Take another look at Cauliflower

While more colorful usually makes for a more nutritious choice when it comes to fruits and vegetables, don’t write off cauliflower just yet. 

 

 

  Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable as are broccoli, kale, cabbage and Brussel sprouts to name a few. This family of vegetables is high in fiber to help with satiety, weight loss, and a healthy digestive tract.

According to a study published in Medical News Today, Cauliflower also contains antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect against cancer and choline which is important for brain health.

And it ranks in the top 20 foods that are highest in nutrients per calorie. According to the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index  -ANDI-

A review of research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that 70% or more of the studies found a link between cruciferous vegetables and protection against cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables contain antioxidants that have been linked to lower risk of cancer. Some have shown the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast, uterine lining (endometrium), lung, colon, liver, and cervix, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. And studies that track the diets of people over time have found that diets high in cruciferous vegetables are linked to lower rates of prostate cancer.

Cauliflower contains antioxidants that help prevent cellular mutations and reduce oxidative stress from free radicals. One of these is indole-3-carbinol or I3C, commonly found in cruciferous vegetables like cabbages, broccoli, and cauliflower/ I3C has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and reproductive cancers in men and women.2

More information about the Nutritional breakdown of cauliflower  is available from the USDA National Nutrient Database

While I typically have broccoli several times a week and include kale in my smoothies I have never been a fan of cauliflower.  Recently a client shared a recipe that has me eating and enjoying cauliflower for the first time. If you also have been avoiding cauliflower I hope, armed with this information about the numerous health benefits you will be inspired to try it again. I have posted the recipe that changed my mind on the recipes page. Enjoy!

Now if someone has a good recipe for Brussel sprouts… 

Look Good Feel Good Live Better!

Stacia