These days we try to sub every french fry craving for a quick cauliflower roast (bring on the nooch) and it does the trick. Honestly, we try and sub every craving with cauliflower- no shame. As with most all veggies, the best possible way to preserve all the nutrients from broccoli and cauliflower without destroying the enzymes is RAW. Here's some super knowledge we're about to spit on these super foods.
Chemistry
There are many phytochemicals associated with broccoli and cauliflower, but three of the more prominent ones fall under the Organosulfides group, which includes the Isothiocyanates, Indole3Carbinol, and Sulforaphane. These phytochemicals are derived from Glucosinolates and can all found in cruciferous vegetables like kale, brussel sprouts, cabbage, turnips, and collards.
Health Benefits
Broccoli is an excellent source of Vitamin C, as well as Vitamins A and K. The strong combination of Vitamins A and K help balance Vitamin D, which boosts the metabolism. Broccoli also supplies good sources of folate and dietary fiber. Plus plus, you only need half a cup of cooked broccoli counts as 1 serving of vegetables.
Like broccoli, cauliflower is also an excellent source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has benefits including lowering the risk of cancer by way of preventing unwanted oxidative stress. Cauliflower also provides good sources of Vitamin K, folate, and dietary fiber. A half cup of cooked cauliflower counts as 1 serving of vegetables.
Main Phytochemicals
If you're not a big fan of the b & c, knows the time to change that. Studies show that they have been proven to provide the following benefits: anti-cancer, ant-iInflammatory, cardiovascular support, digestive support, and detoxification properties. Icing on the cruciferous cake, broccoli and cauliflower contain a cancer-preventing compound named Isothiocyanatesare.
These phytochemicals buffer the effects of carcinogens and reduce their harmful effects. Isothiocyanates have proven themselves in specific studies to protect and prevent against cancers of the lungs, and of the esophagus.
Indole3Carbinol is also a phytochemical found in broccoli and cauliflower. Once activated by either cooking or crushing the vegetables, Indole3 Carbinol will block receptor sites for estrogen, which aids in preventing cervical and breast cancer. These superfoods also contain the active componant sulforaphane; In regards to prostate cancer, Indole3 Carbinols effects aren’t clear. Indole3 Carbinol has also proven to help detoxify the body by the releasing certain enzymes that fight different radicals.
Sulforaphane is another active component found in broccoli and cauliflower. Sulforaphane can lower breast and Prostate cancer risks. Sulforaphane protects our cells DNA by inhibiting the effects of carcinogens. Sulforaphane can also help reduce blood pressure.
Recommendation Intake
As far as recommendations, there aren’t specifics listed for these vegetables. National Caner Institute recommends about 5 to 9 servings of vegetables to reach maximum potential for cancer and disease prevention.
Our personal recommendation is that you fit as much of broccoli and cauliflower in your diet as possible. It's totally satisfying and totally delicious.