Nutritional Value of Cauliflower

 

Nutritional Value of Cauliflower

Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), folate, vitamin K (phylloquinone), and vitamin B-6. Vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and E (alpha-tocopherol) are also present in small quantities. Cauliflower provides vital minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and manganese without adding any harmful cholesterol. It is a source of protein and offers very low amounts of fats. A substantial amount of the fat it does contain comes from unsaturated fats and essential omega-3 fatty acids. It also provides dietary fiber and contains a small amount of natural sugars as compared to other members of its botanical relatives, such as broccoli.

Cardiovascular Health

 Cauliflower contains vitamin K, which possesses anti-inflammatory qualities. Regular consumption of cauliflower ensures healthy blood circulation and helps in maintaining the blood vessels, which can be attributed to the presence of glucoraphanin. Glucoraphanin is converted to isothiocyanates that activate anti-inflammatory activities and prevent the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels. This aids in the unobstructed flow of blood, which reduces the risk of conditions like atherosclerosis and promotes cardiovascular health. Isothiocyanate, indole-3-carbinol, or I3C is an anti-inflammatory component that functions at the genetic level and inhibits the instigation of inflammatory activities at an early stage. As supported by various studies, indoles have been proven to be effective on the synthesis of lipids, the levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and in maintaining cardiovascular health. Research has also proved that the anti-thrombotic and anti-platelet function of Indole-3 –carbinol contributes significantly towards a healthy heart. Theomega-3 present in the form of alpha-lenolenic acids in cauliflower also contributes to this beneficial activity.

Stomach Disorders

Cauliflower is a source of dietary fiber that aids in digestion and promotes the elimination of toxins from the body. The presence of glucosinolate, glucoraphanin and sulforaphane incauliflower protects the stomach lining and helps in resisting the growth of Heliobacter pylori bacteria. In addition to this defense mechanism, dietary isothiocyanates in cauliflower prevent the risk of various abdominal disorders such as stomach ulcers and colon cancer.

Cauliflower contains indole-3-carbinol, which is effective in the treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Respiratory papillomatosis is a disease caused by the human papilloma virus that affects the vocal cords in the larynx, trachea, lungs, and bronchi. Studies have shown that increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, aids in reducing the severity of respiratory papillomatosis.

Cauliflower contains glucosinolates, which break down to provide healthful compounds such as sulforaphane and isothiocyanates, called indole-3 carbinol. Studies have shown that these compounds have chemopreventive and anti-estrogen effects that help in hampering the growth of cancer cells. Research has provided supporting evidence for the fact that consumption of brassica vegetables such as cauliflower assists in reducing the risk of various types of cancers such as lung cancer, bladder cancer,breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer.
Bone Health: Cauliflower contains vitamin C, which plays an important role in the production of collagen, which protects the joints and bones from inflammatory damage. Also, it containsvitamin K, which may help in preventing bone loss in both men and women.

Macular Degeneration
Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, so it may also be effective in reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which can lead to blindness, particularly in the elderly. The sulforaphane present in cauliflower protects the retinal tissues from damage caused by the oxidative stress, prevents vision impairment and various eye ailments such as cataracts.

Detoxification
Inclusion of cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower is extremely important for the body’s detox system. Cauliflower contains Indole-3-carbinol, a phytonutrient that, along with sulforaphane, helps in activating and regulating the function of detoxifying enzymes.

Ultraviolet Radiation
Research studies have shown that the sulforaphane present in cauliflower is effective in protecting the skin against the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. The protective action of sulforaphane defends the body against inflammations, skin cancer, UV-induced erythema, and cellular damage.

The sulforaphane and indoles present in cauliflower play a key role in reducing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. They activate the detoxification enzymes, which elevates the level of glutathione and helps in treating the neuronal injuries caused by inflammation and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Hypertension and Cholesterol

 The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the glucoraphanin and sulforaphane present in cauliflower help in reducing the oxidative stress, along with the levels of LDL and total cholesterol. It also promotes the stimulation of HDL cholesterol and lowers the blood pressure. In addition to this, the fiber and omega-3 fatty acid present in cauliflower also aids in the reduction of bad cholesterol and prevents hardening of the arteries.

Electrolyte Balance
 Cauliflower contains potassium, which is one of the major electrolytes in the body. The potassium content helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body, which is essential for the functioning of the nervous system in the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contractions.

Add caption

Immune System

Cauliflower is rich in antioxidants and immune-strengthening nutrients. Along with other healthful components, the presence of vitamin C in the cauliflower helps in preventing various kinds of infections and strengthens the defense mechanisms of the body by hampering the growth of disease-causing inflammation.

Cauliflower contains healthful components such as indoles, which possess anti-obesity effects. Studies have supported the fact that consumption of cauliflower is beneficial in preventing various inflammation and metabolic disorders in the body. It also helps in the stimulation of fat-burning thermogenesis and prevents obesity.

Add caption

Brain and Cellular Health: Cauliflower contains choline and phosphorous, which are both effective in the repairing of cell membranes. This is essential for the efficient functioning of the brain and nervous system for transmitting nerve signals. In addition to this, the presence of potassium and vitamin B-6 in the cauliflower also plays an important role in maintaining brain health and promoting proper communication in the nerves by producing a range of required neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine.

Diabetes

The regular intake of cauliflower helps in reducing the risk of diabetes due to the presence of vitamin C and potassium. The potassium content in cauliflower helps in regulating glucose metabolism. It is also utilized by the pancreas for secreting the insulin hormone for taking action against the raised levels of blood sugar in the body. Low levels of potassium in the body can eventually elevate the levels of blood glucose and pose a major threat for diabetics. In addition to this, studies have supported that the vitamin B-6 present in cauliflower is also effective in enhancing the tolerance of glucose in patients with gestational diabetes.

Colitis
 Studies have suggested that extracts from cauliflower exert anti-inflammatory effects on the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. This protective effect can be attributed to the presence of phenethylisothiocyanate, which exerts a healing effect on the damage that has occurred in colon tissues and the colon epithelium.

 Research suggests that the consumption of white flesh fruits and vegetables such as cauliflower helps in reducing the risk of stroke, due to the presence of the compound allicin, which also aids in the cleansing of the liver and the blood.

 Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can fit smartly in the menu as a side dish or in a main course in diverse cuisines all across the world. It can be lightly steamed or microwaved or it can be combined with other vegetables such as potatoes and peas for a delicious stir fry. Cauliflower can also be added to soups or can be shredded and used as a stuffing in the paranthas (stuffed Indian bread).