Incredibly delicate, sophisticated bouquet. These words can poetically describe cauliflower. Bred vegetable was a doctor in Syria, not one century ago. After he began to travel the world.
For the first time cauliflower appeared in Russia in the 18th century, but for a long time it could not take root. Exotic culture was so expensive that only rich nobility could afford it. But thanks to the efforts of breeders, this useful vegetable was on our tables and gardens.
This article discusses the usefulness of cauliflower, when it is contraindicated and how to use it properly.
Chemical composition
Cauliflower in its composition has many useful substances.This is superior to other types of cabbage. More benefit can be obtained from raw cabbage (there will be no harm from boiled too, but there will be less vitamins in it).
Here are some vitamins contains vegetable:
- vitamin C;
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine);
- riboflavin;
- pyridoxine;
- vitamin K;
- vitamin u;
- cellulose;
- folic acid;
- pantothenic acid;
- omaga-3 fatty acids;
- biotin;
- choline.
In addition to vitamins, cabbage fibers contain a number of macro- and microelements.: Calcium, potassium, magnesium, iodine, manganese, selenium, copper, chlorine, zinc, iron, phosphorus, sodium.
And cauliflower is a storehouse of iron, which is twice as large as in other green vegetables.
Also in the composition of the food product are available:
- mineral salts;
- pectin;
- enzymes;
- tartronic, citric, malic acid.
Calorie content
For people who are on a diet and monitor the energy value of the diet, the index of KBD is important, that is, how many kcal (calories), 100 grams of cauliflower, proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
The product, despite its high nutritional value, is low-calorie.. The caloric content of 100 grams of raw vegetables - only 30 calories.
Because of this, it can easily be consumed by people who are overweight. Nutritional value per 100 g: proteins - 2.5 g, fat - 0.3 g, carbohydrates - 5.4 g.
Indications and Contraindications
Despite the widespread popularity, the benefits and harms of cauliflower, in particular, its beneficial healing properties, have not yet been fully investigated. But, based on the facts that are fully proven, you can safely say about the pros and cons of this product, as well as talking about the presence of some contraindications. Read more about them here.
Who and how is this product useful?
- The high content of vitamin C strengthens the immune system, inhibits the aging process, has a positive effect on the central nervous system.
- Fiber affects the digestion process, helps to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins.
- Mineral salts improve metabolism, help remove excess fluids from the body, and have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
- Equally important for the heart is the presence of potassium, which normalizes heart rate and blood pressure.
- Cauliflower lowers unwanted blood cholesterol. It normalizes the quantitative component of lipids. Therefore, the vegetable is eaten as prevention of atherosclerosis.
The advantage of cabbage is to maintain a sufficient level of glucose in the body, which is especially important for diabetes.- Another component - molybdenum is useful for tooth enamel.
- Iron is the main component of red blood cells that deliver oxygen to cells. With its lack of problems with the thyroid gland.
- With continued use of cauliflower in the diet, you can avoid the development of dangerous cancer. As a result of the conducted experimental studies, the substance glucosinolate was found in the vegetable composition, which, in combination with other substances in the body, transforms into isothiocyanates. Such a qualitative transformation contributes to a significant reduction of cancer cells and slowing the growth of malignant tumors.
- Anti-inflammatory effect is manifested due to the presence in the composition of vitamin K and amega-3 fatty acids. These substances muffle inflammatory processes.
- Vegetable is also useful for high-quality work of the brain. Improves memory, enhances cognitive function.
- Revealed a positive effect on the organs of vision, prevents the development of cataracts.
The advantage of cabbage is to maintain a sufficient level of glucose in the body, which is especially important for diabetes.Who can harm?
Cauliflower has a wide range of beneficial properties, along with it There are a number of negative aspects, due to which not everyone is recommended to include vegetables in the diet.Contraindications apply to people suffering from:
- gastrointestinal diseases in the active phase of exacerbation;
- increased acidity of the stomach;
- intestinal colic;
- problems with the genitourinary system;
- peptic ulcers in acute form;
- hypertension;
- with an individual allergic reaction;
- renal diseases.
Benefits for the human body
With its rich composition of various natural elements, cauliflower has a healing effect on the human body as a whole. Rare substances that are in this vegetable, make it more valuable.
Attention! Nutritionists recommended the use of cauliflower for men, women and children. In each case, the benefits will be individual.
For women
The weak floor simply needs this vegetable. After all cabbage components will help to extend the beauty and youth for many years. Cauliflower is used not only as a food product, but also for cosmetic purposes, making masks and lotions. The main objectives of the use of vegetables in women:
tartronic acid helps reduce fat in the thighs and abdomen;- allowed to use during pregnancy and lactation;
- provides prevention of breast cancer;
- is a laxative, especially valuable after childbirth, using cauliflower instead of chemical medicines;
- enhances the regeneration of the skin;
- promotes the production of collagen, which is necessary to maintain skin elasticity;
- masks, having in its composition cabbage, stimulate growth and strengthen hair.
tartronic acid helps reduce fat in the thighs and abdomen;The best recipes for cooking cauliflower can be found here.
For men
Is this product useful for men? According to statistics, men are often concerned about diseases associated with the heart. For this reason, it would be useful to eat cauliflower for food, which will certainly reduce the risk of disease. BUT if you eat about 100 g of the product daily, the risk of prostate cancer is reduced by 3 times.
According to the findings of trichologists, the presence of a useful vegetable in the diet helps to get rid of baldness and baldness at an early stage, and also increases the regenerative ability of cells to grow hair.
Men who have cauliflower in their menu are more resilient and energetic.. For many years, retain their masculine power.
For the health of children
Vegetable culture in the diet of the baby is introduced in the first year of life, as an independent dish or as a component of a multi-component mashed potatoes. How is it useful for children? First of all, it is an important product for the normalization of intestinal motility.
A large amount of vegetable protein strengthens bone tissue and blood vessels.
Important! Pediatricians advise to use cauliflower to stimulate, improve appetite and to prevent the formation of gas, constipation in a child.
About the best recipes for cooking cauliflower for a child, read our article.
Consumption rates
How much to eat, so that the vegetable will benefit and not cause harm to the body? Per day the rate is 250-300 g for a healthy person.. People suffering from gastrointestinal diseases not more than 10 g per day, and if not a period of exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Nursing mothers are allowed to use no earlier than 1 month after birth. Daily rate of 150-200 g. During pregnancy, eat based on the state of the woman and the individual reaction to this product. Read more about the nuances of using cauliflower during pregnancy and breastfeeding here.
Allergy
The reason for the reaction is the presence of protein, which acts as an allergen. Or a substance chitinase, which activates the process of obtaining chitin - a protein enzyme.
If a person has a tendency to allergic reactions, then these substances can provoke them.
Cauliflower Allergy Symptoms:
- redness of the skin;
- puffiness;
- itching;
- sharp tingling in the areas of the lips, tongue;
- sudden cough;
- runny nose
In rare cases, anaphylaxis.
Treatment implies:
- complete exclusion of cauliflower from the diet;
- visiting an allergist;
- diet for 5-7 days;
- use of antihistamines;
- use of external antipruritic ointments or creams;
- use of sorbents for cleaning the intestines.
In principle, cauliflower is a low allergenic product. Allergic reactions to it are extremely rare, exclusively individual. This vegetable is a valuable food product that is not only tasty, but also useful, and the ratio of BJU in it is favorable for losing weight and maintaining weight. Use cabbage in different variations, thereby diversifying your menu.
