Health Benefits of Cauliflower, Uses And Its Side Effects

Sulforaphane, a sulphur compound is present in cauliflower. They can kill cancer stem cells and, thereby, slow down tumor growth. Cauliflower also has isothiocyanates which have chemoprevntive and anti-estrogen effects that help to prohibit the growth of cancer cells.

Consumption of cauliflower helps in the reduction of risks of various types of cancer like lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer.

Sulforaphane which is present in cauliflower helps to increase blood pressure and kidney function. It is believed by scientists that sulforaphane’s benefits are related to improved DNA methylation. This is crucial for normal cellular function and proper gene expression, especially in the easily damaged inner lining of the arteries known as endothelium.Healthier arteries mean a better functioning heart.

Cauliflower contains glucoraphanine and Vitamin K which helps to maintain blood vessels and ensures healthy blood circulation.

Glucoraphanine is converted into isothiocyanates that facilitates anti-inflammatory activities and prevent the accumulation of lipid in your blood vessels. This helps blood to flow unobstructed and reduces the risk of conditions like atherosclerosis and improves your cardiovascular health.

Cauliflower, like other vegetables belonging to the category brassica, contains Vitamin C, manganese and other potent anti-oxidants which provide necessary nourishment to your body.

Cauliflower also contains phytochemicals which stimulate cancer-blocking enzymes and protect the body cells from the oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.

One of the health benefits of cauliflower is that it helps your body to detox. Thiocyanates and glucosinolates, along with enzymes are present in the florets of a cauliflower which help to neutralize toxic substances in the body. It also helps to avert or delay the onset of cancer.

Cauliflower contains high fiber content that helps in digestion and facilitates the elimination of toxins from your body. It also contains glucosinolate, glucoraphanin and sulforaphane which protects the stomach lining and helps to resist the growth of Heliobacter pylori bacteria.

Cauliflower also helps you to deal with various abdominal disorders like stomach ulcers and colon cancer due to the presence of dietary isothiocyanates.

Respiratory papillomatosis is caused by the human papilloma virus and it affects the vocal cords in the larynx, trachea, lungs and bronchi.

Cauliflower helps to effectively deal with this as it contains indole-3-carbinol. Consumption of cruciferous vegetables helps to reduce the severity of respiratory papillomatosis.

Including cabbage in your diet can be beneficial for your bones as it contains Vitamin C. This vitamin helps in the production of collagen that protects the bones and joints from inflammatory damage. Cabbage also has Vitamin K which prevents bone loss in men and women.

Cauliflower contains sulforaphane that helps to protect the skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Sulforaphane also protects your body from inflammations, skin cancer, UV-induced erythema and cellular damage.

The progression of neurodegenerative diseases is halted by the sulforaphanes and indoles present in cauliflower. These compounds help to activate the detoxification enzymes, which elevates the level of glutathione and treats the neuronal injuries caused by inflammation and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.