Cauliflower is a common vegetable in every corner of the world. Parallel with a mild taste of eating, the benefits of this variety are also a reason why it is extremely loved. However, not many people can see through the advantages of this kind. Let’s Long Produce explore more!
Contents
1. General View of Cauliflower
Cauliflower belongs to the species Brassica oleracea of the Brassicaceae family. It is commonly cultivated by seeds. Regularly people use the head of the plant for food. This heart part is created from a white inflorescence meristem. The cauliflower head is fairly similar to broccoli but the difference is that the flower buds’ parts can be eaten. The Brassicaceae family also comprises several popular types of vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale.
2. History and Development
In the Middle Ages, the first types of cauliflower were formed in Cyprus. Until the 12 or 13 century, two Arab botanists named Ibn al-’Awwam and Ibn al-Baitar stated that the origin of cauliflower was Cyprus. Years to years, the vegetable was widely known as a commercial product called Cyprus colewort. The seeds of this kind were also traded through western Europe from Cyprus under the French Lusignan rulers of the island until the 16th century.
3. Characteristics and Taste of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a mass with tightly packed flower heads (called curds) that develop from a hard middle stalk to create the only round head, wrapped by green leaves. It is hard and nearly waxy in texture, and when coming to eating, it creates a mild and delicate taste.
Almost all people think that the color of cauliflower is only white. However, in fact, cauliflower also gets different colors such as white, green, orange, purple, and even blue. However, the sweetest kind is still the white type. One thing you can avoid overcooking the cauliflower since it can lead to an unpleasant smell.
4. Nutrition Values of Cauliflower
Present in 100 grams of cauliflower, there are some nutrition values as below:
- Calories: 25
- Carbohydrate: 5 grams
- Sugar: 1.9 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Fat: 0.3 grams
- Protein: 1.9 grams
- Water: 92 grams
Percents of vitamins (based on the US recommendation for adults)
- Vitamin B1: 4%
- Vitamin B2: 5%
- Vitamin B3: 3%
- Vitamin B5: 13%
- Vitamin B6: 14%
- Vitamin B9: 14%
- Vitamin C: 58%
- Vitamin E: 1%
- Vitamin K: 15%
Percent of minerals (based on the US recommendation for adults)
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 3%
- Magnesium: 4%
- Manganese: 7%
- Phosphorous: 6%
- Potassium: 6%
- Sodium: 2%
- Zinc: 3%
As you can see, there are lots of minerals and vitamins inside cauliflower that are essential for your daily activities’ body.
4. Some Staple Benefits
Through many studies, the advantages of cauliflower are clearly pointed out. Here are some remarkable benefits you should know.
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High Content of Fiber
Fiber is one of the most important nutrients for almost all normal works inside the body, especially digestion. The reason is that fiber is the “food” for “good” bacteria in your digestive tract. This can decrease inflammation as well as enhance digestion health.
Additionally, eating enough fiber can avoid constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticulitis. One aspect that makes fiber essential is that this can keep the fullness feeling longer, hence, it is useful for preventing obesity. Through some studies, fiber is shown that can help lower the risk of some severe health issues such as heart problems, cancer, or diabetes.
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Rich In Antioxidants
Antioxidants play a role in lowering the risk of cancer inside the body. They help to stop the harm from free radicals and inflammation. Two groups of antioxidants called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates comprised in cauliflower have been shown that have impacts on slowing down the development of cancer cells.
These two antioxidants are pointed out that are effective to protect from colon, lung, prostate, and breast cancer through some test-tube studies. The other two kinds of antioxidants inside cauliflower are carotenoid and flavonoid which include anti-cancer properties as well as decrease the risk of severe disease, even heart illness.
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Great for Weight Loss Diet
Cauliflower is an alternative food for high-calories ones such as rice or flour. This is because there are only 25 calories in 100 grams of this vegetable that makes you can eat high amounts but absorb a little energy. Cauliflower is an ingredient that nutritional experts suggest for weight loss people.
On the other hand, as mentioned before, cauliflower contains rich levels of fiber that maintain the fullness longer. This can decrease the number of calories you absorb every day. One factor that makes this vegetable an effective kind of food for the weight-loss process is a considerable content of water, approximately 92% of its weight. Eating high-level water foods is a good method for weight loss.
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Well-supplied Resource in Choline
Choline plays a staple part in the body. First of all, it helps the integrity of cell membranes stable parallel with synthesizing DNA and promoting the metabolism. Moreover, choline is necessary for a good nervous system because it is associated with brain development as well as produces neurotransmitters.
Another function of choline inside our body is that reduces the amount of cholesterol in the liver. Eating enough choline can lower the risk of heart and liver disease or neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Cauliflower is rarely a natural source of choline along with broccoli. This is the reason why you should add this vegetable to your daily meal.
More information: Above these important features, cauliflower is linked to some benefits such as reducing high blood pressure, preventing diabetes or kidney disease. However, you also need to take the advance from doctors or nutritional experts before eating a high amount of cauliflower.
Above are some facts about cauliflower and its benefits. With this delicious vegetable, you can make various dishes even for vegetarians and weight-loss dietary people. Why do you still hesitate to bring this charming cruciferous variety to your kitchen?
>> Buy now and enjoy the health benefit of Cauliflower
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