Eating raw broccoli: healthy or harmful?

Can you eat broccoli raw or is the cabbage poisonous? We clarify the question and reveal what to look out for when consuming.

Can you eat broccoli raw?

Yes, you can generally eat broccoli raw. The green power food is even healthier when consumed uncooked, as the heat-sensitive vitamin C partially breaks down during cooking. However, consuming raw broccoli in large quantities can cause abdominal pain and gas in people with sensitive digestions. It is therefore advisable to chew the broccoli well and especially to eat the florets raw, as they are more digestible than the stalk. Raw broccoli, for example, tastes good grated in a salad or as a smoothie. However, the vegetables should be washed thoroughly before processing.

Eating broccoli raw – the benefits

Broccoli is extremely healthy, in addition to vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium and calcium, the vegetable also contains a lot of folic acid, which plays an important role for pregnant women. Broccoli also has a high content of glucosinolates (sulforaphane) – they are secondary plant substances, which are said to have anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventing effects. Since sulforaphane is also largely destroyed by the heat during cooking, it is better to eat broccoli raw.

With only around 34 kilocalories and 0.4 grams of fat per 100 grams, the cabbage family is both very low in calories and low in fat. In contrast to green beans, for example, raw broccoli does not contain any toxins and is therefore harmless to health.

Eating broccoli raw: You should pay attention to this

People who suffer from stomach upset or digestive problems should better avoid raw broccoli: Like all other types of cabbage, it can cause gas and stomach pain. In this case, you can do the best of the broccoli Steam or stew briefly, so most of the ingredients are retained. In addition, it is advisable to only consume the vegetables in small quantities and it to be prepared with caraway or fennelso that it becomes more digestible.

With us you will find delicious broccoli recipes and we will tell you how you can cook broccoli and freeze broccoli. Exchange ideas for more cooking tips in the BRIGITTE Community!