Amazing Nutritional Benefits of Cauliflower

It is noteworthy that in terms of nutritional benefits of cauliflower, it is highly rich in phytochemical anticarcinogens that facilitate its cancer preventive properties.

The cauliflower is seen as the most delicate and digestible of the cabbages and the flavor from it adapts well to any type of cuisine; Asian, American, European or Arabic.

This vegetable turns green immediately you expose its central inflorescence to sunlight. It is highly rich and richer in chlorophyll and vitamin C than the white ones.

This vegetable is one of the highly regarded vegetables which are eaten throughout the entire world. The primary producer of this vegetable is China.

Other names are:

French:       Chou-fleur

Spanish:     Coliflor, brécol de cabeza

German:    Blumenkohl

In description, the cauliflower is an herbaceous plant (unopened buds) ‘Brassica oleracea’ L. var ‘botrytis.

It belongs to the botanical family Cruciferae. Cauliflower as well as broccoli and other cabbages are varieties of the same species.

This vegetable is from the Mediterranean Europe and it is still there that it grows wild.

It adapts so well in climates and its cultivation has spread to the five continents.

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Properties Regarding Nutritional Benefits of Cauliflower

This vegetable contains only small amount of proteins and carbohydrates. Its fat content is somewhat negligible. There is presence of provitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamins B, C and E.

Among the vitamins mentioned above, vitamin C is the most outstanding of them all with 46.4 per 100 grams.

Cauliflower Composition

Energy                  =                 25.0 kcal = 105 kj

Carbohydrates     =                 2.70 g

Protein                 =                 1.98 g

Fiber                     =                 2.50 g

Vitamin A            =                 2.00 µg RE

Vitamin B₁           =                 0.057 mg

Vitamin B₂           =                 0.063 mg

Niacin                   =                 0.959 mg NE

Vitamin B₆           =                 0.222 mg

Folate                    =                 57.0 µg

Vitamin B₁₂          =                 ___

Vitamin C             =                 46.4 mg

Vitamin E             =                 0.040 mg α-TE

Calcium                 =                 22.0 mg

Magnesium           =                 15.0 mg

Phosphorus           =                 44.0 mg

Iron                         =                 0.440 mg

Potassium              =                 303 mg

Zinc                         =                 0.280 mg

Total Fat                 =                 0.210 g

Saturated Fat         =                 0.032 g

Cholesterol             =                 ___

Sodium                    =                 30.0 mg

The information above is based on % daily value provide by 100 grams of cauliflower, (Dr. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D., “Encyclopedia of Foods and their Healing Power”)

 

Percentage composition

Fiber                     =                 2.50%

Carbohydrates     =                 2.70%

Fat                        =                 0.210%

Protein                 =                 1.98%

Minerals               =                 0.710%

Water                   =                 91.9%

 

The mineral content in terms of the nutritional benefits of cauliflower is quite enormous as potassium is available in significant amounts. Again, cauliflower is low in sodium while containing other minerals in significant amounts; such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and iron.

This beautiful vegetable is quite rich in trace elements such as zinc, chromium, manganese, selenium and copper.

The nutritional benefits of cauliflower are seen since all the above mean nutrients perform significant functions in the body system.

It is also evident that these elements in cauliflower make available vitality and energy and also keep and maintain the body healthily.

As stated in the first paragraph, cauliflower like other crucifiers is very rich in phytochemicals anticarcinogens that play important role in its cancer preventive properties.

Medical Applications and Indications

The following are the medical applications of the cauliflower. They are:

1. Kidney disorders
2. Cardiovascular disorders
3. Digestive disorders
4. Diabetes and Obesity
5. Cancer

Kidney disorders

Regarding the nutritional benefits of cauliflower, it contains elements that make it diuretic and depurant and this helps in facilitating the elimination of excess water which must have been retained in the tissues and other waste materials like urea.

The use of the vegetable is indicated in cases such as arthritis, renal failure, gout, edema and kidney stones.

Cardiovascular disorders

Since it is low in sodium and quite rich in potassium and then quite lacking in fat, this makes the nutritional benefits of cauliflower worth knowing so as to take the advantages and enjoy all of its medicinal and healthful properties.

Regarding the nutritional benefits of cauliflower as mentioned under this heading, it makes the cauliflower one of the most effective foods for individuals suffering with some disorders such as one associated with disorders of the circulatory system.

Digestive disorders

Cauliflower is one of the best suppliers or one of the ideal sources of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that provide vitality to the digestive system especially during digestive processes.

Its activities in general, are centered on the digestive tract; from the stomach to the colon since it is highly digestible.

Thus, it is preferred and recommended for those with stomach disorders such as dyspepsia, gastritis and ulcer.

Through the intestine it carries its functions, in particular, when cases of diarrhea and constipation arise. Therefore, nutritional benefits of cauliflower are quite enormous that this vegetable is indicated for those with diverticulosis, colitis, and constipation, according to medical-news-today.

Diabetes and obesity

It has minimum of calories; just 28 kcal per 100 grams. In essence, it produces some sense of satiety. Whether steamed or cooked, it still remains the perfect food for people who wish to lose weight, greatist.com.

It is recommended to be a perfect supper and also be a part of diet for the diabetics due to the fact that its carbohydrate content is quite low.

Cancer

After conducting a variety of experiments and statistical studies to demonstrate the effects of anti-carcinogenic vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and other cruciferous plants, the effects of the two types of phytochemicals (sulfurated glycosides and indole-derived compounds, when administered orally, are capable of halting the development or formation of malignant tumors in laboratory animals previously treated with carcinogens like benzopyrene.

Therefore, individuals diagnosed with some type of cancer, persons at higher risk of cancer as a result of genetic predisposition, intake of toxic substances like tobacco should make some vegetables of the crucifer family like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and radish as part of their diet, daily.

Preparation and Use

1. Raw: can be consumed raw in salads, in particular when young and tender.
2. Cooked, steamed or boiled are the most healthful method of preparation. It can be baked, stewed or fried.

Cauliflower Benefits

The nutritional benefits of cauliflower are quite massive that they can be seen in the following:

1. Rich in fiber: Fiber keeps us feeling satisfied and, helps regulate the blood sugar level, makes sure healthy digestion is maintained and also helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.

In essence, it is one of the good sources of insoluble fiber that keeps things going in the system.

2. Cauliflower has antioxidant capacity to combat inflammation: This vegetable’s anti-inflammatory compounds promote and help the body in reducing free radicals thereby lowering oxidative stress which seems to bring up the risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Consuming foods that are quite high in antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory bodies as part of our daily diet, the nutritional benefits of cauliflower are part of mechanisms that help halt and inhibit chronic inflammation and also protect our cells.

3. Vitamins for blood clotting, immunity and health of bones and more: In terms of the nutritional benefits of cauliflower, with the abundance of vitamin C, our immune system, nervous system and metabolism will have the needed boost.

There’s abundance of vitamin K which is needed for blood clotting and bone formation.

4. Cauliflower protects and cancer and other related ailments: Since cauliflower has several antioxidant compounds, it could help protect and reduce one’s risk of cancer. This vegetable belongs to the cruciferous plant family which is linked with diminished risk of lungs, colorectal, breast and prostate cancer.

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