Cauliflower: useful properties and contraindications

Cauliflower is a fairly common type of vegetable vegetable crop, which belongs to the variety group called botrytis.

What does the cauliflower look like?

Cauliflower is a very useful and tasty product, whose homeland is considered to be the Mediterranean. However, today this vegetable is grown almost all over the world.

Cauliflower is an annual plant that is a subspecies of cabbage. It has lobed roots close to the ground and has a round stem that is 20 to 70 cm high. The fruits of this cabbage are used in nutrition. They may have a creamy hue, or they may be snow-white.

Why is cauliflower so called?

Cauliflower has such a name because the cabbage of this plant is presented in the form of a large inflorescence, consisting of thousands of flower-bearing shoots. All of them are tightly pressed together. Such inflorescences are consumed as food. Popularly, cauliflower is also called curly or cottage cheese.

What is the difference between broccoli and cauliflower

Very often you can hear that cauliflower and broccoli are the same thing. These plants belong to the same family, but have a number of external differences. In addition, both vegetables have different nutritional composition, which indicates different benefits to the human body.

The inflorescences of cauliflower are white or cream-colored, while broccoli is characterized by green inflorescences that are larger in size. Broccoli bushes are much taller than "curly" cabbage.

Both vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, but cauliflower contains more vitamin C than any other species.

Composition and calories

Cauliflower is a vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, each of which has a different effect on the human body. For example, it contains a large amount of vitamins A, C, B group. All these elements have a positive impact on human health.

Cauliflower contains a lot of iron, potassium, calcium, which helps to improve metabolic processes in the body. This vegetable also contains pectin, which cleanses the body and helps to reduce cholesterol levels. This plant is characterized by the presence of pantothenic acid, phosphorus and omega-3 fatty acids. The consumption of this product provides all the cells of the body with the necessary organic acids.

The content of protein in cauliflower is almost twice as much as in white cabbage. There is also two or three times more ascorbic acid.

The caloric value of cauliflower is 30 kcal per 100 grams. This figure depends on how the product is cooked. The lowest caloric value has boiled cabbage without added salt. But it is necessary to take into account the fact that such a dish turns out tasteless. Therefore, for a variety, you can add other vegetables or sauces. The dish will turn out delicious and healthy, but its caloric value will be slightly higher.

What are the benefits of cauliflower

Cauliflower is very useful for humans. This is due to the fact that it contains a large number of vitamins, macro- and micronutrients. Each of these active substances has beneficial effects on many organs and systems of the human body.

For women

Due to its low caloric content, cauliflower is a dietary product. Therefore, it should definitely be included in the menu of women who want to get rid of excess weight. If you regularly consume such cabbage, you can reduce the centimeters in the waist area.

The rich vitamin composition has a positive effect on the skin, aligns the shade of the epidermis. Through the proper use of the product accelerates the formation of collagen, which allows you to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles. There are many recipes for making effective face masks.

Gynaecologists advise to add cauliflower to the diet of women who suffer from painful menstruation. This plant normalizes the hormonal background, protects against swelling and discomfort. You can drink half a glass of juice squeezed from this vegetable to strengthen the body.

For men

The content of vitamin E in cauliflower can increase sexual activity in men. Also, this product will help prevent the development of prostate disease. Especially useful is this vegetable for elderly men. It is sufficient to use 100-150 grams of this vegetable every day. As part of this plant has such a substance as diindolmethane, which can break down neoplasms in the prostate gland.

As we know, cardiovascular problems most often occur in the male half of mankind. Therefore, it is very important for men to add cauliflower to their diet. The potassium contained in it prevents clogging of blood vessels, improves the work of the heart muscle.

Also cauliflower allows you to get rid of the so-called "beer belly" in men. It is enough to eat 100 grams of cabbage in the evening (from 18:00 to 19:00).

In addition to all of these qualities, for cauliflower is characterized by the fact that this plant can adjust the psycho-emotional state of the person, helps to relieve fatigue and takes part in the fight against mental fatigue.

Pregnancy

The folic acid contained in curly sprouts contributes to the proper formation of the spinal and brain of the future baby. Since this vegetable is low in calories, a pregnant woman can maintain a proper weight throughout the whole period of carrying a baby.

Regular inclusion of cauliflower in the diet of the future mother helps to eliminate excess fluid, thereby preventing the formation of edema on the legs and body.

Vitamin K in the "curd" cauliflower ensures the proper formation of the fetus's heart. Phytoncides in this vegetable protect the immune system of women in pregnancy. This greatly reduces the risk of developing infections.

Important! If gastric ulcer, duodenal diseases or gout have been diagnosed during pregnancy, consumption of cauliflower is contraindicated.

When breastfeeding

To supplement the diet of a woman who is breastfeeding her baby, you can use cauliflower. This vegetable does not cause bloating and flatulence compared to white cabbage. This plant can be used to treat and prevent various diseases during lactation, when it is forbidden to use most medications. Thus, the substances in the composition of such cabbage protect against the development of gastritis, problems with the ovaries, the colon.

Due to the large amount of vitamin C in cauliflower, young mothers should not worry about the usual cold or flu. This product protects the body from the penetration of various germs and neutralizes them.

Cauliflower also has properties that are good for the intestinal microflora. This is due to the fact that cabbage juice contains bacteria that activate digestion. If you regularly consume cabbage when breastfeeding, the mother's body will function smoothly. And the baby's well-being also depends on it.

For kids

It is known that cauliflower is approved for use in children. It can even be used as a complementary food for infants. Often this product is taken for complementary feeding of babies under the age of one year. The vitamin composition of the vegetable helps the child's bones to develop fully.

According to pediatricians, cauliflower relieves colic, gas and constipation in children. Mashed cauliflower with the addition of other ingredients will not harm the baby's health, as it has little fiber.

The iodine contained in curly cauliflower is the key to the proper functioning of the endocrine system and contributes to the development of the psycho-emotional background.

In addition, cauliflower contains a lot of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and protects the body from viruses and bacteria.

The benefits of cauliflower for weight loss

The problem of excess weight worries many people. Nutritionists believe that this vegetable is an excellent product for burning fat, which also reduces appetite. This is ensured due to the tartronic acid, which is present in the composition of such a cabbage.

Everyone dreams to have a beautiful figure without following a strict diet. This can be achieved by eating cauliflower. As already mentioned, this plant has a low caloric value. Also, due to the presence of useful enzymes, fat is not deposited under the skin and around the internal organs.

Because cauliflower is easily digested, it suppresses hunger, reduces the desire to eat more than the required amount and prolongs the feeling of satiety. Tartronic acid helps to break down cholesterol and reduces the absorption of carbohydrates by the blood.

Even in the case of low stomach acidity, you do not have to worry that cabbage will not be digested. This vegetable is perfectly digestible in both small and large amounts. Depending on how it is cooked, cabbage has different degrees of calories.

Cauliflower in medicine

Cauliflower is widely used in medicine for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases. This is due to the fact that this product contains a large number of vitamins, minerals. Almost half of the Mendeleev's table is contained in this vegetable.

In case of diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes are constant thirst and hunger, which causes a person to overeat, resulting in excess weight. As a result, normal metabolism deteriorates. Cauliflower is one of the few products that are not only allowed in this disease, but it also has a therapeutic effect. For example, this vegetable is a source of anti-inflammatory substances of natural origin, which relieve pancreatic edema, normalizing the formation of insulin.

Endocrinologists advise to include cauliflower in the diet of diabetic patients. It contains a small amount of calories, which is important in type 2 diabetes, because they are more likely to be overweight. Regular consumption of such a product promotes weight loss, has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. In addition, this vegetable allows you to adjust your metabolism, remove toxins from the body and reduce the glucose in the blood, which is very important for diabetes.

Cauliflower normalizes blood pressure. Due to its low calorie content, this plant is very useful for such patients. The fiber of the vegetable is slowly absorbed, and it is assimilated almost all of it, prolonging the feeling of satiety. This allows you to maintain a certain level of sugar after a meal. For diabetics, it is recommended to eat steamed or boiled cabbage.

The vegetable is characterized by a high protein content, and it also contains fiber. These components do not lead to irritation of the stomach and intestinal walls. Due to the sufficient amount of protein, certain healing processes in the human body proceed faster, enzymatic functioning is improved.

Important: The glycemic index of cauliflower is 15 units.

In pancreatitis

With any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract it is necessary to follow a diet. And in this case it is not about limiting the amount. It is necessary to know clearly what products are allowed to eat, and which are prohibited. This also applies to vegetables, that is, there are such fruits that are beneficial in pancreatitis, and there are such species that should not be used.

Cauliflower refers to products that help in the treatment of the pancreas. The main nuance in this case is in what form it should be included in the diet and with what products should be combined.

Curly cabbage in pancreatitis is an excellent sedative for the pancreas and simultaneously stimulates the secretion of the stomach. The vegetable is able to saturate the human body with proteins, antioxidants. In addition, it contains vitamin U, which detoxifies toxins.

You often hear that a healthy diet is based on eating foods rich in fiber. As for pancreatitis patients, for them the most important thing is low calorie and low fiber content. These requirements are met by cauliflower.

With pancreatitis, this type of cabbage is recommended to combine with other vegetables that are acceptable in this case. It is best to prepare from the cabbage a vegetable soup or casserole.

The use of cauliflower in pancreatitis is allowed, but if before the appearance of inflammation the vegetable was not included in a person's diet, then a therapeutic diet requires its gradual introduction into the menu. Portions can be increased in the period of remission, but even then you should not abuse this product.

With gastritis

Gastroenterologists argue that with gastritis, cauliflower improves the condition of the patient. The gastric mucosa heals faster, metabolic processes are restored, and the overall condition improves. Of all types of cabbage, this variety is the best digested, since it has the most delicate structure. In addition, if you cook a dish from this vegetable correctly, there will be no irritation of the gastric mucosa at all.

With gastritis, it is not recommended to eat cauliflower in raw form. However, if we are talking about freshly squeezed juice, it can be included in the menu.

Due to the rich vitamin composition, the presence of a large number of useful substances, the use of cauliflower leads to the restoration of damaged areas of the gastric mucosa, improving metabolic processes. Doctors call this product a natural immunomodulator, as it increases the body's defenses.

Cauliflower can to some extent increase the secretion of the stomach, therefore, it can be used by people who have gastritis with reduced acidity. In the period of exacerbation of the disease, it is better to give up this vegetable.

In the case of gastritis with high acidity, it is not recommended to use dishes based on cauliflower.

For the intestines

Cauliflower can improve intestinal motility. It is especially useful for breastfeeding women, because during this period the use of medicines is prohibited. Restore intestinal microflora can be restored by adding such a vegetable to the diet.

In addition, cauliflower contains pectin and a small amount of fiber, which can improve digestive function in general, namely - to remove toxins from the walls of the intestine.

For constipation

This vegetable is perfectly digested by the body, eliminating intestinal irritation. Cauliflower contributes to the fact that the bowel emptying occurs in a timely manner. If a person suffers from constipation, he should regularly consume this vegetable.

When gout

If a person is diagnosed with such a disease as gout, it is not recommended to eat cauliflower. Purines, which are in the cabbage, accumulate in the body and lead to the fact that the deposition of urea begins.

If there are problems with the urinary system (kidneys), plus a person suffering from high blood pressure, he should eat this vegetable with caution, it is best to consult with a specialist.

In colitis

Colitis is a disease of the intestinal mucosa that interferes with normal bowel function. This can result in problems with excretion of feces, absorption of fluids, and intestinal motility. The manifestation of this disease is both constipation and diarrhea.

Against the background of acute colitis should not eat cauliflower. Usually during this period, the treatment consists of starvation, and then a gradual transition to a sparing diet. Of all types of cabbage during the diet, only cauliflower is allowed only in the period of symptom relief. Colitis patients can use such a vegetable in stewed or boiled form. Fried cabbage in this disease is inadmissible.

With colitis with diarrhea, it is recommended to limit the use of cauliflower. If colitis occurs against a background of constipation, this vegetable should be taken regularly, because it enhances intestinal peristalsis.

For the liver

The liver works like a vacuum, which means it is constantly absorbing harmful and beneficial substances. If it is functioning normally, its surface should remain smooth. If there is intoxication, changes occur in the liver, the extent of which depends on the stage of the disease.

The liver takes part in digestion, it also cleanses the blood in the human body. This allows the distribution of nutrients throughout the body. If there are harmful products in a person's diet, the function of the liver is impaired. And in this case, it is recommended to add cauliflower to the food. The purpose of the vegetable in this case is to remove all toxins from the liver.

In hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are a disease that occurs in one in five people in the world. This ailment brings a lot of discomfort to a person's daily life. The main way to treat this disease is to take medication and follow a special diet.

A diet with cauliflower helps to get rid of hemorrhoids. This is due to the fact that this vegetable has a strengthening effect on blood vessels, prevents bleeding. The plant also helps to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In addition, curly cabbage has a restorative effect on damaged tissues. Another advantage of cabbage in the treatment of hemorrhoids is that this product helps to get rid of pathogenic microbes.

In cholecystitis.

In this disease, cauliflower can be used both as a food and as a treatment. It increases the outflow of bile, which is very important at certain stages of the disease. As a food, this vegetable can be used to make soups or simply boiled or baked in the oven.

When acute cholecystitis, it is not recommended to use cauliflower.

Recipes of folk medicine with cauliflower

1. Cabbage juice normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, helps to get rid of constipation. To do this, you should drink 100 ml of freshly squeezed juice half an hour before breakfast.
2. Sauerkraut brine helps to combat hemorrhoids. To do this, the inflorescences of the vegetable should be cut into small pieces, salted and placed in a dish with a lid. After a couple of days, the cabbage will let the juice flow. It should be taken an hour before meals twice a day for 100 ml. Repeat the procedure until the symptoms disappear.
3. Compress of cauliflower treats burns and wounds. To do this, the inflorescences of the plant should be crushed in a blender and add a raw egg. The resulting mass should be applied to gauze and put to the place of the burn or wound for several hours.

Harm and contraindications

The consumption of cauliflower is harmful for patients with enterocolitis in acute form or 12 duodenal ulcer. Otherwise the situation will only worsen, there will be pain in the stomach area, as well as intestinal obstruction.

If you have recently undergone abdominal surgery, then the use of cauliflower is not recommended. Also doctors do not advise to use cauliflower at an exacerbation of gastritis or gastritis with high acidity. It is necessary to refuse the product and with gout, as well as in cases where there is an allergy to the vegetable.

If a person has a tendency to intestinal disorders or the formation of flatulence, you should not consume this useful product. If discomfort or painful sensations appeared after eating a dish of cabbage, the vegetable should be excluded from the dietary diet.

How to choose and keep cauliflower

When choosing cauliflower, you should pay attention to the quality of the vegetable.

1. Leaves, inflorescences and cauliflower cauliflower should not have any mechanical damage and any contamination.
2. The inflorescences of the product should fit tightly together.
3. The weight of the cabbage should match the size of the plant. If a large cabbage is too light, it means that chemicals were used for rapid growth.

Cauliflower can be stored fresh in the refrigerator. To do this, you need to separate all the inflorescences of the vegetable from the greens and wrap them in paper or food film. For a long time the cabbage can be stored in the basement or in the cellar, if any. For this purpose, it is enough to hang the sprouts. The inflorescences in this case remain intact.

You can store the product on the balcony. However, it is important to make sure that the temperature does not drop to negative values.

If the cabbage is stored in the cellar or basement, the storage period is six months, in the refrigerator - no more than a week. If we are talking about the balcony, then here the product can be stored for about a month if all conditions are met.

Is it possible to freeze

To preserve curly sprouts for the winter, you can use the freezer and freeze the vegetable. Before doing this, take the plant apart into inflorescences. They can be boiled in water with salt for no more than five minutes. Then you need to thoroughly dry the product. After this, the cabbage is placed in containers or in bags (it is desirable to indicate the date of harvesting).

It is recommended to shake the frozen vegetables regularly, so that the florets do not freeze into one big lump. Repeated freezing is inadmissible. In this form, the cauliflower can stay in the freezer for a year.

You can freeze fresh cauliflower, but in this case, spoilage of the vegetable is possible.

How to cook cauliflower in a delicious way

Boiled

To cook boiled cauliflower, you should divide the vegetable into florets and drop them into boiling water for 6-7 minutes. It is not recommended to keep them in the boiling water longer, otherwise they will be cooked, and the dish will not taste good. A little salt can be added to the water.

Braised

To prepare braised cabbage, you should cut the onion in julienne, carrots - cubes, fry the vegetables in a pan with olive oil. When the onions acquire a golden hue, coarsely chopped bell peppers should be added. The mixture should be fried for another 5 minutes. After that, add green peas, salt, pepper to taste and finely chopped garlic. Next, add the cabbage florets and pour half a glass of water into the pan. Braise for 10 minutes, without stirring, until all the liquid has boiled away. Then you can gently stir the vegetables and place on a plate.

Baked

A small cauliflower cauliflower should be boiled whole in a large pot for 5 minutes. Then you need to preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Coat the cabbage with mayonnaise and sprinkle with cheese, shredded on a grater in advance. Bake the dish until golden crust.

Fried

First you have to boil the cabbage in water with the addition of salt. It is important that the entire cabbage is in the water. To check the readiness, you need to pierce the vegetable with a fork: it should be soft, but not boiled. Next, the batter should be prepared. To do this, you need to whip eggs with milk and add two pinches of salt, gradually enter the flour.

Boiled cabbage should be divided into florets. Then it is necessary to heat a frying pan with vegetable oil. It is not necessary to wait until the oil is hot, otherwise the cabbage will burn on the outside and be raw on the inside. Each floret should be dipped in batter and fried on both sides in the oil.

Steamed cauliflower

First, you should peel the cauliflower from the leaves and rinse the cabbage. Next, dry the vegetable and cut it into florets. The resulting pieces should be placed on the grid of a steamer and add salt and pepper to taste. Then the grid should be placed in the appliance with boiling water. The dish is cooked for 15 minutes. The readiness of the cauliflower is easy to check with a fork. The finished dish can be served with sour cream or olive oil.

Soup puree .

To prepare the soup, you should boil the cabbage with the addition of onions, carrots and tomatoes for 20 minutes. Then the whole mass should be chopped with a blender. At the end, you can add a little salt to taste. Before serving, you can dress the soup puree with a little oil and a sprinkling of herbs.

Cauliflower Salad

To prepare fresh cauliflower salad, first you need to wash the vegetable and divide it into florets. You can use raw product or slightly scald it. Next, you should fry diced bread without oil. Then slice 2 peppers, dice 2 tomatoes, 2 eggs and one onion. You also need to chop herbs and grate one carrot. All ingredients should be mixed and add the dressing with spices to taste.

Cauliflower cutlets

To prepare the cutlets, you need to prepare a cabbage cauliflower, a couple of chicken eggs, some flour and vegetable oil. The florets of the curly vegetable are washed and boiled. Then pass the florets through a meat grinder, mix the resulting mass with eggs, add salt to taste. Then form cutlets, roll them in flour and send them to fry in a pan with vegetable oil. The ready cutlets can be poured with low-fat sour cream.

Why cauliflower is bitter after boiling

The first cause of bitterness of this product is non-compliance with norms during cultivation or lack of moisture. Also bitterness appears in the case of excessive nitrates in the product.

To remove bitterness, boil the cauliflower in salted water. You can also soak the cauliflower in acidified water, but this will take more time. Some housewives get rid of bitterness by treating the vegetable with a vinegar solution or fresh lemon juice.

How much cauliflower you can eat per day

If there are no contraindications, cauliflower can be consumed in unlimited quantities. People with gastrointestinal problems are recommended no more than 150 g per day. For pregnant women, 50 g a day 2-3 times a week is enough. Nursing women can include this product in the diet a month after the birth of a baby. Enter the dish should be gradually increasing the amount to 200 g per day.

Children can be given cabbage after 6 months, starting with a teaspoon. You can gradually increase the portion to 100 g no more than twice a week.

Can I eat them raw?

This product is quite suitable for eating raw. This preserves the maximum amount of vitamins and useful elements. After cooking, some of the vitamins evaporate and become less.

Can we give cauliflower to pets?

Most pet owners are afraid to include cauliflower in the pet's diet, and in vain. This vegetable is very well digested by the pet's body. It contains less fiber (compared to its white cabbage relative), therefore, it is easier to digest and does not irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach. This property of the vegetable is indispensable when feeding sick and weak pets with gastrointestinal problems. You can give it raw, but it is better to boil it.

Interesting facts about cauliflower

Few people know, but in addition to the familiar name to everyone, cauliflower is also called the Syrian cauliflower. This is due to the fact that the homeland of this vegetable is Syria. From there it came to the island of Crete, and then its seeds reached France and Italy, where it began to be cultivated as early as the 14th century. In England, cabbage began to be cultivated in the 17th century. The English boiled the plant in milk and served it on a plate with individual florets.

Russia began to cultivate cauliflower only under Catherine the Great, but only the rich could afford such a product, as it was very expensive.

The most common cauliflower is milky or cream-colored. But there are other, more exotic varieties of unusual colors. For example, Cheddar has orange inflorescences and contains a lot of beta-carotene. Another popular is the Lilac ball - the flesh of such a cabbage is rich in anthocyanin, very useful for blood vessels and eyesight. The variety Amphora is characterized by pyramidal inflorescences, which have a bright green color due to their content of chlorophyll in large quantities.

Photo of cauliflower