Broccoli is a vegetable belonging to the Brassicácea family, the same family as the cabbage, of cabbage and of the cauliflower. It is a food well known by Brazilians, being a regular component of the diet of many people. This food, in addition to being tasty, is rich in several substances that bring benefits to man.
→ Features
Broccoli is a variety of Brassica oleracea and is an herbaceous plant, with a long and erect stem, with slightly protruding leaves and long peduncles. In Brazil, two types of broccoli are grown: the branchy and the head. O branch or bunch has a large number of small inflorescences, which have larger flower buds. the broccoli from head it has a central inflorescence, larger, more compact and with floral buds much smaller than those presented by broccoli branches.
The head broccoli has a central inflorescence
At inflorescences of broccoli branches and those of head broccoli they have a color that varies from green to bluish when the flowers have not yet opened, which is the most striking feature of the species. The inflorescences and thick stems constitute the edible part of the plant. Although the leaves can also be ingested, it is not common to consume this part of the plant.
It is worth noting that broccoli is a very perishable food, being observed its aging process through the loss of chlorophyll and the change in color of the inflorescence, which goes from green to yellow. On average, broccoli can be kept in the refrigerator for about four days or it can still be frozen.
→ Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli contains several components beneficial to human health, such as carotenoids, fibers, phenolic compounds, selenium, vitamins, minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and sulfur) and glycosinolates. It is worth noting that many components, such as vitamins, are sensitive to heat and can be lost during cooking. Therefore, long cooking times are not recommended and steaming is recommended.
Broccoli has two important properties: anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effect. In addition to these important benefits, studies have shown that broccoli helps with infection treatment by Helicobacter pylori, bacteria related to gastritis, and it is able to reduce blood glucose levels.
Read too: Diabetes Mellitus
See some benefits of consuming broccoli
With regard to cancer, several studies have shown that broccoli acts to prevent some specific types of the disease. Some studies have linked broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, for example, to reducing the risk of lung cancer, colon, breast post-menopause and prostate.
By Ma. Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
