The Extraordinary Benefits Of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of the healthiest vegetables. It contains 85% water and very few carbohydrates, proteins and fats, but is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytochemicals. In this article we will talk about all the extraordinary benefits of cauliflower . Let’s see!
Cauliflower is an ideal vegetable if you want to have a balanced diet, because it has properties that help you lose weight, having few calories. But what is extraordinary is that this versatile vegetable can be eaten raw, steamed, added to salads or cooked in various other recipes.
Want to know more reasons why cauliflower should not be missing from the diet?
The extraordinary benefits of cauliflower that you probably did not know
Contributes to heart health
Cauliflower contains a sulfur compound called sulforaphane that helps regulate blood pressure and relieves kidney problems.
According to some studies, sulforaphane is closely related to our DNA, having a very important role in the normal functioning of cells – especially those inside the blood vessels, most prone to destruction.
It has anticancer properties
As I said above, cauliflower contains sulforaphane. This compound has been shown to have properties that kill cancer cells and block the growth of tumors. According to specialized studies, the removal of the cells that cause the disease could be the secret of victory in this battle.
Other researchers have shown, for example, that turmeric in combination with cauliflower can be very effective in preventing and treating prostate cancer.
The results of animal studies have shown that sulforaphane can reduce the incidence and growth rate of tumors in the mammary glands. In addition, other compounds found in cauliflower, such as indole and isothiocyanate, have shown positive results in inhibiting the development of cancer cells in the stomach, bladder, breast, colon, liver and lungs.
Supports healthy brain function
Another very important compound found in cauliflower is choline, a B vitamin with an important role in the healthy development of the brain. In fact, by consuming choline during pregnancy, the development of brain activity in the fetus is ensured. Researchers believe that it can also improve cognitive functions, learning and memory.
Stimulates the body’s detoxification process
Cauliflower contains antioxidants that stimulate the body’s detoxification. Moreover, glucosinolates activate the enzymes that contribute to this process.
It has anti-inflammatory properties
One of the extraordinary benefits of cauliflower is that it contains nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties, namely indole-3-carbinol or I3C, a substance that prevents inflammatory reactions.
Stimulates digestion
Due to the fibers in its composition, cauliflower is of real use in the digestion process. In addition, according to World’s Healthiest Foods, by consuming cauliflower we contribute to the protection of the stomach.
Sulforafan also contributes to the process of inhibiting the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, preventing it from growing on its walls.
It is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients
Consumption of cauliflower provides the body with antioxidants and phytonutrients with a very important role in preventing many diseases.
This vegetable contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, kaempferol, quercetin, rutabion, cinnamic acid and many more. All these antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals. Thus, cauliflower also contributes to slowing down the aging process and preventing the destruction of tissues and organs.
How do we benefit from the properties that cauliflower offers us?
As mentioned above, cauliflower is a very versatile vegetable that can be included in various recipes. It can be cooked whole or only the inflorescence can be used.
If you want to use it whole, wash the leaves well in a bowl with water and vinegar. To prepare the inflorescence, cut it carefully with a knife, then wash it thoroughly.
To benefit from all the extraordinary benefits of cauliflower, we recommend steaming the vegetable, adding a little turmeric.
