Cauliflower, a generally healthy vegetable high in vitamin C and vitamin K, low in calories and high in fiber, has hidden risks for some people. One cup of cauliflower per week will provide the health benefits without the risks.
For most of us, cauliflower is a healthy option. However, if you have a thyroid issue you may be advised to minimise the amount of cruciferous vegetables you eat. This is because these vegetables may interfere with the absorption of iodine which is needed for the production of thyroid hormones.
According to the American Heart Association, it is recommended five servings of fresh vegetables per day. A serving of cauliflower is 5 to 8 florets. The vegetable can be consumed every day without problems. However, it is always important to keep a varied diet with different types of vegetables.
Risks. There may be some unwanted effects of consuming cauliflower, especially if it is eaten in excess. Bloating and flatulence: Foods that are high in fiber may cause increased bloating and flatulence. However, most people can tolerate these foods in moderate portions.
At a minimum, include cruciferous vegetables as part of your diet 2-3 times per week, and make the serving size at least 1-1/2 cups. Even better from a health standpoint, enjoy cauliflower and other vegetables from the cruciferous vegetable group 4-5 times per week, and increase your serving size to 2 cups.
Cauliflower: Raw and cooked.
Fresh cauliflower has 30 percent more protein and many different types of antioxidants such as quercetin. Raw cauliflower keeps the most antioxidants overall, but cooking cauliflower increases indole levels. Don't boil cauliflower in water because that loses the most antioxidants.
On the nutrient front, broccoli is slightly healthier, although cauliflower contains more folate and potassium. Both should be consumed regularly as they contain a slightly different balance of nutrients, antioxidants and phytonutrients and are extremely healthy options.
Cauliflower Is Anti-inflammatory
Bioactive compounds found in cauliflower are known to reduce inflammation, as was reported in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2014. The vegetable is also rich in antioxidants, including types known to counter oxidative stress.
Good Digestion
As a cruciferous vegetable, cauliflower is an excellent source of fiber — most Americans consume less than half of the recommended daily amount. This fiber content helps maintain healthy digestion — reducing your risk of digestive disorders — and promotes good bacteria growth in your gut.
Cauliflower is a dietary superfood filled with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial molecules despite its pale-colored appearance. Today cauliflower is a popular alternative to many carbohydrate-rich foods, such as rice, Pizza Crusts, and Sandwich Rounds.
Cruciferous veges
Veges such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale contain glutathione, which kickstarts the liver's toxin cleansing enzymes of the liver. Eating them will increase production of glucosinolate in your system, which helps flush out carcinogens and other toxins.
Nutritionally, cauliflower is lighter in calories and carbs than potatoes and is more nutrient-dense. That's why it's popular among the low carb and weight loss communities.
The simplest way would probably be to just boil it on the stove or steam it, which will preserve all the healthy nutrients. Cooked cauliflower makes a quick veggie side dish, but can also be used to give that extra punch of flavor to some of your favorite dishes. I love adding it to my Cauliflower Cheese Sauce.
While everyone's tolerance is different, too much cauliflower can create G.I. distress, like excess gas and bloating. “Make sure to drink enough water to move it through your system,” suggests Lincoln. Cooking it can also dial back digestion woes.
Cauliflower contains plenty of vitamin C. Vitamin C may be very good for promoting skin health. Vitamin C may help protect the skin from damage caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV). It may help prevent signs of premature skin ageing caused by UV rays exposure.
Cauliflower rice is a helpful part of a healthy diet, but occasionally it's possible to have too much of a good thing. Cauliflower rice is high in fiber, which takes longer for your stomach to digest. Eating too much cauliflower rice at once can sometimes lead to discomfort.
Yes! Cauliflower stems (and leaves) are totally edible. Try adding them to stocks, soups or even grating and using for coleslaw or salads. To prepare, we usually peel the outer “skin” of the stem and discard since that can be a bit tough, but after that, everything is completely tasty!
Since both cabbage and cauliflower have similar levels of Vitamins C, A, E and many other nutrients, it can be said that both are equally healthy and nutritious.