From reducing the risk of cancer to preventing heart diseases, and maintaining hormonal balance, cauliflower has some exceptional properties that make it one of the favorite veggies of the health conscious people. This article highlights why the vegetable with florets is exceptionally good for your overall health. Learn the amazing cauliflower benefits and add it to your healthy diet plan now.
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable and belongs to the Brassicaceae. At present, it is used worldwide in a variety of cuisines owing to its great taste and numerous health benefits.
Cauliflower has an impressive nutrient profile which makes it highly beneficial for your health. It has a good amount of protein and also contains a substantial amount of omega-3 fatty acids, healthy unsaturated fats, and phytochemicals. With a high amount of dietary fibers and low fat, it is good for your digestive health(1).
Besides, it also serves as an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, B complex Vitamins and folate, and contains essential minerals like iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, etc. Cauliflower carbs amount to five grams in a cup of which 2 grams are from the fiber. Thus, it is quite low in carbohydrates.
White cauliflower
Green Cauliflower
Orange Cauliflower
Purple cauliflower
From improving your digestive health to boosting your immunity, preventing kidney troubles, and what not; cauliflower benefits you in a number of ways. Below listed are some of the prime benefits of this healthy veggie that you must know.
Studies show that regular consumption of cauliflower benefits the health of your heart. It is because cauliflower contains glucoraphanin and Vitamin K that aid in blood circulation and proper functioning of the blood vessels. Glucoraphanin gets converted in your body into isothiocyanates that has anti-inflammatory properties.
It prevents the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels thus aiding in the smooth blood flow and preventing the risk of conditions like atherosclerosis. Also, Indole-3-carbinol found in cauliflower has antiplatelet and antithrombotic properties which promote a healthy heart.
Cauliflower contains an active compound known as sulforaphane that kills cancer stem cells and inhibits the growth of a tumor. It also protects you against prostate cancer. The vegetable is also rich in vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin K that can help fight various forms of cancer. Further, isothiocyanates and indoles present in it prevent bladder, liver, colon and lung cancer.
Cauliflower is an excellent source of antioxidants that fight the damaging free radicals present in your body and combat inflammation. It contains high amounts of carotenoids and flavonoids that reduce oxidative stress and have anti-cancer effects.
By killing the damaging free radicals, these also reduce the risk of various diseases including diabetes and heart conditions. The nutritious veggie also has a good amount of Vitamin C which also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that strengthen your immune system.
The abundant amount of dietary fiber present in cauliflower improves your digestion and regulates the bowel movement. It also helps in eliminating the toxins from your body.
Furthermore, compounds like sulforaphane, glucoraphanin, and glucosinolate found in cauliflower protect the lining of your stomach and inhibit the growth of Heliobacter pyroli, a type of bacteria and the isothiocyanates prevent stomach ulcers and other abdominal disorders. Thus, consuming cauliflower benefits your stomach and improves your digestion.
Presence of phosphorous and choline, a B vitamin, makes cauliflower highly beneficial for your brain. Both of them play an active role in repairing the cell membranes and thus aid in the effective functioning of the nervous system and the brain. Vitamin B6 is another essential nutrient found in cauliflower which contributes towards brain health.
There are numerous ways in which you can include cauliflower in your diet.
Cauliflower rice is a healthier low-carb alternative to regular rice. You can use it in numerous recipes. Here is how you can make healthy cauliflower rice.
Add cauliflower to your diet and enjoy the numerous cauliflower benefits. Here are some interesting cauliflower recipes that provide you great taste along with the nutritional benefits of cauliflower.
The parmesan roasted cauliflower is a savory dish and an excellent way to enjoy cauliflower.
Love mashed potatoes? Wait a second. Switch the mashed potatoes with this cauliflower mashed potato recipe, it is low in calories and much more flavorsome.
While cauliflower is excellent for your health, consuming it in excess can cause severe health troubles. Some of the side-effects associated with cauliflower are:
Cauliflower is indeed beneficial for your health. It contains an abundant amount of nutrients that play an essential role in boosting your health. With its active compounds and essential nutrients, it serves as a super healthy food that works wonders for your vital organs and improves the functioning of the various body mechanisms.
So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy the numerous cauliflower benefits by adding it to your diet. Savor it in roasted form or add it to your casserole recipes. Grilled cauliflower also tastes great. Eat it in whichever way you like and get its incredible benefits.
Cauliflower is low in calories. 100 g of the veggie provides you with only 25 calories.
Cauliflower being low in carbs is one of the best vegetables for keto diets.
Cauliflower florets should be consumed within four days of cutting them.