8 Fascinating Health Benefits of Cauliflower + 3 Recipes
JAMES COLQUHOUN
What was once considered a fairly ‘boring’ vegetable that didn’t get much attention, cauliflower was thrown into the spotlight when it was discovered that it was a great low carb, high nutrient substitute for pizza bases, rice, and more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even have cauliflower named 24th on a list of "powerhouse fruits and vegetables."
One cup of raw cauliflower contains just 25 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrate while providing 77% of a person’s daily vitamin C needs, 20% of daily vitamin K needs, and 10% or more of vitamin B6 and folate daily needs.
Additionally, cauliflower is a good source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
What does that mean for your health?
8 Health Benefits of Cauliflower
1. Improves Memory
If you’re finding yourself becoming a bit forgetful or need a brain boost for work or study, Cauliflower contains choline, which is an essential element for learning and memory.
It also aids in the maintenance of cellular membrane structure and the transmission of nerve impulses.
2. Aids Weight Loss and Digestion
Being high in fiber and water, cauliflower can aid in relieving constipation and maintaining a healthy digestive tract. The high fiber content can also assist in improving insulin sensitivity which can enhance weight loss for people with obesity.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure
Once again the high-fiber content of cauliflower benefits the consumer by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Eating whole foods and foods that are high in fiber, such as cauliflower, can help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
5. Reduces Risks of Cardiovascular Problems
With cauliflower’s ability to reduce inflammation, this in-turn helps alleviate inflammation-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
6. Reduces the Risk of Bone Fractures and Osteoporosis
Because cauliflower contains high levels of Vitamin K, it can support healthy bones by improving calcium absorption.
7. Reduces Risk of Cancers
Studies have found anti-carcinogenic properties in cauliflower, as well as others in the brassica family, which can reduce the risk of cancers by helping to prevent cellular mutations and reduce oxidative stress from free radicals.
Cauliflower consumption appears to be most beneficial for lung, stomach, colon, and rectal cancer.
8. Reduces Risk of Arthritis
Through its anti-inflammatory properties and the antioxidants present in cauliflower, eating this vegetable can reduce inflammation of the joints (arthritis).
Here are 3 of our favorite Cauliflower Recipes
Cauliflower is a really versatile vegetable and, as mentioned earlier, can even transform into almost anything … We’ve tested out many recipes to see how far we can take this humble vegetable and found it even works as a dessert! Here are 3 recipes to try:
Oven-Baked Broccoli and Cauliflower Steaks
Crunchy Cauliflower Tacos With Avocado, Lime & Cilantro Dressing
Garlic and Rosemary Cauliflower Bread
NOTE: While it’s pretty special, please note that if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, cauliflower may cause bloating and discomfort for you.
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James Colquhoun is the filmmaker behind Food Matters, Hungry For Change, and Transcendence Seasons 1 & 2 and founder of Food Matters and FMTV. Along with Laurentine ten Bosch, James founded the Food Matters community following the release of the 2008 documentary, giving people the tools (films, books, articles, and guided programs) to take charge of their own health. From here, FMTV was born! It was designed as a place where you can access vital information by watching all of your favorite inspiring documentaries, expert interviews, & recipe videos in one place, and in early 2020 FMTV found it's new home on Gaia.