Cauliflower: nutritional benefits and all its properties

Cauliflower: nutritional benefits and all its properties

What is cauliflower and what properties does it contribute?

The cauliflower is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the family of crucifers, being a type of cabbage, but in whose upper leaves and flowers they transform into a white mass, compact and hard. There are approximately more than 3,000 species, but nevertheless at present three varieties are the most marketed: white cauliflower, the green cauliflower and the purple cauliflower.

And, precisely, within these 3,000 species we also find some of the most popular and popular varieties, as for example is the case of broccoli, white cabbage or cabbage, red cabbage or turnip, among many others.

White cauliflower is considered the most common. Its color is due to the fact that during its cultivation the green leaves that surround it are united above, thus preventing the sun from entering and the development of chlorophyll. The green cauliflower, however, is characterized by allowing its exposure to the sun, allowing chlorophyll to develop. In the case of purple cauliflower, its coloration is due to the presence of anthocyanins, some antioxidant pigments that disappear at the time of cooking.

As regards the white cauliflower, it has a rounded shape and a characteristic appearance, which makes it an inflorescence very easy to distinguish. It comes from the different regions of the eastern Mediterranean, particularly from Asia Minor, Syria and Lebanon. Although nowadays China has become the main producer.

It is true that sometimes it can be reviled by the bad smell that comes to detach at the time they are cooked, and also by its effects to cause flatulence (gases), but the truth is that this wonderful plant is a food that It stands out for the very important benefits and properties it has for health.

Nutritional benefits of cauliflower

The cauliflower is especially rich in water, which makes it an ideal choice in weight loss diets and depurative diets, thanks to the fact that it helps naturally to purify the body and prevent or prevent fluid retention.

It also stands out for its low content in both carbohydrates and proteins and fats, so its caloric intake is real and truly low. In fact, 100 grams of cauliflower provide just 25 calories.

As we commented, among the different nutritional properties and benefits that we find in cauliflower is its high water content, and yet low energy content, so the cauliflower is ideal in weight control diets.

It is a great source of vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, magnesium, potassium Y calcium, and also has antioxidant properties that help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It also has diuretic properties, so they are good in cases of fluid retention as they favor the elimination of excess liquids, also being beneficial in cases of hypertension.

Nutritional values ​​of cauliflower

Here we indicate what is the nutritional contribution of the cauliflower for each 100 grams of edible part: