Cauliflower, a dietitian's guide
As dietitians, you'll often hear us touting "the more colour on your plate the better." Cauliflower is an exception. Sometimes mistakenly referred to as the poor cousin of Broccoli, this veggie has so much going for it when it comes to nutrition.
Gut Health
Cauliflower or the 'Flower Cabbage' contains loads of fibre. Fibre is essential to prevent constipation and keep our digestive tracts healthy. Further research has shown fibre plays a role in regulating our immune systems and helps to prevent inflammation in the gut.
Pregnancy
If you're expecting a little one, Cauliflower needs to be a staple ingredient on your shopping list each week. The research shows that Folate (a B group vitamin which is found in high amounts in cauliflower) is essential for the growth and development of healthy cells. Consuming adequate folate also reduces the risk of neural tube birth defects such as Spina bifida.
Vitamin C
Ditch the vitamin C tablets this winter and get this powerful vitamin direct for the source. Cauliflower is rich in Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant and immune booster, helping to fight off common virus causing the flu. Vitamin C also assists your bodies to absorb iron from iron rich plant-based foods (e.g. beans, chickpeas and lentils). This is particularly important for non-meat eaters, as including vegetables high in vitamin C with your meal can help your body absorb more iron.
Fun Fact
Did you know cauliflowers can be purple? This is due to the presence of antioxidants similar to those found in red wine and red cabbage!
Our favourite ways to enjoy cauliflower:
- Try making cauliflower steaks by cutting from the head downwards so that the stem is included
- Cauliflower works very well in curries as it absorbs lots of the flavour. Try our Pumpkin and cauliflower curry
- Try our cauliflower and soba noodle salad
