Health Benefits of Cauliflower
Now let’s take a look at cauliflower. Although broccoli is loaded with more nutrients, there are still plenty of reasons to pile cauliflower on your plate. Here are some of its health benefits.
Contains Anti-Cancer Compounds
Similar to broccoli, cauliflower is packed with glucosinolates and thiocyanates, such as sulforaphane, which can help liver enzymes eliminate carcinogens.
In a review published in the journal Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology in 1999, researchers observed six cohort studies and 74 case-control studies regarding the anti-cancer effects of Brassica vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. In 64% of the case-control studies, there was an association between Brassica vegetable consumption and a lower cancer risk.
Heart Health
The cruciferous vegetable is also good for heart health. Cauliflower is a good source of folate and vitamin B6; these B vitamins are necessary for homocysteine metabolism, which can prevent issues associated with cardiovascular disease, such as arterial wall damage and high blood levels. Cauliflower is also loaded with the omega-3 essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, which can reduce biomarkers for cardiovascular disease.
Cauliflower also contains the heart-healthy nutrients vitamin B3, magnesium, vitamin C, and potassium. The sulforaphane in cauliflower may also help reverse blood vessel damage. Finally, cauliflower also contains allicin, which is associated with the reduction of heart disease and stroke.
Digestion
Cauliflower is crucial for digestion. The vegetable contains 2.28 g of fiber, which helps with digestive support. The sulforaphane in cauliflower also helps protect the stomach lining and prevents H. pylori overgrowth.
The glucosinolates and thiocyanates also display anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce inflammation in health conditions likes ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.
The vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids in cauliflower help prevent chronic inflammatory conditions. The vegetable’s glucosinolates (gluconasturtiian, glucoraphanin, and glucobrassicin) also help activate and regulate enzyme activity during the liver detoxification process.
What Is the Best Way to Eat Cauliflower?
Lightly steaming cauliflower is always a good idea. Mashing cooked cauliflower can also turn it into a healthy alternative to mashed potatoes. It is an easy recipe, and only requires a large head of cauliflower, five garlic cloves, a third cup of chives and basil, and grey Celtic sea salt.
To make some nutritious cauliflower mash, first steam the cauliflower and garlic for about 15 minutes, or until tender. Next, combine the steamed cauliflower and garlic, sea salt, and fresh herbs in a high-powered blender or food processor until a mashed potato consistency forms. And that’s it: in two steps, you have a delicious side dish to any healthy meal.
Is Broccoli Better Than Cauliflower?
And the winner is…
The statistics don’t lie: broccoli is more nutritious than cauliflower. Broccoli outperforms cauliflower in every major nutritional category, especially for protein, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Where does cauliflower have the advantage? Cauliflower contains fewer calories.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with either cruciferous vegetable. After all, they are both loaded with nutrients, even if one is a seeming superfood and the other is just a healthy food choice.
Is There Any Downside to Their Health Benefits?
Both broccoli and cauliflower pose a common side effect: gas or bowel irritation. However, like most vegetables, the health benefits of broccoli and cauliflower far outweigh the adverse effects.
One important note: broccoli is a higher source of vitamin K, which may interfere with blood-thinning drugs.
It is also important to remember that broccoli and cauliflower contain the lowest amounts of pesticide levels, according to the Environmental Working Group. This indicates that it is safer to buy conventional broccoli and cauliflower, though it is still wise to purchase organic whenever possible.
5 Best Ways to Eat Broccoli in Your Daily Diet
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