The Power and Beauty of Cauliflower

Cauliflower, a highly nutritious vegetable, contains many nutrients that can help prevent a range of diseases from cancer to cataracts.

Cauliflower is a member of the 'white' family in terms of fruits and vegetables. Included in this group are other natural foods such as bananas, mushrooms, onions, and garlic.

Cauliflower contains allicin, which can improve heart health and reduce the risk of strokes, and selenium, a chemical that works well with Vitamin C to strengthen the immune system. Cauliflower can also help to maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Folate is also found in cauliflower, which is a B vitamin that is needed for cell growth and replication. For this reason, it is often recommended that women who are pregnant or may become pregnant eat significant amounts of cauliflower in order to help their unborn children develop properly. Of course, cauliflower is an excellent source of fiber, which helps to improve colon health and can even help prevent cancer. And, most recently, it has been discovered that cauliflower, as well as other cruciferous vegetables, such as brussel sprouts and cabbage, contain indole-3-carbinol, a substance that can affect the metabolism of estrogen in the body, and prevent breast and other female cancers.  [i]

But did you know not only can you find ‘white cauliflower but it comes in different colors?  During the summer many farmers markets carry the colored varieties such as Purple and a green variety; that many times I tell my better half that it is broccoli so they will eat it – he says he doesn’t like cauliflower but sure eats a lot of this green variety! 

Cauliflower steamed with a dash of salt and pepper is a joy.  Many folks favorite; of course; is cauliflower with a cheese sauce.  Add cauliflower to soups, casseroles, or eat it raw, and have at least ½ cup twice a week with your dinner ~ Remember it is a fun food that helps women to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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[i] oohoi.com