The Top 8 Health Benefits of Cauliflower

Cauliflower is an unappreciated member of the cruciferous family of vegetables. It is overshadowed by the “ cruciferous superstar” broccoli. Because of its beneficial effects on numerous aspects of health, cauliflower can easily be described as a superfood.

Cauliflower contains an impressive array of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and a number of phytochemicals. You can eat it raw, add it to salads, or use it in your cooking. Cauliflower can even be seasoned and mashed for a healthier version of “mashed potatoes.”

8 Top Health Benefits of Cauliflower:

1. FightsCancer - Cauliflower contains sulforaphane, a sulfur compound that has also been shown to kill cancer stem cells, thereby slowing tumor growth. Some researchers believe eliminating cancer stem cells may be key to controlling cancer.

2. Boosts Heart Health - Sulforaphane in cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables has been found to significantly improve blood pressure and kidney function.

3. It’s an Anti-Inflammatory - Cauliflower contains a wealth of anti-inflammatory nutrients to help keep inflammation in check, including indole-3-carbinol or I3C, an anti-inflammatory compound that may operate at the genetic level to help prevent the inflammatory responses at its foundational level.

4. It’s Rich in Vitamins and Minerals - Most Americans are seriously lacking in nutrients their body needs to function. Eating cauliflower regularly is a simple way to get these much-needed nutrients into your body. For instance, one serving of cauliflower contains 77% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. It’s also a good source of vitamin K, protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber, vitamin B6, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium and manganese.

5. Boost Your Brain Health - Cauliflower is a good source of choline, a B vitamin known for its role in brain development. Choline intake during pregnancy “super-charged” the brain activity of animals in utero, indicating that it may boost cognitive function and improve learning and memory. It may even diminish age-related memory decline and your brain’s vulnerability to toxins during childhood, as well as conferring protection later in life.

6. Detoxification Support - Cauliflower helps your body’s ability to detoxify in multiple ways. It contains sulfur-containing nutrients that are important for detox activities. The glucosinolates in cauliflower also activate detoxification enzymes.

7. Digestive Benefits - Cauliflower is an important source of dietary fiber for digestive health. But that’s not all. The sulforaphane made from a glucosinolate in cauliflower, can help protect the lining of your stomach.

8. High in Antioxidants & Phytonutrients - Eating cauliflower is like winning the antioxidant and phytonutrient lottery. It’s packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, cinnamic acid and much more.

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