You may not have heard of the Brassica family of vegetables, but you certainly seen on your plate and salad bowl.
While the family has more than 3,000 different vegetables, only a handful are edible, including Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and broccoli.
other vegetables in this family is the cauliflower. It comes in orange, green and purple, but the most common variety is the white cauliflower. You can not think of a white vegetable as a nutritional power, but in fact it contains compounds that inhibit cancer growth and promote the death of cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
Research shows that people who eat cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables have a lower risk of developing cancer.
in fact, a French research team in 2014 reported an anti-cancer called PEITC plant compound. The National Cancer Institute shows PEITC is found in cruciferous vegetables including cauliflower. PEITC may have useful therapeutic benefits for patients with pleural mesothelioma.
These researchers confirmed PEITC and cisplatin chemotherapy drug People are a pair of powerful fight against cancer. Although research shows the two can kill mesothelioma cells on their own, the study shows that they are even more effective when combined.
Cauliflower is a Superfood
Cauliflower consumption dates from the 12th century or earlier. She was born in the Middle East. Today, the cauliflower is in the world. California is one of the largest producers.
Cauliflower is considered a superfood because of its rich nutrient content. It is rich in fiber and vitamins B and C. It also contains high concentrations of carotenoids (antioxidants) and glucosinolates.
Although these compounds have anti-cancer effects, glucosinolates have generated the most interest.
cutting or chewing cauliflower compounds releases called isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are glucosinolates products and inhibit cancer growth
compounds in cauliflower and other vegetables the Brassica family can also :.
- protect cells against DNA damage
- produce anti-inflammatory effects
- Induce cell death
scientists are also investigating the CTI protective effect may have when used in conjunction with chemotherapy.
a government program called MyPlate recommends 6-7 servings of vegetables.
The Linus Pauling Institute, a research group focused on the maintenance of health, recommends a weekly serving of cruciferous vegetables five.
Growing cauliflower and storage
Cauliflower is a cool season vegetable that prefers a sunny location and well-drained, fertile soil. Avoid extreme temperatures in the summer heat.
Look for large white compact buds, when choosing cauliflower. Do not buy if it has spots, dull colors or small flowers. It can be refrigerated up to one week in a paper or plastic bag.
Many ways to prepare cauliflower
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be incorporated into diet in a variety of ways, including:
- steamed, mashed and mixed into soups
- steamed and mashed like mashed replacement potatoes
- served rawness with a dip
- oven roasted or grilled as a side dish (add a touch of parmesan for a really tasty dish)
- Cut flowers and marinated
- do not forget to use the stems and leaves. These are also edible and nutritious. Mix them in soups.
