What is cauliflower?
Nutritional benefits of cauliflower
- 24 kcal/02 KJ
- 2g protein
- 3.5g carbohydrates
- 1.4g fibre
- 0.3g fat
- 202mg potassium
- 14mg calcium
- 44mcg folate
- 45mg vit C
What are the 5 main health benefits of cauliflower?
1. May support a healthy heart
2. May support healthy brain function
3. Rich in sulforaphane
4. May support hormonal balance
5. May support the immune system
Is cauliflower safe for everyone to eat?
- For most of us, cauliflower is a healthy option. However, if you have a thyroid issue you may be advised to minimise the amount of cruciferous vegetables you eat. This is because these vegetables may interfere with the absorption of iodine which is needed for the production of thyroid hormones. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that you would need to eat a reasonable amount and on a consistent basis for this to be an issue.
- Cauliflower is a high-fibre food, which for most of us is highly beneficial – it supports the digestive process and provides a fuel source for the healthy bacteria which reside in our gut. However, for some people high fibre foods may cause bloating and gas, this is especially relevant for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- If you are on blood thinning medication such as warfarin, your GP or dietitian may suggest you monitor the vitamin K foods, like cauliflower, in your diet to ensure you eat similar amounts consistently. If in doubt, consult your GP before making any significant changes to what and how much you eat.
Cauliflower recipes
Cauliflower cheese
Cauliflower tempura
Cauliflower curry
Cauliflower crust pizza
This article was published on 26th August 2020.
Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a registered nutritionist with a post graduate diploma in personalised nutrition & nutritional therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food.
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