Crazy for Cauliflower

By: June Owens

Stop and smell the flowers, well in this case, the cauliflower! This versatile vegetable can transform into a quick low carb substitute for pasta and rice or blend into a creamy soup or sauce without the help of dairy. It is delicious raw, boiled, steamed, roasted, sautéed, grilled, or even made into a pizza crust. Want some spice in your life? Try cauliflower buffalo wings or use your favorite curry recipe with this cream-colored vegetable that is sure to be the star.

Not feeling so crazy for cauliflower yet? As a cruciferous vegetable, a cousin to other nutritious veggies like broccoli, kale, cabbage and brussel sprouts, the following health benefits may be the biggest reason to get this vegetable on the dinner table tonight.

• BOOSTS BRAIN HEALTH  - Cauliflower is one of the top foods containing choline, a nutrient essential in forming cell membranes and aiding communication between neurons. Deficiency of this in a diet can lead to memory loss, cognitive decline, nerve damage, and changes in mood. An observational study with 2,195 participants aged 70-74 years old showed that those with higher choline levels had better cognitive functioning and another study from 2018 found an association between a higher dietary intake of choline and a lower risk of ischemic stroke.
• IMPROVES HEART HEALTH – The potassium in cauliflower helps lower blood pressure by countering the effects of sodium while the sulforaphane has been shown to also reduce blood pressure, improve kidney function, an prevent damage to cells that make up the inner lining of blood vessels. Removing pressure from the heart can help lower risks for heart disease.
• FIGHTS CANCER – This unique vegetable provides glucosinolates which have been shown to be beneficial in blocking and reducing carcinogenic activity. Research shows that it is one of the most potent cancer fighting foods out there, being beneficial in the prevention of prostrate, bladder, skin, breast, colorectal, lung, and stomach cancers.
• LOWERS INFLAMMATION – Cauliflower is chock-full of antioxidants like beta-carotene, cinnamic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol that all reduce inflammation. Those suffering from celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, autoimmune diseases like lupus, and more may benefit by the punch of this power hitting vegetable.
• HELPS WITH WEIGHT LOSS – This low-fat food measures in at only twenty-five calories, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to shed a few pounds. It can be chopped, diced, or pureed, and added to anything from pancakes or smoothies in the morning to soups, burgers, and salads at night. With 10 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber in just one cup, you will feel fuller longer and bonus … also keep your gastrointestinal system moving as it should.

Whether you’re ready to add a new twist to your usual cauliflower meal planning or just now deciding to give this versatile vegetable a try, there’s a recipe here that’s a perfect addition to the summer menu. The Crunchy Cashew Asian Cauliflower Rice Salad is bursting with the delicious flavors of cumin, ginger, coriander, and lime and may just be one of my new favorites.