Cauliflower helps to reduce risks of cancer, heart and brain disorders. It keeps your eyes in good shape, maintains hormonal balance, help you to lose weight and flushes out the toxins from your body.
Cauliflower good for you, it protects your body from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, diabetes, colitis, respiratory problems and hypertension. It contains antioxidants that help to strengthen the immune system.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower derives its name from Latin caulis which means cabbage with a flower. Like broccoli, kale and cabbage, cauliflower is a vegetable that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The cauliflower has florets on its head which are also known as curd. They are tightly clustered and consist of immature flower buds attached to a central stalk.
Cauliflowers are protected from the sunlight to prevent development of the chlorophyll pigment and over-maturity. This protect the flavor and softness of the heads.
Nutritional Value of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is packed with a range of nutrients that is sure to provide you with a host of health benefits. One regular serving of cauliflower contains 77 percent of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C.
Cauliflower is also a good surce of Vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, manganese phosphorus, fiber, vitamin B6, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium and manganese. It is very low in fats and that comes from unsaturated fats and Omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains small amounts of natural sugars.
Nutritional facts Per 100 Grams
25
Calories
0.3 g
Total Fat
30 mg
Sodium
299 mg
Potassium
5 g
Total Carbohydrate
1.9 g
Protein
Vitamins and Minerals
0.02
Calcium
80 %
Vitamin C
2 %
Iron
10 %
Vitamin B-6
Health Benefits of Cauliflower
Mentioned below are the best health benefits of eating Cauliflower. If you are suffering from diabetes then you can consume cauliflower in your diet. It is also good in an acid reflux problem. We also discuss condition when not to consume cauliflower and also read its cultivation process to know more about it.
Cauliflower good for fighting cancer
Sulforaphane, a sulphur compound is present in cauliflower. They can kill cancer stem cells and, thereby, slow down tumor growth. Cauliflower also has isothiocyanates which have chemoprevntive and anti-estrogen effects that help to prohibit the growth of cancer cells.
Consumption of cauliflower helps in the reduction of risks of various types of cancer like lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer.
Cauliflower good for heart patient
Sulforaphane which is present in cauliflower helps to increase blood pressure and kidney function. It is believed by scientists that sulforaphane’s benefits are related to improved DNA methylation. This is crucial for normal cellular function and proper gene expression, especially in the easily damaged inner lining of the arteries known as endothelium.Healthier arteries mean a better functioning heart.
Cauliflower improves overall health of your cardiovascular system
Cauliflower contains glucoraphanine and Vitamin K which helps to maintain blood vessels and ensures healthy blood circulation.
Glucoraphanine is converted into isothiocyanates that facilitates anti-inflammatory activities and prevent the accumulation of lipid in your blood vessels. This helps blood to flow unobstructed and reduces the risk of conditions like atherosclerosis and improves your cardiovascular health.
Cauliflower prevents oxidative stress
Cauliflower, like other vegetables belonging to the category brassica, contains Vitamin C, manganese and other potent anti-oxidants which provide necessary nourishment to your body.
Cauliflower also contains phytochemicals which stimulate cancer-blocking enzymes and protect the body cells from the oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
Cauliflower helps to detoxify your body
One of the health benefits of cauliflower is that it helps your body to detox. Thiocyanates and glucosinolates, along with enzymes are present in the florets of a cauliflower which help to neutralize toxic substances in the body. It also helps to avert or delay the onset of cancer.
Cauliflower helps to prevent stomach disorders
Cauliflower contains high fiber content that helps in digestion and facilitates the elimination of toxins from your body. It also contains glucosinolate, glucoraphanin and sulforaphane which protects the stomach lining and helps to resist the growth of Heliobacter pylori bacteria.
Cauliflower also helps you to deal with various abdominal disorders like stomach ulcers and colon cancer due to the presence of dietary isothiocyanates.
Cauliflower fights against respiratory problems
Respiratory papillomatosis is caused by the human papilloma virus and it affects the vocal cords in the larynx, trachea, lungs and bronchi.
Cauliflower helps to effectively deal with this as it contains indole-3-carbinol. Consumption of cruciferous vegetables helps to reduce the severity of respiratory papillomatosis.
Cauliflower good for bones
Including cabbage in your diet can be beneficial for your bones as it contains Vitamin C. This vitamin helps in the production of collagen that protects the bones and joints from inflammatory damage. Cabbage also has Vitamin K which prevents bone loss in men and women.
Benefits of eating cauliflower for skin
Cauliflower contains sulforaphane that helps to protect the skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Sulforaphane also protects your body from inflammations, skin cancer, UV-induced erythema and cellular damage.
Cauliflower treats nervous disorders
The progression of neurodegenerative diseases is halted by the sulforaphanes and indoles present in cauliflower. These compounds help to activate the detoxification enzymes, which elevates the level of glutathione and treats the neuronal injuries caused by inflammation and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Uses of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that has a number of beneficial effects on your body. It helps to fight cancer and cardiovascular diseases and helps to keep your heart in good shape.
Cauliflower strengthens your immune system, improves health of your brain and also helps to prevent loss of bone in men and women. Moreover, consumption of cabbage helps reduce risks of abdominal cancer and also helps to protect your skin from harmful U-V rays.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Cauliflower
There are a few side-effects of cauliflower consumption. It contains complex carbohydrates that do not get completely broken down in the digestive tract. These carbohydrates are fed upon by intestinal bacteria and can result in bloating and release of odorous gases.
Cauliflowers contain purine and excessive consumption of this vegetable can lead to build-up of uric acid in your body. This can further lead to diseases like kidney-stones and gout.
Cauliflower may trigger severe anaphylaxis which is a bodily allergic reaction to a substance. It is advisable for people on anticoagulants to consume only on the advice of the doctor as it contains Vitamin K.
Cultivation of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is believed to be native to ancient Asia but it re-emerged in the Mediterranean region, Italy and Turkey in around 600 B.C. It received recognition in France and Northern Europe during the mid-16th century. Today, India, China, United States, Italy and France are the top producers of cauliflower around the world.
Cauliflower grows best in a moist and cool climate. Dry weather and low humidity are not suited for it.50 – 70 degree Fahrenheit temperature is required for good seed germination. It can be harvested in a wide range of soil, provided that they have adequate moisture, good drainage and should also contain plenty of organic matter. Sandy loam soils are good for early crops while loam and clay loam are good for late crops.
