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Chinese Broccoli

In season all year

Food Description:

Chinese Broccoli - also called Gai Lum or Laam - is much leafier in appearance than Western-style broccoli. This Asian green has dark green leaves with firm, thick stems and a slightly more bitter-tasting leaf than other Chinese greens. It is considered one of the world's most nutritious vegetables.

General Information:

Category: Vegetable
To Buy: Look for bright, fresh leaves undamaged by pests.
To Store: Store in a plastic bag in the crisper section of the fridge.
Tips and Tricks: The values listed refer to cooked Chinese broccoli.

Nutrition (Per serve):

Weight (grams): 80
Carbohydrates, g: 0.8
Protein (g): 1.8
Saturated Fat, g : 0.0
Vitamin A: Often called the "anti-infective" vitamin, it protects the mucous membranes of the body, reducing chance of infection and enhancing the immune system's response. Necessary for growth and maintenenance of bones, teeth and body tissues and healthy foetal development, this vitamin is also important for night vision.

Contraindications:
Taken in excess will accumulate in the body.
Calcium: The most abundant mineral in the body, calcium is essential for health of bones and teeth, and also for nerve transmission, cardiovascular health, muscle contraction and blood clotting.
Folic Acid: Important during pregnancy as this vitamin is involved in the duplication of chromosomes, preventing birth defects. Lowers the risk of heart disease and is necessary for proper brain and gut function.
Amines: Amines come the breakdown or fermentation of proteins. High amounts are found in cheese, chocolate, wine, beer and yeast extracts. Smaller amounts are present in some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, avocados, bananas.

For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. No information available
Glutamates: Glutamate is found naturally in many foods, as part of protein. It enhances the flavour of food, which is why foods rich in natural glutamates such as tomatoes, mushrooms and cheeses are commonly used in meals. Pure monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as an additive to artificially flavour many processed foods, and should be avoided, especially in sensitive individuals as it can cause serious adverse reactions. n/a
Energy (kJ): 72
Fibre, g:
Fat (g): 0.1
Monosaturated Fat , g: 0.0
Vitamin C: Antioxidant, anti inflammatory and immune-boosting, this vitamin has a range of uses. Is essential for collagen formation, therefore plays a role in wound healing. Fights infection and protects against free radical damage. Vitamin C helps maintain normal cholesterol levels, promotes the absorption of iron and counters the effects of stress as it is concentrated in the adrenal glands.

Contraindications:
Large doses can cause diaorrhea or gas.
Iron, mg: Main function is synthesis of red blood cells, thus delivering oxygen around the body and maintaining all bodily functions.

Contraindications:
Excess accumulation may play a role in development of heart disease.
Potassium: Needed for normal growth and muscle and nerve contraction. Together with sodium regulates water and fluid balance in the body.
Salicylates: Naturally occurring plant chemicals found in several fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices, jams, honey, yeast extracts, tea and coffee, juices, beer and wines. Also present in flavourings, perfumes, scented toiletries and some medications.

For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. No information available

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: For a quick use in warm salads, plunge entire bunch into boiling water for 1 minute, remove, drain, cut with kitchen scissors onto serving plates and eat immediately.

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

Anaemia
Immune Deficiencies
Cold and Flus

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.



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