Cauliflower is plain simple vegetable available everywhere and is capable of fighting cancer. It is loaded with nutrients like its cousins in the cruciferous family vegetables that are capable of dealing with many diseases.
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that are necessary to boost your immune system.In order to get the full benefits of cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables you must eat them daily. You can switch between cruciferous vegetables for a variety purpose but you must eat 3/4 cup of these vegetables daily.
Some of the most popular cruciferous vegetables are Arugula, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collard Greens, Kale, Mustard greens, Radish greens,Turnip greens and Watercress. The phytochemicals and nutrient content of these vegetables slightly differ from each other but they are all healthy.
Cauliflower is white and most popular among the cruciferous vegetables followed by cabbage.
Nutritional Facts- Cauliflower
Total Fat 0.3 g
- Saturated fat 0.1 g
- Polyunsaturated fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated fat 0 g
- Trans fat 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 30 mg
Potassium 299 mg
Total Carbohydrate 5 g
Dietary fiber 2 g
Sugar 1.9 g
Protein 1.9 g
Nutrients as % of Daily Value
Vitamin C 80%
Calcium 2%
Iron 2%
Vitamin B-6 10%
Magnesium 3%
Sources include: USDA
Broccoli the other member of the cruciferous vegetables gets more attention in terms of cancer fighting capabilities but cauliflower equally good if not better.
Cancer fighting Components of Cauliflower
The two common components of all the cruciferous vegetables namely sulforaphane and I3C ( indole-3-carbinol) are mainly associated with the cancer fighting capabilities. These components are available in the other cruciferous vegetables also. Many research studies have consistently shown that people who have a habit of eating cruciferous vegetables regularly have less chance of getting cancer.
Studies have shown that breast cancer cells do not get divided to get opportunity to multiply and die out with the impact of sulforaphane. This is a significant finding as not only cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables reduce the chances of getting cancer but they can fight and conquer cancer.
Sulforaphane increases the production of enzymes that removes toxins from the body without causing any cell damage.
The other component of cauliflower indole-3-carbinol reduces the level of estrogen in the body reducing possibilities of breast and Prostate cancer.
Whether you are in the vulnerable group for cancer candidates due to hereditary and other factors or a normal healthy person from every angle, eating cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables on a daily basis will give you tremendous health benefits.
Cauliflower also improves your immune system. The vitamin C and Folate in cauliflower are responsible for the immunity boost. In fact cauliflower contains more vitamin C than the orange. In addition other antioxidants such as Vitamin E and beta-carotene are not only good for cancer but also for heart health and cataract protection.
To get the best out of cauliflower, eat them raw. Add to your salad, but don't boil them. You can quickly steam them as submerging them in hot water reduces half of their capacity. The overcooked cauliflower in the water may still give you some benefits, but why waster the nutrients when you can preserve them by taking some simple precautions. Raw cauliflower is crunchy and tasty. Mildly steamed is the best if you prefer cooked.
An interesting coincidence that was also studied by scientists who found that the combination of cauliflower and turmeric is consumed in India where incidences of prostate cancer are the lowest. The curcumin in the turmeric and phytochemicals in cauliflower are the main ingredients that retard the growth of cancer cells.
So while cooking cauliflower add a pinch of turmeric powder to it. It will make the cauliflower yellowish. Eating healthy must be a priority for everyone who wants to continue to stay healthy. Eat cauliflower caily to boost your immunity and fighting capabilities to combat cancer.