Health Benefits of Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a nutrition champion and a Cruciferous Vegetable. This non-starchy vegetable and contain vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, or plant nutrients, that may help neutralize damaging toxins. 

Cauliflower is an super source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, and Vitamin B6. It is a very good source of Choline, Dietary Fiber, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Manganese, Phosphorus, and Biotin. Additionaly, it is a good source of Vitamin B2, Protein, Vitamin B1, Niacin, and Magnesium.

include these cruciferous vegetables as part of your diet 2-3 times per week to receive the fantastic health benefits 

Some of other cruciferous vegetables vegetables are Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. Several leafy cruciferous vegetables such as bok choy, collard greens, kale, red and green cabbage, chard, turnip greens, arugula, mustard greens, savoy cabbage, Chinese cabbage, rapini and watercress are also eaten frequently. Some of the commonly consumed cruciferous root vegetables include radish, horseradish, turnip, rutabaga, wasabi and Oriental radish. 

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group)), raw, 
Nutritive value per 100 g. 
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)

Health Benefits of Cauliflower 

Cancer-Fighting Action

lower cancer risk by decreasing activity of enzymes that stimulate carcinogens and protect DNA from damage. consumption of these cruciferous veggies also prevent normal cells from becoming cancerous cells, according to the Linus Pauling Institute and the American Institute for Cancer Research. Regular intake of cruciferous vegetables lowers risk of lung, colorectal, prostate, bladder and breast cancers and may even protect against melanoma and esophageal cancer.

Cardiovascular Support

The anti-inflammatory support provided by cauliflower (including its vitamin K and omega-3 content) makes it a food also capable of providing cardiovascular benefits. Of particular interest is its glucoraphanin content. Glucoraphanin is a glucosinolate that can be converted into the isothiocyanate (ITC) sulforaphane. Not only does sulforaphane trigger anti-inflammatory activity in our cardiovascular system—it may also be able to help prevent and even possibly help reverse blood vessel damage.

Helps in Weight Loss

Healthy digestion is an essential part of detoxing. fortunately, cauliflower is high in fibre over 9 grams in every 100 calories, which is the most natural way to cleanse your body and great choice for digestive system support.  Researchers have determined that the sulforaphane made from a glucosinolate in cauliflower (glucoraphanin) can help protect the lining of your stomach to help you stay regular.

It helps beat inflammation

It’s an excellent source of vitamin K, which regulates the inflammatory response. In fact, studies show that it may help protect against heart disease and osteoporosis,  may also be helpful for bone health: it may reduce bone loss, and decrease risk of bone fractures. 

References

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Larsson SC, Andersson SO, Johansson JE, et al. Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of bladder cancer: a prospective cohort study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2008 Sep;17(9):2519-22. 2008.
Nettleton JA, Steffen LM, Mayer-Davis EJ, et al. Dietary patterns are associated with biochemical markers of inflammation and endothelial activation in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jun;83(6):1369-79. 2006.
Rungapamestry V, Duncan AJ, Fuller Z et al. Effect of cooking brassica vegetables on the subsequent hydrolysis and metabolic fate of glucosinolates. Proc Nutr Soc. 2007 Feb;66(1):69-81. 2007.

Tang L, Zirpoli GR, Guru K, et al. Consumption of Raw Cruciferous Vegetables is Inversely Associated with Bladder Cancer Risk. 2007 Apr 15;67(8):3569-73. 2007.