Health Benefits 101: CAULIFLOWER

When I was still young, I can still remember how I would think of broccoli and cauliflower to be the same but different in color. While broccoli is very vibrant in green color, cauliflower is that very pale one. In one of my blogs, I’ve highlighted the health benefits of broccoli. Today, we will give the spotlight to this versatile vegetable: Cauliflower.

What is Cauliflower?

Cauliflower derives its name from the Latin word ‘cauli’ which means cabbage with a flower. While white is the most common color, you’ll also find cauliflower in shades of orange, purple, and green. No matter the color, the taste is the same: mild, slightly sweet, a little nutty.

Cauliflower has blasted in popularity —making its way into everything from pizza crust to hot cereal, and also replacing rice in grain less bowls, stir-fries, sushi, and more. The rise in status of this vegetable may be a surprise to some, but it makes sense from a nutrition perspective. In this blog, I will enumerate some of the health benefits of cauliflower.

Did You Know?

• Most cauliflower is white because the large leaves covering the head blocks sunlight and prevents chlorophyll from developing.
• One cup of raw cauliflower provides over 75% of the daily minimum target for vitamin C.
• Cauliflower ranks among the top 25 powerhouse fruits and vegetables in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI), a scoring method that ranks foods based on their nutrient content per calorie.

Health Benefits

GREAT FOR DETOX

Cauliflower contains indole-3-carbinol, a phytonutrient that helps in activating and regulating the function of detoxifying enzymes. It also has shown to aid the liver in its detox functions.

BOOSTS IMMUNITY

Cauliflower is high in fiber and water. Studies have shown that dietary fiber may also help regulate the immune system and inflammation.

FIGHTS AGING

Cauliflower compounds have been shown to protect brain and nervous system function and slow age-related cognitive decline.

REDUCES HYPERTENSION

According to organicfacts.net, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the glucoraphanin and sulforaphane present in cauliflower help in reducing oxidative stress, along with the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. It also promotes the stimulation of HDL (good) cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. In addition to this, the fiber and omega-3 fatty acids present in cauliflower also prevent hardening of the arteries.

AVOIDS OBESITY

Studies have supported the fact that eating cauliflower is helpful in preventing various inflammatory and metabolic disorders in the body. It also helps in the stimulation of fat-burning thermogenesis, aids in weight loss and prevents obesity.

MAKES YOUR BONES HEALTHY

Cauliflower has vitamin C, which helps with collagen production. It also has vitamin K, which may help prevent bone loss.

Thinking of Ways on How to Prepare Your Cauliflower?

ADDITIONAL FACTS

Cauliflower is loaded with nutrients, is anti-inflammatory, and has anti-aging properties, among other benefits. Cauliflower also provides smaller amounts of other essential nutrients, including B vitamins, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, and potassium. In addition with the many benefits of this amazing vegetable, below is a photo of the nutritional facts of cauliflower.