Fact 1. Italians gave the name to broccoli
It is interesting that the whole world called this vegetable “Italian asparagus” for a very long time, and only in Italy itself did they come up with and used its now-ubiquitous name – broccoli. This word can be translated as “offspring” or “sprout”.The interesting fact, however, the Germans gave the broccoli an even more unusual and dissonant name: Brauner Kopf, that is, a brown (or brown) head.
Fact 2. Still remembers Pliny
It is hard to imagine, but broccoli was bred artificially and did so at the dawn of time: presumably in the 6th-5th centuries BC. Asparagus cabbage became especially popular in Ancient Rome, where its properties were immensely appreciated, they loved this vegetable very much and included it in the menu in various versions. The legendary scientist Pliny the Elder called it “the blessed plant.” History has preserved information that broccoli was brought to Ancient Greece more than 2 thousand years ago, and from there the plant came to Byzantium and other countries a couple of centuries later.
Fact 3. There is no relationship with cauliflower
Another useful vegetable – cauliflower – is misleading in its external resemblance to broccoli: the heads of both plants have almost the same shape and an interesting type of inflorescence. The uninitiated even believe that these are two varieties of the same vegetable, only differing in color. In fact, although both plants come from the cabbage family, they are separate varieties: broccoli is not cauliflower, but asparagus.
Fact 4. The product has a lot of useful substances
Vegetables are useful for a reason. Each property that benefits our body is due to the composition of the plant product. Broccoli contains a large set of vitamins and minerals that a person needs to stay healthy and active. The product contains vitamin A, almost the entire B group, as well as vitamins E, C, PP, K, U. The set of minerals is also impressive: phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, chromium, sodium, selenium, iron, calcium, potassium. The product is rich in omega-3 and other essential amino acids, which are especially important for the cardiovascular system. A real miracle of nature, full of wonderful properties! Include broccoli in your diet, and the benefits will not keep you waiting – it will be easier for you to solve the problem of vitamin deficiency.
Fact 5. It is better to eat asparagus cabbage raw or after minimal heat treatment
Usually, in order for vegetables to retain their beneficial properties as much as possible, it is undesirable to subject them to heat treatment. This is why nutritionists advise eating raw broccoli. But gentle cooking will also preserve most of the important substances.
The product is ready quickly. It is enough to simmer for 5-10 minutes over low heat, adding a little water, or boil for 2-3 minutes. It is better to put asparagus cabbage in compound dishes towards the end of the cooking process. To add or not to use seasonings is a personal matter for everyone.
- Broccoli has its own characteristic, very delicate taste, which is interesting to combine with fish, meat, other vegetables and side dishes.
- The raw product is delicious in salads seasoned with vegetable oil.
- Grind the inflorescences with a blender – the resulting puree will perfectly complement hot dishes.
- Steamed asparagus is a wonderful light side dish .
- Fried in breadcrumbs , it can act as an independent hot dish.
important you use broccoli as a product with medicinal properties, which is recommended for gastritis, you can increase the cooking time to make the consistency more tender. So the dish will be gentle for the damaged gastric mucosa.
Fact 6. Asparagus helps to lose weight
It is not in vain that broccoli is included in most weight-loss diets. Firstly, it allows you to reduce the deficiency of nutrients – this happens if you exclude most high-calorie foods in order to lose weight faster. Secondly, 100 grams of asparagus contains only 34 kilocalories. A vegetable helps to safely lose weight, and due to its beneficial properties, it helps to maintain beauty, health, and well-being. Beta-carotene, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants do the best job:
- help to remove toxins;
- normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
- improve cell hydrobalance and skin elasticity;
- help get rid of cellulite.
Only for the sake of these properties is it worth eating a product, and it is also very tasty.
Fact 7. Even seeds are useful in asparagus
We eat cabbage inflorescences, stalk, and leaves. But the seeds are also involved. From them, an oil is obtained, which is very popular with cosmetologists, it is used for nourishing hair masks and creams that smooth wrinkles.
Fact 8. The product helps in the fight against excess cholesterol
According to the results of a British study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food, eating broccoli affects blood cholesterol levels. The most noticeable effect was given by a certain variety of cabbage, but any variety of this plant contains glucoraphanin, which has not only anti-cholesterol but also anti-cancer, as well as antibacterial properties. Regular consumption of this plant product in food reduces the risk of cholesterol plaques – but, of course, the whole diet and physical activity are important here.
Fact 9. Broccoli fights gastritis
Asparagus cabbage helps to improve digestion without irritating the mucous membrane of the walls of the stomach with gastritis, and also has healing properties. In particular, it contains the substance sulforaphane, which can inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, bacteria that can cause serious gastrointestinal diseases. Vitamin U also works in tandem with sulfolane, which promotes the healing of eroded mucous membranes. For the prevention of gastritis and peptic ulcers, it is recommended to eat about 80 grams of broccoli per day. important not to use a vegetable for gastritis with high acidity. In this case, asparagus cabbage will not help but will harm. Food.ru reminds us that self-treatment, including with the help of special diets, is dangerous – first consult with a therapist or gastroenterologist. It is also believed that broccoli is useful in chronic pancreatitis and other pancreatic diseases.
Fact 10. Broccoli is not the same for everyone.
Despite the fact that the main advantage of broccoli is its beneficial properties, there are still contraindications for the consumption of this product. It is not recommended in the following cases:
- allergic reaction;
- individual intolerance;
- increased acidity of gastric juice.
A contraindication may also occur in those people who are usually recommended asparagus cabbage: you should not eat a vegetable during an exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases. When the attack passes, after 2-3 days, you can return the product to the menu if the doctor approves.
What can be done?
Boil broccoli in water with lemon. So the usual dietary product will turn into an interesting side dish. And if asparagus in the family is reluctant to eat, experiment with sauces and spices, bake it, make soup puree, or even smoothies.