Cauliflower is one of the world’s healthiest foods. As a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, it contains an impressive array of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals.
Cauliflower belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes broccoli, kale, and cabbage. It derives its name from Latin caulis which means cabbage with a flower. The florets on the head of the cauliflower, also known as curd, are tightly clustered and consist of immature flower buds attached to a central stalk.
Health Benefits Of Cauliflower:
Fight Cancer:
Cauliflower contains sulforaphane, a sulfur compound that has also been shown to kill cancer stem cells, thereby slowing tumor growth. Some researchers believe eliminating cancer stem cells may be key to controlling cancer.
Boost Heart Health:
It contains vitamin K, which possesses anti-inflammatory qualities. Regular consumption ensures healthy blood circulation and helps in maintaining the blood vessels, which can be attributed to the presence of glucoraphanin.
Stomach Disorders:
It is a source of dietary fiber that aids in digestion and promotes the elimination of toxins from the body. The presence of glucosinolate, glucoraphanin and sulforaphane in cauliflower protects the stomach lining and helps in resisting the growth of Heliobacter pylori bacteria.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:
Most Americans are seriously lacking in nutrients their body needs to function. Eating cauliflower regularly is a simple way to get these much-needed nutrients into your body. For instance, one serving of cauliflower contains 77 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. It’s also a good source of vitamin K, protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber, vitamin B6, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, and manganese.
Boost Your Brain Health:
Cauliflower is a good source of choline, a B vitamin known for its role in brain development. Choline intake during pregnancy “super-charged” the brain activity of animals in utero, indicating that it may boost cognitive function, and improve learning and memory. It may even diminish age-related memory decline and your brain’s vulnerability to toxins during childhood, as well as conferring protection later in life.
Bone Health:
Cauliflower contains vitamin C, which plays an important role in the production of collagen, which protects the joints and bones from inflammatory damage. Also, it contains vitamin K, which may help in preventing bone loss in both men and women.
Detoxification:
Inclusion of cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower is extremely important for the body’s detox system. It contains Indole-3-carbinol, a phytonutrient that, along with sulforaphane, helps in activating and regulating the function of detoxifying enzymes.
Hypertension and Cholesterol:
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the glucoraphanin and sulforaphane present help in reducing the oxidative stress, along with the levels of LDL and total cholesterol. It also promotes the stimulation of HDL cholesterol and lowers the blood pressure. In addition to this, the fiber and omega-3 fatty acid present in cauliflower also aids in the reduction of bad cholesterol and prevents hardening of the arteries.
Immune System:
Cauliflower is rich in antioxidants and immune-strengthening nutrients. Along with other healthful components, the presence of vitamin C in the it helps in preventing various kinds of infections and strengthens the defense mechanisms of the body by hampering the growth of disease-causing inflammation.
Pregnancy:
Inclusion of cauliflower in the diet is beneficial during pregnancy due to the presence of essential folate, which helps in healthy neural development of the baby. It also has various other essential vitamins and minerals, including fiber, which promote overall health.
You should definitely add cauliflower to your diet to get these benefits.
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