Health Benefits of Cauliflower
The nutritional profile of cauliflower is quite impressive. Cauliflower is very low in calories yet high in vitamins. In fact, cauliflower contains some of almost every vitamin and mineral that you need. Below are just a few of the health benefits cauliflower provides.
1. High in Fibre
Cauliflower is a great source of fibre which is beneficial for overall health. Each cup of cauliflower contains 3 grams of fibre which accounts for 10% of your daily requirements. Fibre plays an important role in your overall health because it feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut that help reduce inflammation and promote digestive health.
2. Good Source of Antioxidants
Cauliflower is an excellent source of a multitude of antioxidants. Similar to other cruciferous vegetables, cauliflower is particularly high in glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. These are two groups of antioxidants that have been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells. Cauliflower also contains carotenoid and flavonoid antioxidants, which have anti-cancer effects and may help to reduce the risk of several other illnesses, including heart disease. On top of these benefits, cauliflower is a great source of vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin C is well-known for its anti-inflammatory effects and it may boost immune health and help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
3. High in Choline
Cauliflower is high in choline which is an essential nutrient that many people are deficient in. Choline plays a major role in maintaining the integrity of cell membranes, synthesizing DNA and supporting metabolism. Choline is also involved in brain development and the production of neurotransmitters that are necessary for a healthy nervous system. Not many foods contain choline but cauliflower is one of the best plant-based sources of the nutrient.
Cauliflower is a very versatile food and can be eaten raw, streamed or sautéed. For a great list of recipes, click here. https://dailyburn.com/life/recipes/creative-healthy-cauliflower-recipes/
Denise Boyd, BSc, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RNH) with a specialization in Cognitive and Immune Support.