The health benefits of cauliflower include relief from indigestion, ultraviolet radiation, diabetes, colitis, respiratory papillomatosis, macular degeneration, obesity, and hypertension. The antioxidant power of cauliflower helps in strengthening the immune system and also helps in reducing risk of stroke, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. It also aids in maintaining bone, brain, and cellular health, electrolyte balance, optimum cholesterol levels and prevents cardiovascular disorders.

Cauliflower belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes broccoli, kale, and cabbage. It derives its name from Latin caulis which means cabbage with a flower. The florets on the head of the cauliflower, also known as curd, are tightly clustered and consist of immature flower buds attached to a central stalk. To protect the flavour and softness of the cauliflower heads, they are protected from the sunlight to prevent development of chlorophyll pigment and over-maturity.

Cauliflower has been suggested to be native to ancient Asia, but re-emerged in the Mediterranean region, Turkey, and Italy around 600 BC. Around the mid-16th century, cauliflower achieved recognition in France and Northern Europe. Today, India, China, Italy, France, and the United States are among the top producers of cauliflower throughout the world.

Health benefits

Very low in calories. 100 g of fresh cauliflower has only 26 calories. However, it is very low in fat and contains no cholesterol.

Its florets contain about 2 g of dietary fibre per 100 g; providing about 5% of recommended value.

Cauliflower contains several anti-cancer phyto-chemicals like sulforaphane and plant sterols such as indole-3-carbinol which appears to function as an anti-estragon agent. Together these compounds have proven benefits against prostate, breast, cervical, colon, ovarian cancers by virtue of their cancer cell growth inhibition, cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.

Also, Di-indolyl-methane (DIM), a lipid soluble compound present abundantly in brassica group of vegetables has found effective as immune modulator, anti-bacterial and anti-viral compound by potentiating Interferon-Gamma receptors and its production. DIM has currently been found application in the treatment of recurring respiratory papillomatosis caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and is in Phase III clinical trials for cervical dysplasia.

Fresh cauliflower is excellent source of vitamin C; 100 g provides about 48.2 mg or 80% of daily recommended value. Vitamin-C is a proven antioxidant helps fight against harmful free radicals, boosts immunity and prevent from infections and cancers.

It contains good amounts of many essential B-complex group of vitamins such as folates, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and thiamin (vitamin B1), niacin (B3) as well as vitamin K. These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish and required for fat, protein and carbohydrates metabolism.

It is also good source of minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, calcium and potassium. Manganese is used in the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Potassium is an important intracellular electrolyte helps counter the hypertension effects of sodium.

Antioxidant Capacity: Brassica vegetables, such as cauliflower, contain vitamin C, manganese, and other potent antioxidants that help in imparting nourishment across a wide array of healthful categories. Cauliflower also contains phytochemicals, called indoles and glucosinates, namely glucobrassicin, glucoraphanin and gluconasturtiian. These healthful components stimulate cancer-blocking enzymes and protect the body cells from the oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.

Cardiovascular Health: Cauliflower contains vitamin K, which possesses anti-inflammatory qualities. Regular consumption of cauliflower ensures healthy blood circulation and helps in maintaining the blood vessels, which can be attributed to the presence of glucoraphanin. Glucoraphanin is converted to isothiocyanates that activate anti-inflammatory activities and prevent the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels. This aids in the unobstructed flow of blood, which reduces the risk of conditions like atherosclerosis and promotes cardiovascular health. Isothiocyanate, indole-3-carbinol, or I3C is an anti-inflammatory component that functions at the genetic level and inhibits the instigation of inflammatory activities at an early stage. As supported by various studies, indoles have been proven to be effective on the synthesis of lipids, the levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and in maintaining cardiovascular health. Research has also proved that the anti-thrombotic and anti-platelet function of Indole-3 –carbinol contributes significantly towards a healthy heart. The omega-3 present in the form of alpha-lenolenic acids in it also contributes to this beneficial activity.

Stomach Disorders: Cauliflower is a source of dietary fibre that aids in digestion and promotes the elimination of toxins from the body. The presence of glucosinolate, glucoraphanin and sulforaphane in cauliflower protects the stomach lining and helps in resisting the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria. In addition to this defence mechanism, dietary isothiocyanates in cauliflower prevent the risk of various abdominal disorders such as stomach ulcers and colon cancer.

Respiratory Papillomatosis: Cauliflower contains indole-3-carbinol, which is effective in the treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Respiratory papillomatosis is a disease caused by the human papilloma virus that affects the vocal cords in the larynx, trachea, lungs, and bronchi. Studies have shown that increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, aids in reducing the severity of respiratory papillomatosis.

Cancer: Cauliflower contains glucosinolates, which break down to provide healthful compounds such as sulforaphane and isothiocyanates, called indole-3 carbinol. Studies have shown that these compounds have chemopreventive and anti-estragon effects that help in hampering the growth of cancer cells. Research has provided supporting evidence for the fact that consumption of brassica vegetables such as cauliflower assists in reducing the risk of various types of cancers such as lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer.

Bone Health: Cauliflower contains vitamin C, which plays an important role in the production of collagen, which protects the joints and bones from inflammatory damage. Also, it contains vitamin K, which may help in preventing bone loss in both men and women.

Macular Degeneration: Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, so it may also be effective in reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which can lead to blindness, particularly in the elderly. The sulforaphane present in cauliflower protects the retinal tissues from damage caused by the oxidative stress, prevents vision impairment and various eye ailments such as cataracts.

Detoxification: Inclusion of cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower is extremely important for the body’s detox system. It contains Indole-3-carbinol, a phytonutrient that, along with sulforaphane, helps in activating and regulating the function of detoxifying enzymes.

Ultraviolet Radiation: Research studies have shown that the sulforaphane present in cauliflower is effective in protecting the skin against the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. The protective action of sulforaphane defends the body against inflammations, skin cancer, UV-induced erythema, and cellular damage.

Neurodegenerative Disorders: The sulforaphane and indoles present in cauliflower play a key role in reducing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. They activate the detoxification enzymes, which elevates the level of glutathione and helps in treating the neuronal injuries caused by inflammation and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Hypertension and Cholesterol: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the glucoraphanin and sulforaphane present in cauliflower help in reducing the oxidative stress, along with the levels of LDL and total cholesterol. It also promotes the stimulation of HDL cholesterol and lowers the blood pressure. In addition to this, the fibre and omega-3 fatty acid present in cauliflower also aids in the reduction of bad cholesterol and prevents hardening of the arteries.

Electrolyte Balance: Cauliflower contains potassium, which is one of the major electrolytes in the body. The potassium content helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body, which is essential for the functioning of the nervous system in the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contractions.

Immune System: Cauliflower is rich in antioxidants and immune-strengthening nutrients. Along with other healthful components, the presence of vitamin C in the it helps in preventing various kinds of infections and strengthens the defence mechanisms of the body by hampering the growth of disease-causing inflammation.

Obesity: Cauliflower contains healthful components such as indoles, which possess anti-obesity effects. Studies have supported the fact that consumption of cauliflower is beneficial in preventing various inflammation and metabolic disorders in the body. It also helps in the stimulation of fat-burning thermogenesis and prevents obesity.

Pregnancy: Inclusion of cauliflower in the diet is beneficial during pregnancy due to the presence of essential folate, which helps in healthy neural development of the baby. It also has various other essential vitamins and minerals, including fibre, which promote overall health.

Brain and Cellular Health: Cauliflower contains choline and phosphorous, which are both effective in the repairing of cell membranes. This is essential for the efficient functioning of the brain and nervous system for transmitting nerve signals. In addition to this, the presence of potassium and vitamin B-6 in the cauliflower also plays an important role in maintaining brain health and promoting proper communication in the nerves by producing a range of required neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine.

Diabetes: The regular intake of cauliflower helps in reducing the risk of diabetes due to the presence of vitamin C and potassium. The potassium content in cauliflower helps in regulating glucose metabolism. It is also utilized by the pancreas for secreting the insulin hormone for taking action against the raised levels of blood sugar in the body. Low levels of potassium in the body can eventually elevate the levels of blood glucose and pose a major threat for diabetics. In addition to this, studies have supported that the vitamin B-6 present in cauliflower is also effective in enhancing the tolerance of glucose in patients with gestational diabetes.

Colitis: Studies have suggested that extracts from cauliflower exert anti-inflammatory effects on the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. This protective effect can be attributed to the presence of phenethylisothiocyanate, which exerts a healing effect on the damage that has occurred in colon tissues and the colon epithelium.

Stroke: Research suggests that the consumption of white flesh fruits and vegetables such as cauliflower helps in reducing the risk of stroke, due to the presence of the compound allicin, which also aids in the cleansing of the liver and the blood.