The broccoli (brassica oleracea var. italiaca) is a vegetable belonging to the family of Brassicas, which also includes cauliflower, varieties of cabbage, Brussels sprouts, rutabaga, and kale, or "Chinese broccoli." It is an optimal crop for temperate climates, so intense heat does not benefit its growth. At first glance, broccoli draws attention for its very lively green branches. And on the palate, it is delicious not only for its pleasant flavor, but also for its unique texture.
Beyond its possible uses in the kitchen, broccoli has numerous beneficial properties not only for our he alth, but also for the organism of many domestic birds. In this article on our site, we present the Benefits of broccoli for canaries and we teach you how to use it to supplement your birds' diet. Do not miss it!
Nutritional composition of broccoli
Before listing the benefits of broccoli for canaries, it is important that you know the nutritional composition of this vegetable to better understand its effects on the body. According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) database, 100 grams of broccoli contains the following nutrients:
- Energy: 34kcal
- Water: 89.3g
- Protein: 2.82g
- Total Fat: 0.37g
- Carbs: 6.64g
- Total Sugars: 1.7g
- Total fiber: 2.6g
- Calcium: 47mg
- Iron: 0.73mg
- Magnesium: 21mg
- Manganese: 0.21mg
- Phosphorus: 66mg
- Potassium: 316mg
- Zinc: 0.41mg
- Vitamin A: 31μg
- β-carotene: 361Μg
- Vitamin C: 89.2mg
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 0.071mg
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 0.117mg
- Vitamin B3 (niacin or vitamin PP): 0.639mg
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 0.573mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.175mg
- Vitamin B9 (folic acid): 63μg
- Vitamin E: 0.78mg
- Vitamin K: 101.6μg
Properties of broccoli for he alth
The benefits of broccoli go beyond popular belief and valuable "grandma's remedies". Various scientific studies have shown the positive impact of continued consumption of broccoli for the body of humans and also birds Below, we summarize the main benefits of broccoli:
1. Anticancer properties
Because of its high content of sulfur compounds and natural antioxidants, broccoli shows important anticancer properties. Various investigations show that regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, is effective in reducing the risk of developing various types of cancer, such as breast, prostate and lung.[1]
However, a study conducted in the journal Oncogenesis has shown that the sulfur compounds in broccoli are also capable of not only inducing the death of cancer cells, but also of preventing the abnormal growth of cells that cause tumors by protecting DNA from oxidative stress. [two]
In addition, because of its significant content of a chemical compound called indole-3-carbinol, broccoli helps prevent cell damage and stimulates DNA repair. [3]
two. Hepatoprotective properties
Recent studies carried out by the University of Illinois, in the United States, demonstrated a "new" hepatoprotective property that had not yet been attributed to broccoli. Using laboratory tests, the researchers found that consuming broccoli 3 to 5 times a week is beneficial in preventing the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (better known simply as "liver cancer") and non-fatty liver disease. alcohol, revealing high fatality rates in humans. In addition, they have also observed a considerable reduction in the concentration of tumor cells in liver tissue affected by carcinoma. [4]
3. Antioxidant and cardioprotective properties
Broccoli contains a large amount of natural antioxidants, such as vitamin C, flavonoidsand the glucosinolates The action of these compounds in the body inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and prevents the adhesion of plaques to this "bad cholesterol". " on the inner walls of the arteries.
Arteriosclerosis (one of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases and strokes), begins with the oxidation of LDL cholesterol molecules, which leads to the accumulation of lipid and insoluble plaques inside the arteries, interfering with blood circulation and impairing body oxygenation. Therefore, regular consumption of broccoli, either in the diet or through supplements, is recommended to prevent arteriosclerosis and reduce the risk of heart disease, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular accidents (CVA) and strokes.
4. Digestive properties
Broccoli is a vegetable very rich in fiber, which is why its regular consumption stimulates intestinal transit, promotes digestion and acts as a powerful home remedy for constipation On the other hand, these same fibers are associated with bile acids produced by the liver, facilitating the digestion of fats and reducing cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
When we consume foods rich in fat, bile acids (which have cholesterol molecules in their composition) are released to emulsify the fat molecules in the digestive process that takes place in the intestine. The fibers are able to associate with bile acids and promote the elimination of cholesterol through the stool, preventing it from being reabsorbed by the body. This action reduces the reserves of bile acid (and consequently, cholesterol) and "forces" the body to metabolize the cholesterol that is available in the blood. [5]
Summarizing in simple terms: the fibers present in broccoli not only improve digestion, but also help reduce blood cholesterol levels. This reaffirms that broccoli is an excellent ally to prevent symptoms of dementia and cardiovascular diseases, since its development is associated with the accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the vascular structure.
Indications and benefits of broccoli for canaries
After reading all the properties and benefits that broccoli can have, you are probably wanting to know how it will directly affect your birds. Keep reading!
- Strengthen the immune system: Broccoli is rich in fiber, minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, etc.) and vitamins (A, C, K, complex B), essential nutrients for strengthening the immune system. Its composition is extremely timely to prevent avitaminosis and other common diseases in canaries. In addition, vitamin A is also an excellent ally for your birds' vision. Undoubtedly, broccoli for newborn canaries can be an option, but it is important that a specialist indicates how to offer it in these cases.
- Improving digestion and intestinal transit: the high fiber content of broccoli also helps improve intestinal transit and acts as a natural remedy for constipation, a frequent problem in domestic birds.
- Fighting infections and viruses: Broccoli offers significant concentrations of quercetin and kaemperol, two flavonoid compounds that demonstrateanti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, cardioprotective and antidepressant properties [1] These properties are excellent for preventing many infectious processes that can affect the he alth of canaries, such as colibacillosis and CDR (chronic respiratory disease). Its anti-inflammatory action also tends to help in the treatment of gout, a chronic disease that usually affects canaries with some frequency.
- Prevent chronic and degenerative diseases: the antioxidant properties of the flavonoids present in broccoli are vital for fighting free radicals, preventing cell damage and degenerative and cardiovascular diseases.
- Beauty and physical resistance: the high content of vitamins and minerals in broccoli has a positive impact on the regeneration of the skin and the formation of the tissues. Therefore, its introduction in the diet of canaries is beneficial to improve their physical resistance and the appearance of their feathers.
- Combat anemia: the vitamin K offered by broccoli, when administered in moderate doses, helps combat and treat anemia in canaries.
- Reproductive he alth: Broccoli provides canaries with folic acid (vitamin B9), an essential nutrient for DNA formation, development of muscle tissues and cell regeneration. Its administration as a supplement during pregnancy helps to preserve the good he alth of females and prepare them for laying. In addition, it is essential to avoid deformations and reduce the mortality of the chicks.
Broccoli side effects and contraindications
Maybe you've come this far wondering if broccoli is bad for canaries. As with many other foods, the abuse of this vegetable can cause some side effects. The fibers present in broccoli, when consumed in excess, can cause diarrhea On the other hand, as this vegetable is very rich in vitamin K (which has a anticoagulant), excessive intake can increase the risk of bleeding and internal bleeding.
How to feed canaries broccoli?
Now that we know the benefits, how to prepare broccoli for canaries? It is estimated that when we boil broccoli, this vegetable loses about 80% of its beneficial properties. For this reason, the ideal is to offer the raw broccoli to the canaries, preserving all its nutrients. Since some birds may not be interested in nibbling on whole broccoli, we can grate it or process it and mix it with other foods.
On the other hand, broccoli can also be Steam-cooked for a few seconds and then processed into a papilla This presentation may be more suitable for chicks and older canaries, since it favors their digestion. Always remember to prefer foods of organic origin and wash well the broccoli before offering it to your canaries.
Recommended dose of broccoli for canaries
As we have seen, regular consumption of broccoli offers numerous benefits for canaries. For this reason, most breeders offer broccoli on alternate days to their birds, and this frequency can be daily, mainly for females, during the breeding period. reproduction, breeding and posture.
However, there is no single, previously defined dose for all canaries. The dose must be adequate based on the purpose of consumption, weight and he alth status of each bird. Therefore, it is essential that you consult a specialized veterinarian before making changes to your birds' diet. The professional will be able to guide you on the necessary amount and the best form of administration to obtain a positive impact on the he alth of your canaries.
