anti-cancer substances: sinigrin and indole-3-carbinol. They have the ability to activate the immune system in the fight against cancer cells, prevent the division and reproduction of existing malignant cells, and subsequently completely destroy them.
Scientists from different countries have studied such important properties of broccoli, and the World Cancer Research Foundation has summarized the results of experiments. Experts concluded that this vegetable is an effective anti-cancer agent and can be used to prevent and treat cancer of the stomach and esophagus, rectum, pancreas, lungs, genitourinary system, larynx and other organs.

To preserve all the useful and nutrients, young broccoli can and should be eaten raw, as salads. More mature cabbage is steamed or boiled in boiling water, but not more than 5 minutes.