Cauliflower has reached an all-time high in popularity recently, particularly as a substitute for starchy vegetables in numerous recipes. Many dieters are turning to cauliflower as a healthier and gluten-free alternative to pasta noodles, mashed potatoes, and even pizza crust. Not only does cauliflower make a great addition to any low-carb meal, it provides an amazing amount of health benefits, as well.
Nutrient Dense
Cauliflower is one of the few foods that contains almost every single vitamin and mineral your body needs to function at a high level, most notably, Vitamin C. Cauliflower is also a great source of fiber and contains other nutrients such as Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Potassium, and Magnesium, all of which are essential to proper body and brain function. One cup of raw cauliflower packs a ton of punch while only containing a meager 25 calories.
Reduces Inflammation
Cauliflower health benefits go far beyond simple vitamin and mineral needs. The perfect cocktail of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin K is found in this wonderful vegetable, aiding in natural inflammation, and thus battling a myriad of health issues. Many serious diseases and health issues can be tracked back to inflammation, such as degenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. By eating large amounts of cauliflower, and therefore greatly reducing inflammation, you can avoid costly plaque build-up in your arteries, lower cholesterol levels, and deter hypertension all of which could lead to serious and often fatal consequences in the long run.
Lowers Risk of Cancer
Keeping cauliflower in your diet can help you avoid several types of cancers, such as lung, liver, colon, and breast cancers. This is due to the glucosinolates found in the vegetable, which have been found to not only slow down the growth of cancer cells, and therefore tumors, but also deactivate cancerous cells and prevent cell mutation. Sulforaphane, a specific antioxidant found in cauliflower, can potentially destroy already-damaged cells, eliminating their posing threat altogether.
Aids Brain Function
Cauliflower benefits your brain by providing choline – an essential nutrient that many people are lacking. Choline supports your metabolism, while also supporting DNA synthesis and cell membrane integrity. Additionally, choline acts as fuel for your brain’s creation of neurotransmitters, which is a necessary process of a well-functioning nervous system. Aside from broccoli, cauliflower is the only vegetable that provides significant amounts of this greatly-needed choline to the body.
Promotes Weight Loss
Because cauliflower is so low in caloric content, large amounts of the vegetable can be consumed without putting on weight, particularly because a large majority of cauliflower is water. The high fiber content also promotes long-lasting feelings of fullness that aid in cutting down on caloric intake overall. Since cauliflower is now commonly used as a starch substitute in countless recipes, it only makes sense to integrate it into a weight loss-centered diet plan.
Cauliflower benefits the body in numerous ways, from providing many essential nutrients, to even preventing life-altering and even life-threatening conditions. It is extremely easy to add into your diet, fairly inexpensive, and potentially one of the best things you can consume to improve your overall health.