What is Cauliflower, Exactly?

Cauliflower is in the cruciferous vegetable family alongside cabbage, kale, radishes, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. The floret portions that we most often eat are the edible flower buds of the plant. Each head of cauliflower is generally six to eight inches at full size. Served raw, cauliflower can err on the sharp or slightly bitter side, but once cooked—especially roasted—cauliflower has a hint of nutty and sweet.

What are the 5 main health benefits of cauliflower?

1. A source of antioxidants

Cauliflower is a heart-friendly vegetable thanks to a plant compound called sulforaphane. Acting as an antioxidant, sulforaphane reduces the inflammatory damage caused by oxidative stress, a process which plays a central role in the development of heart disease. In this way it helps reduce blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

2. High in choline

Cauliflower is a source of choline, an essential nutrient we need for mood, memory and recall. As such, it is a key building block of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in signalling the central nervous system. Choline is also essential for brain development.

3. Rich in sulforaphane

Like broccoli and cabbage, cauliflower’s sulforaphane content has a number of health benefits including reducing the risk of cancer. Sulforaphane fights cancer in a number of ways including protecting cells from DNA damage as well as inactivating carcinogens.

4. May support hormonal balance

Cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower, contain a plant compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which acts as a plant oestrogen and may help balance hormones by regulating oestrogen levels. I3C has also shown promise as a means of lessening the risk of oestrogen induced breast and reproductive cancers in both men and women, although more studies are needed in this area.

5. May support the immune system

Being rich in sulfur, cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower may support gut health and as a result improve your defence against infection. This is because sulfur supports the production of glutathione which is important for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining as well as supporting its regeneration. As a potent antioxidant, glutathione works throughout the body protecting cells from inflammatory damage.

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.