What Are the Health Benefits of Cauliflower?
Thanks to its rich nutrient profile and versatility in the kitchen, cauliflower has become *insanely* popular over the last few years — and it’s not stopping any time soon. Case in point: Cauliflower rice and cauliflower pizza aren’t just trendy anymore, but have become part of the norm. But is cauliflower as healthy as everyone makes it out to be?
Here’s a deep dive into what makes this cruciferous veggie worthy of supermarket stardom, followed by expert-approved ways to enjoy.
Cauliflower is a cruciferous veggie with a dense, off-white head known as the “curd” that’s made up of hundreds of tiny underdeveloped flowers, according to the Iowa Department of Health. (Thus the “flower” in its name. Mind = blown.) While the off-white variety is most common, there are also orange, green, and purple cauliflowers, according to registered dietitian Alyssa Northrop, M.P.H., R.D., L.M.T. As a cruciferous veggie, cauliflower is related to cabbage, Brussels sprouts, turnips, collard greens, kale, and broccoli — all of which are part of the Brassicaceae family, according to the Mayo Clinic Health System.
Excerpted from Shape
