Cauliflower

The vegetables which belong to the Brassica family are characterized with large heads, and cruciferous leaves. Among these is cauliflower which mostly grows from December to March. The difference of this veggie from cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli is its color. While the three vegetables have green heads, the former has a white head. This is due to the absence of chlorophyll, since its large leaves prevent the sun from nourishing its florets (head).

Like the other veggies belonging to the Brassica family, cauliflower is rich with compounds that are effective in fighting off cancer. They stop the release of enzymes that are responsible for activating cancer agents inside the body. On the other hand, these certain compounds also trigger the release of enzymes which help disable the effects of carcinogens and toxins to your body.

Examples of these compounds are: glucosinolates, isothiocyanate, sulforaphane, and thiocyanate. Other than releasing helpful enzymes, they also aid with liver detoxification. They heighten the capability of your liver to neutralize the toxins inside your body. When these harmful toxins are not eliminated from the liver, they will cause damage to your DNA molecules or cell membranes. When the damage gets worse, there will be complications. These may include the unstoppable increase and deregulation of carcinogen cells.

The men’s health within the United States is threatened with the development of prostrate cancer. Among the cancer cases which have resulted to death, this type ranks as second. In the country alone, there is a total number of 500,000 cases every year. This medical condition is rare in India, since they eat a lot of vegetables belonging to the Brassica family. Within this country, they enhance the flavor of their vegetable dish with turmeric, which is a spice used for curry dishes. Researchers have discovered that this spice also contains phytonutrients and isothiocyanates.

Researchers believe that when cruciferous veggies and turmeric are combined, the effects are great. This means that the spread of prostrate cancer is prohibited, thereby curing it.

This vegetable is also an effective rheumatoid arthritis cure. As long as you eat the right amount, which is 4 to 7 servings per week, you will be able to keep your joints healthy and strong. When you are old, you are prone to medical problems which usually affect your bones and your joints. These might include osteoarthritis, and inflammatory polyarthritis. The latter is a type of rheumatoid arthritis, which affects more than two of your joints.

On the other hand, you will also be able to prohibit the development of gout. This is because of the purines which are found in several food sources, including cruciferous vegetables.

In order for you to benefit much from cauliflowers and other vegetables of its kind, you need to go for those which are grown organically. When you cook these veggies, you only have to steam or light sauté them so as not to lose the nutrients. Spices also help, especially when you use turmeric which is also a good source of phytonutrients.

Submitted on January 16, 2014