Get Better Broccoli benefits Results by Following 3 Steps

What are the benefits of broccoli? 

Broccoli is part of the cruciferous or brassica family of vegetables. It is related to other well-known vegetables such as cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts, collard and turnip greens. It is jam packed with essential vitamins such as Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Calcium and Folate (Vitamin B9).

Broccoli contains a combination of beneficial ‘chemicals’ known as petrochemicals. These petrochemicals, in particular, glucosinolates, indole-3-carbinol and ratiocinates have a specific role in aiding appropriate liver function and assisting with liver detoxification. Some of these petrochemicals are believed to be conducive to the prevention of oxidative stress and therefore, may act as antioxidants. As well as this, consuming broccoli benefits on a daily basis may assist with improving hormonal balance, through its ability to stimulate liver function.

This delicious vegetable can be consumed in its raw or cooked state and can be quite versatile when added to a variety of different dishes.

Source: menopause center 

 

Can you freeze fresh broccoli?

Yes you can freeze it...

Freezing is the best way to preserve broccoli. Broccoli, as well as all other broccoli vegetables, must be blanched (scalded) in boiling water before freezing. Unbalanced vegetables contain an active enzyme which causes toughening and severe flavor and nutrient loss during freezing. Blanching retards the enzyme activity.

Freezing does not improve the quality of any green vegetable. Freezing actually can magnify undesirable characteristics. For instance woodiness in stalks becomes more noticeable upon thawing. Select broccoli benefits that has grown under favorable conditions and prepare for freezing as soon after picking as possible. Broccoli at its peak quality for eating will produce best results in the freezer.

In a blanching pot or large pot with a tight fitting lid, bring 5 quarts of water to a rolling boil.

Meanwhile, wash broccoli, trim stalks and cut through florets so that pieces of heads are not more than 1 inch across. Peel stalks and cut into rounds or quarter lengthwise.

Blanch no more than one pound at a time. Add broccoli to boiling water and immediately cover with a tight fitting lid.

Start timing immediately and blanch for four minutes. Prepare an ice water bath in a large 5-quart container or the sink. Remove broccoli from water with a slotted spoon or blanching basket.

Emerge in the ice water bath for five minutes or until cooled. If you do not have ice, use several changes of cold water or running cold water. Remove and drain.

Pack cold broccoli in zip-closure freezer bags or freezer containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing bags.

Label and date each container or bag. Immediately place in the freezer, allowing an inch of space around each container until it is frozen. Freeze for up to one year at 0 degrees F. or below.

Blanching water can be reused. Add more water if necessary. Remember to always bring water back to a rolling boil before blanching more broccoli benefits.

Source: AuntieM

Does broccoli cause gas?

Yes, broccoli causes gas, but most people don't feel like they are going to die. I'm guessing that this is probably not the first time you've eaten broccoli, so you have to wonder why something is different now.

 

"Broccoli contains the complex sugar known as raffinose. This carbohydrate, also found in beans, causes gas. While most people pass gas without any real discomfort, in some cases it causes an unpleasant bloated feeling. This can trigger pain in the abdomen. The pain may be so sharp that it's confused with either heart problems or appendicitis. Usually, this pain passes when the gas moves through the large intestine and out of the body."

Everyone's system is different, but there may be something else going on, like the broccoli was not washed properly, you are dehydrated, you caught a digestive bug, or you have irritable bowel syndrome or similar, or a combination of some of the above. What exactly are your symptoms? Is it just the toots and bloating, or do you have pain as well or other symptoms? If you caught a digestive bug, you would probably have some other symptoms, like diarrhea or vomiting. Many people do not know that dehydration can cause bloating and gas, so make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. No matter what the problem is, staying hydrated is very important. If the broccoli was not washed properly, the introduction of bacteria can cause digestive problems. Hope that helps!

Source: Livestrong.com by yahoo answers