8 Good reasons to start eating more cauliflower (recipe included)
11/17/2020 / By Joanne Washburn / Comments
8 Good reasons to start eating more cauliflower (recipe included)

It is said that some of the most nutritious foods are those that have the most colorful skins and peels. While true to some extent, this adage doesn’t do justice to cauliflower, a cruciferous vegetable that would not have looked so different from broccoli were it not for its white florets.

But make no mistake. Cauliflower is more than just broccoli’s paler cousin. It is a nutrient powerhouse that boasts of a wide range of macro- and micronutrients, as well as several powerful antioxidants.

The many health benefits of cauliflower

If enjoyed as part of a nutritious diet, cauliflower can confer some amazing health benefits. These include:

  1. Fights inflammation – Cauliflower is brimming with powerful antioxidants, such as quercetin, beta-carotene and cinnamic acid. These antioxidants protect cells from inflammation, which may otherwise damage cells and trigger the onset of several chronic diseases.
  2. Supports heart health – Sulforaphane, another antioxidant found in cauliflower, helps protect the heart from inflammation and high blood pressure. Meanwhile, omega-3 fatty acids in cauliflower help lower cholesterol levels. High blood pressure and high cholesterol may lead to heart disease.
  3. Slashes cancer risk – Like other cruciferous vegetables, cauliflower is an excellent source of sulfur-rich compounds, which have been shown to have protective effects against cancers of the breast, liver, colon, bladder and lungs.
  4. Supports brain health and development – Cauliflower promotes better brain health, thanks to its high choline content. This essential nutrient is involved in brain development and plays a critical role in regulating mood and improving memory.
  5. Improves digestion and overall gut health – The fiber in cauliflower supports digestion, aids in regulating bowel movement and feeds the good bacteria in the gut that protect it from harmful agents.
  6. Promotes optimal kidney health – Rich in vitamin C, folate and fiber, cauliflower helps your body fight off toxins, a natural process that your kidneys oversee.
  7. Builds and maintains strong bones – Low levels of vitamin K are associated with a greater risk of fractures and bone conditions like osteoporosis. But eating cauliflower can help prevent this, thanks to the vegetable’s high vitamin K content.
  8. Boosts skin and hair health – Have some cauliflower for glowing skin and healthier hair. Vitamin C in cauliflower boosts the production of collagen, the protein that strengthens hair, skin, joints and bones.

Recipe for curried cauliflower soup

Nothing screams comfort in a bowl like curried cauliflower soup on a cold fall night. This heartwarming soup provides just the right amount of spice and heat. Plus, the creaminess of the coconut milk adds a nice smooth texture to the soup.

Ingredients for 2 servings:

  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 1 leek, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon medium curry powder
  • Cauliflower stem, roughly chopped
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Coconut milk
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

Preparation:

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
  2. Saute the onions, leek garlic and curry powder.
  3. Saute the chopped cauliflower stem and season with salt.
  4. Pour in enough cold water to the pan to cover the ingredients.
  5. Boil for 5 to 10 minutes or until the cauliflower is soft.
  6. Pour in coconut milk and stir well to combine.
  7. Pour the soup into a food processor and pulse until smooth.
  8. Heat the soup again and top with fresh cilantro before serving.

Note:

  • You can add ground turmeric and other spices of your choice for a more flavorful soup.
  • This recipe used coconut milk, but you can also use other plant-based milk substitutes you prefer.
  • To extend its shelf-life, let the soup cool completely before pouring it into a freezer-safe container. You may keep it in the freezer for up to three months.

Cauliflower is an excellent source of essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants. Make it a regular part of your diet to reap its nutritional benefits.

Sources:

StyleCraze.com

MindBodyGreen.com

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