Buds with broccoli. Therapeutic effect of broccoli. Broccoli Extract Reviews Mixed Vegetables

According to official statistics, more than three hundred million people worldwide suffer from type 2 diabetes. At the same time, fifteen percent of patients cannot take the required medicine called Metformin due to impaired renal function. Swedish researchers have found that concentrated broccoli extract can help patients with diabetes. It helps regulate sugar.

What's this?

Sulforaphane is an anti-cancer compound found in cruciferous foods, most of which is found directly in broccoli. This substance is able to have an anti-inflammatory effect similar to curcumin. Sulforaphane is also known in pharmacology as broccoli extract. The substance sulforaphane, which is found in broccoli and other vegetables, is very sensitive to high temperatures.

Tablet form of the drug

This extract is usually produced in the form of tablets. There is also a dry ground powder, but most often this remedy is produced in tablets. The pills are placed in plastic jars sixty pieces. They are of medium size. The cost of broccoli extract in tablets ranges from two to four thousand rubles, depending on the terms of sale.

Pharmacology and absorption

Broccoli extract is a well-absorbed therapeutic and preventive agent, which is confirmed by multiple human trials. For example, after eating broccoli, there is an active excretion of sulforaphane in the urine. Thus, in patients, the biological value of sulforaphane is seventy-four percent, and the absorption of this component is mainly carried out in the small intestine.

Instruction and dosage

Usually take two tablets per day. The description states that broccoli extract can serve as a daily source of 2,000 micrograms of sulforaphane. It is worth saying that this is equivalent to consuming half a kilogram of this vegetable per day. Here are the dosages for people depending on weight:

From 1 to 5 milligrams for people with a weight of sixty-seven kilograms.
From 1.5 to 7 milligrams for people weighing over ninety kilograms.
From 1.7 to 9 milligrams for people with a weight of one hundred and twelve kilograms.

This amount of the component can be ingested as part of eating raw broccoli or other vegetables, but the dosage will not be limited, since the optimal amount of sulforaphane for humans has not been established.

Broccoli extract: properties

Why exactly broccoli? So, as noted earlier, sulforaphane is an anti-cancer component found in some vegetables, the largest amount of this substance can be found in broccoli. It can have an anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, the key definition in the characterization of sulforaphane is the anti-inflammatory effect.

The fact is that broccoli extract works not just as a remedy that protects the body from the progression of diabetes, but also from cancer and other diseases, including. This extract fights any inflammation in the body, removing toxins along with pollution products and nitrates that accumulate in the human body.

It can also restore balance. female hormones, smoothing the symptoms of menopause and preventing the development of oncological pathologies and diseases of the cardiovascular system. Among other things, this remedy prevents hypertension. It also increases liver detoxification, boosting immunity, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol.

Vitamin pantry

Broccoli extract acts as a pantry of vitamins and minerals. Thus, this agent serves as an additional source of indole-3-carbinol, and, in addition, polysaccharides.

The extract in question contains a very large amount of very valuable substances for the human body in the form of beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid, lutein, lipoic acid, isothiocyanate, tocopherol, selenium, minerals, vitamin C and bioflavonoids.

It contains, among other things, a fairly high level of plant active chemical compounds in the form of glucosinolates. They can be absorbed by the body as isothiocyanates, which are well known to be powerful anti-carcinogens. Broccoli's main isothiocyanate is sulforaphane, which has many advantages in the form of high bioavailability and low toxicity.

Indications for use

Broccoli extract is used in a number of the following cases:

As part of the restoration of the patient's immunity.
To prevent metabolic disorders and diseases associated with this condition.
As part of the adjustment of metabolism to bind and remove toxins from the body, and, in addition, free radicals.
Against the background of increasing the body's resistance to aggressive environmental influences.
As part of a diet.

The drug "Indole forte" with broccoli extract from "Evalar"

The well-known company "Evalar" is currently producing a drug called "Indole forte", which is produced on the basis of this extract. It contains the substance indole-3-carbinol along with broccoli extract. Auxiliary substances are microcrystalline cellulose along with calcium stearate and aerosil. This drug from the company "Evalar" acts as a biologically active food supplement, which is an additional source of sulforaphane.

Contraindications to the use of this drug from the company "Evalar" are intolerance to its main components along with pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding.

Broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck
Taxon: Cabbage family (Brassicaceae)
Folk names: cauliflower, stem cabbage, offspring cabbage, asparagus cabbage
English: Broccoli

Botanical description of broccoli

- an annual herbaceous plant 55–100 cm high, with a branched root, a cylindrical stem. Plants in the vegetative phase are short, medium to tall, branched or unbranched, with horizontal or upward directed leaves. The leaves are lyre-pinnately divided, lyre-pinnate-lobed or lyre-shaped, rarely indistinctly lyre-shaped, large, on long petioles of a dark gray-green color. The leaf blade is smooth and shiny or slightly corrugated, the edges are varied, wavy to slightly curly. Unlike cauliflower, broccoli is tall and branchy. The main stem ends with an inflorescence head. When the apical inflorescence is removed, lateral heads develop in the axils of the leaves, which increases the yield. Flower brushes are long. Broccoli flowers are yellow, rarely white, with a limb from round to narrow oval, bubble-like or corrugated-wrinkled, suddenly tapering into a nail. The fruit is a bilocular pod. Seeds are round, dark brown to black, small. Broccoli blooms in September-October.

Broccoli cultivation

This plant is cultivated. The greatest variety of forms is concentrated in Italy and on the neighboring islands; some of them are currently cultivated in Europe, but especially in North America (USA and Canada), less often in South America, Asian countries (Japan). Recently, broccoli has been actively cultivated in Russia and Ukraine. Due to the high yield and variety chemical composition broccoli is widespread, especially in middle lane where conditions are favorable for its development. Stocks of raw materials are large. Plant productivity reaches up to 15 kg/10 m2.
More than 200 varieties of broccoli are known in the world. Two varieties and three hybrids of broccoli have been entered into the State Register of Russia and Ukraine. Among them are the early ripe variety "Tonus", the mid-season hybrid "Fiesta", the mid-season variety "Linda" and the hybrid "Arcadia", the mid-late hybrid "Monterey". These varieties and hybrids differ in the type of head formation. Early varieties tend to form a small loose central head; at the same time, lateral heads are formed in the axils of the leaves. The mid-late hybrid "Monterey" first forms a larger and more dense central head, while the lateral ones are formed after cutting off the central one. "Fiesta", "Linda" and "Arcadia" occupy an intermediate position. Variety "Vitaminnaya" was bred in the Central Republican Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, which passed the state variety testing and since 1983 has been zoned in Ukraine.

Chemical composition and biologically active substances of broccoli

Broccoli differs from other species in its increased content of nutrients, especially in its specific taste and higher biological activity. According to experimental data, a high protein content is known, which includes the anti-sclerotic substances choline and methionine, as well as such essential amino acids as lysine, methionine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, threonine, phenylalanine; interchangeable - tyrosine, histidine, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glycine, glutamic acid, proline, serine. In terms of protein, broccoli is superior to sweet potato, sweet corn, asparagus, and spinach. As you know, the protein of all types of cabbage contains purine substances, which, turning into uric acid, can be deposited in the kidneys in the form of stones. There are few purine substances in broccoli protein - almost 4 times less than that of broccoli, which gives it an advantage over the latter.
In terms of the content of most essential amino acids in the protein, broccoli is not inferior to beef, and in terms of the presence of isoleucine, lysine and tryptophan - protein chicken egg. Young nutritionally equal to spinach and kale. Broccoli contains a lot of carbohydrates and is rich in sugars. Among the mineral salts, macro- and microelements in the composition of broccoli, potassium should be noted, which removes excess salts and water from the body; calcium and phosphorus, which ensure the functioning of bone and brain tissues; iron, copper, cobalt, which take part in hematopoiesis; disease-preventing iodine thyroid gland. This plant also contains a large amount of macronutrients (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) and microelements (iron, aluminum, manganese, copper, molybdenum, nickel, zinc, silicon).
Especially a lot of carotene in broccoli (provitamin A), which is not found in cauliflower. By the amount of carotene, it is second only to carrots. In the human body, carotene turns into retinol, which promotes the growth and development of the body, normalizes metabolism, increases the protective properties of the body against infectious diseases, improves the condition of the skin and mucous membranes, and the retina of the eye.
Broccoli also contains vitamins B1, B2, C, PP, B6, E. According to the content of vitamin C, broccoli is inferior only to lemon, although it is much sweeter than the latter. In addition, vitamin C is contained in cabbage not in the form of ascorbic acid, but in the form of its precursor, ascorbigen, which is not destroyed during storage. B vitamins have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Broccoli phytoncides have fungicidal and bactericidal properties, that is, they inhibit the growth and development of fungi and bacteria.

Broccoli is characterized by the presence in its tissues of a significant amount of sulfur-containing substances - glucosinolates, which include various compounds, including isothiocyanates - mustard oils, which determine the specific taste of cabbage, indoles, sulforaphane. Glucosinolates also contain progoitrin and goitrin; the latter, with a lack of iodine, increases the secretory activity of the thyroid gland, thereby preventing the development of goiter. However, the goitrogenic substance in cabbage is predominantly in an inactive form (progoitrin) and turns into an active one - goitrin - under the action of the enzymes glucosidase and myrosulfatase, which are completely inactivated during heat treatment.
Four main carotenoids were found in the broccoli cabbage leaf - β-carotene, lutein, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, as well as a small amount of anthocyanins.
All aerial organs of broccoli contain organic acids (malic, citric, glucuronic, succinic, chlorogenic, ferulic, coffee, tartronic), flavonoids, tannins, hydroxycinnamic acids.
Of particular note is Indole-3-Carbinol, contained in broccoli, which increases the efficiency of detoxification systems, which makes it possible to use it as a means of slowing down the aging process.

Therapeutic effect of broccoli

Application medicines and dietary supplements made from broccoli cabbage are recommended for atherosclerosis (the presence of pectins that can remove toxic substances and cholesterol from the body, and fiber that removes cholesterol and improves intestinal motor function), diseases of the stomach, liver. The pollen of a flowering plant, infused in warm honey water, is an effective drug for the treatment of radiation sickness. Sprouted broccoli seeds have been found to act as a prophylactic anti-carcinogenic agent, preventing the development of cancer cells. This is due to the maximum accumulation of glucosinolates, in particular sulforaphane (Sulforhafane), especially in the early growing season.

The tartronic acid contained in broccoli inhibits the conversion of carbohydrates into fats and cholesterol in overweight and obesity. The use of such drugs and dietary supplements is recommended in the treatment of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, cleansing the body of toxins, eliminating dysbacteriosis, flatulence and dyspepsia. Juice from fresh leaves is also recommended for these diseases. With peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, pain disappears or decreases, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, and constipation stop. In diseases of the liver (hepatitis, angiocholitis), dyspepsia disappears (digestion disorders), appetite improves. Helicobacter pylori infection is the most important etiological factor in almost all non-drug gastric and duodenal ulcers. Scientific research and experience in the use of broccoli in these pathologies shows high efficiency, including antibiotic-resistant forms of Helicobacter pylori.

It has been experimentally established that fresh broccoli cabbage juice has an antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The almost complete absence of purine bases in cabbage makes it useful in the diet of patients with gout and cholelithiasis.

Broccoli pectins are capable of binding radionuclides, toxic chemicals, salts of heavy and alkaline earth metals and converting them into water-soluble compounds. The use of vegetable fibers of broccoli causes the following pharmacological effects:
appetite suppression and increased feeling of satiety;
reduced energy demand;
normalization of the motor function of the intestine;
slowing down the growth of putrefactive microbes;
normalization of intestinal microflora;
decrease in the degree of absorption of fat in the small intestine;
lowering blood cholesterol levels.
In clinical nutrition, plant fibers are recommended to be used as enterosorbents in the amount of 25 g per day for physiological detoxification of the body.

Below are examples of drugs and dietary supplements containing raw broccoli cabbage.

Medications and dietary supplements with broccoli

1. Iqualin (Enrich International Inc., USA) is a drug.
Contains L-arabinose extract, dandelion root, chickweed grass, wheat protein concentrate, aloe vera concentrate, broccoli concentrate. Adults - 2-3 capsules 3 times a day with meals. The course of admission is 1 month. Application: reduces the risk of developing inflammatory and ulcerative processes of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

2. Loklo (Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc., USA) - dietary supplement.
Contains psyllium ovoid seeds, dietary apple fibers, oat bran, guar gum, acacia gum, broccoli, long curcuma, beetroot, rosemary, carrots, tomatoes, white cabbage, Chinese cabbage, citrus bioflavonoids, citrus hesperidin, safflower dye oil, fructose, citric acid, cinnamon powder. Adults - 1 tbsp. l. 1 time per day for 30 min. before meals, diluted in 1 glass of cold boiled water. Additional fluid intake (1-2 glasses) is required.
Application: improves digestion and the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Indole-3-carbinol (Nittany Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA) - dietary supplement with general strengthening action.
Contains indole-3-carbinol, broccoli powder. Adults - 2 capsules 1 time per day with meals in the morning. The course of admission is 1 month.

4. Synchron-7 (Enrich International Inc., USA) - dietary supplement with general strengthening action.
Contains vitamin C complex (L-ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, dehydroxyascorbic acid, isoascorbic acid, ascorbigen, calcium isoascorbate), broccoli concentrate, bioflavonoid concentrate (hesperidin, naringenin, etc.), grapefruit pectin, quercetin concentrate, concentrate routine. Adults - 1 capsule 2 times a day with meals. The course of admission is 1 month.

5. Rose ox (D&F Industries for Herbalife International of America Inc., USA) - dietary supplement, source of antioxidant substances.
Contains calcium, standardized dry extract of rosemary, cruciferous (broccoli, cauliflower, white cabbage) and carrots, turmeric, tomato fruit concentrate, sage leaves, clove flowers. Adults and children over 12 years of age: 1 tablet daily with food.

6. Defense Maintenance (Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc., USA).
Contains vitamins A, C, E, zinc, selenium, barley shoots, asparagus, astragalus, white cabbage, broccoli, reishi mushroom, guayule, Chinese magnolia vine, eleutherococcus, wheat shoots, myrrh resin. Adults - 2 capsules 2 times a day with meals.
Application: stimulates the immune system, contributes to the prevention of infectious diseases. Has an antioxidant effect.

7. Grapine (Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc., USA) is a drug.
Contains grape skin extract, vitamin C, broccoli, red beetroot, rosemary, tomatoes, turmeric, Chinese cabbage, white cabbage, citrus bioflavonoids, hesperidin, calcium biophosphate, cellulose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide. Adults - 1 tablet daily with a meal in the morning. Application: has an antioxidant effect. Strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves blood circulation in the body.

8. Mastofit Evalar ("Evalar", Russia) - a drug.
Contains broccoli concentrate, fucus extract, calcium or magnesium stearate. 1-2 tablets 3 times a day with meals. The course of admission is at least 2 months. Application: fibrocystic or diffuse mastopathy, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, estrogen-dependent disorders of the female reproductive system.

9. Garlic (Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc., USA) - dietary supplement to maintain the function of the cardiovascular system.
Contains field garlic, broccoli inflorescences, long turmeric, common beets, carrots, tomatoes, white cabbage, Chinese cabbage, citrus bioflavonoids, citrus hesperidin. Adults: 1 tablet 1-2 times a day.

10. Kaitorich (Enrich International Inc., USA) - dietary supplement for people who control body weight.
Contains chitosan, erythorbic acid, ascorbic acid, citric acid, Aloe Barbados leaves, broccoli concentrate. Adults: 4 capsules 1 time per day with meals.

Broccoli cabbage is a plant that resembles a small, squat tree, but it is completely different from cabbage, although it is one of the most useful members of the family. cruciferous (Cruciferae) or cabbage.

The Italian name for the vegetable is "broccolo", which means "flowering top of the cabbage". This word comes from the Latin "brachium" - "branch" or hand, a reflection of the tree-like form of the plant. The plant came to France in 1560, and to England - only at the beginning of the 18th century. The British called the vegetable simply and uncomplicated "Italian asparagus."

Today, the popularity of broccoli is obvious. It is cultivated all over the world. China, the largest producer, grows more than 8 million tons per year.

On the vegetable market you can find hybrids: "broccolini" (participated in its creation Chinese cabbage gai-lin) and "broccoflower" (a hybrid of broccoli and cauliflower).

This cabbage should be present in the diet of all women and men with health problems. It contains useful substances that normalize the production of insulin, so the product should be present in the menu of diabetics and sweet tooth.

Also found in broccoli is a compound that promotes the production of endorphin, a neurotransmitter that improves mood.

Vitamin profile: A, C, E, K, group B: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (PP or niacin), B5, B6, B9, vitamin-like substance U.
Macro- and microelements: zinc and iron, potassium and calcium, selenium, phosphorus, sodium and manganese.
The introduction of broccoli into the diet on a regular basis will reduce the proportion of animal products without harming the body. This vegetable is suitable for various diet programs, as it really helps in losing weight.

vegetable benefits

Beneficial features Broccoli has been backed up by numerous scientific studies.

Against oncological diseases

Notes periodically appear in the news feed about the next discovery of scientists related to the antitumor properties of broccoli.

Scientists from the University of Michigan have found that the sterols that make up the product help reduce the risk of developing certain types of breast tumors in women. Also, this vegetable crop reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer in men.

Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which has strong antioxidant properties and prevents the development of malignant cells. Other sources of this compound: color and Brussels sprouts.
In addition, this wonderful cabbage contains many of the plant's more common antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
The vegetable also gives a strong anti-inflammatory effect: scientists note a correlation between internal inflammation and the development of malignant tumors.
Broccoli improves bowel function, which also reduces the risk of neoplasms in the intestinal tract.
Selenium, which is rich in cabbage, removes heavy metal salts and carcinogens from the body.

Want to protect yourself and your loved ones from cancer? Diversify the menu with broccoli. Choose young sprouts - according to experts, they contain the maximum doses of sulforaphane.

The compound is found in fresh green cabbage sprouts in an inactive form and, only when it enters the human body under the action of saliva and intestinal enzymes, it shows its properties. For this reason, the concentration of sulforaphane in the body, as well as its effectiveness, depends on physiological characteristics.

By the way, now British scientists are trying to develop a variety of broccoli with increased anti-cancer properties.

For the gastrointestinal tract

Broccoli and its juice contribute to the normal production of bile, which helps to digest food with reduced function or deformity of the gallbladder.
Cabbage destroys bacteria in the stomach that cause gastritis and ulcers. But, even if the stomach disease is caused by increased nervousness or malnutrition, broccoli will still help. The vegetable contains compounds that help restore the mucosa and heal the peptic ulcer.
Cabbage normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and helps to cope with gastritis, provoked by nervous shocks.
A large amount of fiber normalizes bowel function, cleanses the digestive tract and stimulates weight loss.
This is an excellent food for those who have survived an intestinal infection. The vegetable saturates, is easily digested and neutralizes the harm caused by pathogens. Another product normalizes the water-electrolyte balance, which is inevitably disturbed by food poisoning.

For the circulatory system

The beneficial properties of this cabbage are important for people suffering from cardiovascular ailments. The product contains a lot of protein, similar in structure to the protein of a chicken egg. At the same time, there is no cholesterol in broccoli, and the amount of fat is trace. To cleanse the blood and sparing weight loss, you can drink green cabbage juice or a decoction.

The vegetable has a lot of chlorophyll, which has a beneficial effect on the composition of the blood.
Methionine and choline remove cholesterol from the blood and prevent its accumulation in the form of plaques.
Copper is essential for the normal process of hematopoiesis.
A significant amount of magnesium and potassium, as well as protein, helps in strengthening the heart muscle.

For lung health

Proven benefits of broccoli for the respiratory system.

The anti-inflammatory properties of the vegetable will help asthmatics. And all thanks to the same sulforaphane.
Helps to cope with pathogens in the lungs. This is especially true for smokers who have a weakened the immune system and natural defense works poorly. In this case, sulforaphane takes on the role of human macrophages - white blood cells that fight infection.
Broccoli will also be useful for people with chronic lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema.

For beauty and weight loss

Broccoli is a popular vegetable among women who care about their appearance.

The product is used for weight loss, as it normalizes digestive processes and has a low calorie content.
Manganese and zinc are good for skin health.
Beta-carotene slows down the aging process of cells.
Broccoli, as well as juice and decoction from it, remove toxins from the body, cleanse the intestines and prevent putrefactive processes and disorders in the digestive tract - all those phenomena that most often cause acne, skin irritation and unhealthy complexion.
It removes excess fluid from the body (an inevitable companion of edema and cellulite), which contributes to weight loss.
Folic acid stimulates the birth of new cells, thereby helping to renew the covering tissues, including the skin.
Cabbage is rich in vitamin E, which makes the skin supple, firm and rejuvenated.

But in order for the product to bring only benefit and no harm, it is important to apply healthy recipes, in which broccoli is used fresh for salads, boiled or steamed.

For expectant mothers

Broccoli is amazing healthy cabbage for women who have decided to experience the joy of motherhood.

Vitamin E, along with other vitamins and trace elements, is necessary for successful conception and a smooth pregnancy, and brings tangible benefits to the female reproductive system.
The vegetable provides building material for the child's body without compromising the health of the mother.
As you know, the fetus "pulls" useful substances from the mother's body, including calcium. Because of this, women have problems with their teeth. But there is a lot of calcium in broccoli. And if mom eats cabbage regularly, her teeth are safe.
The product contains a lot of folic acid (vitamin B9), which is necessary for both mother and child. Children need it for the normal development of the nervous system, the formation of tissues and organs. And mom will help to endure pregnancy, while maintaining a positive attitude.

For men

The benefits for the body of men are also significant, since the vegetable:

improves the composition of sperm and reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer;
contains a significant amount of vitamin A, necessary male body for strong immunity, keen vision and health of the bone skeleton;
is a good source of vitamin C, which is especially important for the stronger sex for rapid regeneration in case of injuries and wounds.

For babies

Broccoli puree is an excellent food for babies older than six months. Since this cabbage is considered hypoallergenic, it is one of the first to be introduced into complementary foods for children. It is easily absorbed by the immature digestive system of the baby, providing him with a whole range of nutrients.

You can prepare mashed potatoes yourself, or buy ready-made baby food, choosing from a large number of offers on the Russian market.

Not to be left without healthy vegetable in winter, mothers freeze green inflorescences for the future: if necessary, they can be easily thawed using a double boiler.

How to cook

The medicinal properties of broccoli will be fully manifested if you use it raw or get freshly squeezed juice (fresh) from it. Frozen cabbage will also retain benefits.

Not everyone likes the taste of raw cabbage, so housewives have to be cunning.

Broccoli can be used to make healthy, refreshing smoothies. It is recommended to combine it with cauliflower, apples and celery. Just grind all the ingredients in a blender. Such juice can be used for weight loss or thirst quenching.

Broccoli can be used vegetarian recipes fondue dipped in melted cheese.

Boiled, baked in the oven or steamed cabbage will bring a little less benefit. But even in this form, it will render your health a great service.

But frying green inflorescences with a lot of oil is not recommended. Especially if you are afraid of carcinogens.

Without exception, it is contraindicated for everyone to drink a decoction left over from cooking broccoli; it can be harmful, as it contains substances dangerous to humans: adenine and guanine. For the same reason, the vegetable is not suitable for cooking. vegetable broths and soups.

But there is an exception: broccoli puree soups are very healthy and tasty if you follow the recipe. But they mean cooking on a vegetable or chicken broth(cabbage inflorescences are boiled separately).

If you are considering using broccoli for its anti-cancer properties, take your time to cook it.

In 2007, a study was conducted at the University of Warwick. Experts studied the effect of boiling, steaming, cooking in microwave oven and frying for the safety of anti-cancer substances in the composition of the vegetable. It turned out that boiling led to the biggest losses. Whereas steaming for 20 minutes, microwaving for 3 minutes, and frying for 5 minutes did not result in a significant loss of anticarcinogenic compounds.

Of course, raw broccoli retains all of its beneficial nutrients. But it can irritate the intestines and cause increased gas formation.

Harm and contraindications

Any cauliflower has contraindications. It can harm patients:

in violation of the functions of the pancreas;
with gastritis with high acidity.

Some postoperative diets have contraindications for high fiber intake. In this case, the ban will apply to many vegetables and fruits.

If you are deeply uncomfortable with the taste of this cabbage, you may need to check with an endocrinologist. Doctors believe that aversion to broccoli is often associated with iodine deficiency in the body and disorders in the thyroid gland. The fact is that the vegetable contains a large amount of glycosinolates that interfere with the synthesis of iodine-containing compounds in the human body. Fortunately, at heat treatment broccoli this property loses its relevance.

And for some, especially sensitive people, when green inflorescences come into contact with the skin, an allergic rash may appear.

Some foods that a person eats prevent the development of certain diseases and even contribute to the treatment of the body. This is explained by the presence in the composition of substances that have a protective and healing effect. For example, including cruciferous vegetables in your diet can protect you from cancer and many other dangerous diseases.

Cabbage contains glucoraphanin, which is a precursor to an organic compound called sulforaphane. The latter has antibacterial and anticancer properties. How does the transformation occur and which vegetables contain this beneficial substance? Details about sulforaphane will be of interest to anyone who cares about their own health.

From the sprouts of broccoli, a ripe vegetable of this variety, as well as many other species from the cabbage genus, you can get a substance quite valuable for the human body - sulforaphane. It is not included in the composition of cabbage in its pure form. Another compound known as glucoraphanin is converted into it. How is everything going?

Cabbage leaves contain molecules of glucoraphanin, one of the isothiocyanates.
During mechanical damage to the plant, the process of transformation begins.
The conversion of glucoraphanin to another form occurs under the influence of myrosinase. This is a plant enzyme that starts the reaction to break down molecules.
An active organic compound enters the body, which has a beneficial effect.

Since any damage to the integrity of the cabbage leaves leads to the above reaction, it is possible to obtain the isothiocyanate of interest only if certain rules are followed. The chewing process itself is already the effect on vegetable tissues that is required for the transformation of glucoraphanin. Useful properties are retained only raw vegetable or prepared in a gentle way.

Sources of sulforaphane

Studies have shown that sulforaphane is well absorbed in the human body. The use of products that contain this substance bring considerable benefits. Since this compound is of plant origin, it is necessary to look for sources in nature. To figure out which vegetables to eat and in what form a specially compiled table will help.

Product containing sulforaphane	Comment
Broccoli shoots	The greatest amount of sulforaphane in young shoots of curly cabbage. Approximately 1150 mg of this component fall on 100 grams of the product in its pure form. There is no such concentration even in a ripened vegetable. This fact has been established in numerous studies. Therefore, it is advisable to collect immature sprouts of this vegetable as a source of the substance of interest. For the plant to bring real benefits, it must be consumed raw. Yielding to heat treatment, the shoots almost completely lose their healing properties.
Broccoli	The second highest concentration of sulforaphane is legally occupied by ripe broccoli. In 100 grams of dry vegetable there will be from 40 to 70 mg of glucoraphanin, from which, as a result of a series of chemical reactions, a substance with anti-cancer properties is obtained. A person can get the maximum sulforaphane from ripe cabbage of this variety only if they eat it raw or lightly stewed. A boiled vegetable does not bring any benefit at all.
Cauliflower	A head of cauliflower resembles broccoli in appearance. Only unlike asparagus cabbage, its color is white. Since broccoli is the genetic precursor of this vegetable, their composition is largely similar. This also applies to the presence of sulforaphane. To save nutritional value product, you need to cook it in a fast way.
Brussels sprouts	A vegetable crop that is another source of sulforaphane. Small cabbages should be steamed. Otherwise, they will become absolutely useless in the fight against diseases, the treatment of which contributes to sulforaphane.
savoy cabbage	Often including savoy cabbage salads in the diet, a person has a chance to significantly reduce the likelihood of developing oncology. The thing is that the content of sulforaphane in this variety of cabbage is quite high. When it becomes necessary to saturate the body with the above-mentioned substance, many prefer this particular product. This is due to the taste qualities of Savoy cabbage. It is pleasant to eat it even raw, while not everyone can use other types of cabbage without prior cooking.
Kohlrabi	Useful and delicious vegetable containing quite a lot of sulforaphane. You can eat both fresh leaves and the ripened underground part of the plant. There are many recipes for this type of cabbage. Preference should be given to a recipe that does not involve heat treatment.
White cabbage or kale	Has a rich useful substances composition, among which far from the last place is sulforaphane. Its amount is quite noticeable for the body, especially if you cook the vegetable correctly.
red cabbage	The vegetable contains much less sulforaphane than previous products. But still, some benefits can be obtained by including this variety of cabbage on the menu. Of course, provided that it is a salad.

Almost all cruciferous plants are natural sources of sulforaphane. In addition to the plants included in the table, this compound is present in the composition of:

watercress;
mustard greens;
horseradish;
rapeseed;
swede;
turnips;
rare.

The greatest amount of this substance is obtained by lovers of broccoli. If the specific goal is to saturate the body with sulforaphane, you should take care of the presence of broccoli shoots on the table. It is useful to eat other varieties of cabbage. However, the desired isothiocyanate can enter the stomach only with the right approach. To preserve the sulforaphane contained in the leaves of vegetables, you should not use the following cooking methods:

cook;
fry;
simmer for a long time.

There are many recipes that can be cooked from cabbage delicious meals. But not all of them contribute to the preservation of nutrients. Therefore, sometimes you have to choose between "tasty" and "healthy". Although if you look from the other side, some varieties of cabbage delight the taste buds and raw.

Including salads from red, white and Savoy cabbage in your diet, you will not only enjoy food, but also support your own health. And by learning how to properly cook dishes from cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and broccoli, you can ensure even more sulforaphane intake.

beneficial effect

Why should you still strive to consume vegetables that contain sulforaphane? The beneficial properties of this organic compound can hardly be overestimated. Consider the effect on the body:

reduces the risk of developing cancer cells;
prevents the development of atherosclerosis;
does not allow the occurrence of inflammation of the vessels of the heart;
protects against infections;
prevents the growth of bacterial flora;
slows down cell aging;
normalizes blood glucose levels;
promotes the breakdown of fats;
supports the kidneys in case of intoxication.

The main value of sulforaphane lies in its anti-cancer capabilities. It prevents cell regeneration:

in the mammary glands;
in the intestines;
in the prostate;
in the uterus;
in the liver;
in the lungs.

During the experiments, it was found that sulforaphane exhibits high antioxidant activity. Protecting cells from damage is one of the most effective natural ways to prevent cancer.

Nutritional supplements

As practice shows, eating so much broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables to get enough sulforaphane is quite problematic. You can get this substance not only in food. There is always an opportunity to find the appropriate drug on the dietary supplements market.

Global manufacturers of dietary supplements offer consumers sulforaphane from broccoli in the form of capsules or tablets. For example, buying the right supplement is available on the now popular iHerb website. Thanks to this Internet resource, people freely buy the necessary drugs that cannot be found in a pharmacy.

iHerb range

For the attention of consumers, iHerb offers a couple of analogues of broccoli extract.

Source Naturals, Broccoli Extract, 60 Tablets

Numerous studies have shown that including cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower in your diet is beneficial for your health. Scientists have identified a key component of broccoli that has many protective properties - sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate that is believed to stimulate the production of enzymes in the body. Immature broccoli florets contain isothiocyanate 30–50 times higher than a mature broccoli floret.

Source Naturals Broccoli Extract provides 2,000 mcg of sulforaphane daily, the equivalent of eating over half a kilo of fresh broccoli.

Take 2 tablets per day

Other Ingredients

Dibasic calcium phosphate, stearic acid, hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica and modified cellulose gum.

Suitable for vegetarians and allergy sufferers: free of yeast, dairy products

Warnings

Store in a dry and cool place.

Note. Consult your physician before using this product during pregnancy (and if you are planning to become pregnant) or while breastfeeding.

Do not use if protective film is broken or missing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Denial of responsibility

iHerb makes every effort to ensure that images and product information are provided in a timely and correct manner. However, sometimes data updates may be delayed. Even in cases where the labeling of the products you received differs from those presented on the site, we guarantee the freshness of the goods. We recommend that you read the instructions for use on the product before using it, and not just rely entirely on the description provided on the iHerb website.