A White Knight against Cancer. Cancer

A White Knight against Cancer

Like other members of the cruciferous family, cauliflower is loaded with nutrients that fight against a host of diseases, including cancer. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for keeping your immune system strong. According to a study, by eating just four servings a week of cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower, slashed the risk of dying from any cause by 26%.

 Formidable Florets Although broccoli has more healing potential, cauliflower is also generously gifted with cancer preventing powers. Researchers have discovered two potent weapons in the cancer-fighting arsenal of cauliflower: the phytonutrients sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, or I3C. These compounds are found in all cruciferous vegetables. Studies show frequently that people who consume crucifers have less change of getting cancer.

 Previous studies showed that sulforaphane can prevent cancer in human breast cells, newer research at the university of Illinois showed it can halt the growth of cancerous breast cells. Sulforaphane works by stepping up the production of enzymes in your body that sweep toxins out the door before they can damage your body’s cells, making them cancerous. The other tumor-killing compound in cauliflower, I3C, works as an antistrogen. In other words, it reduces levels of harmful estrogens hat can foster tumor growth in hormone-sensitive cells, like those in the breasts and prostate gland. Although studies show that people who eat cruciferous vegetables are protected from all kinds of cancers, these foods are probably most useful for fighting cancers of the colon, breast and prostate. 

An interesting example of this is the fact that prostate cancer is rare in India, where vegetables, such as cauliflower are often consumed with the spice turmeric. A study conducted at Rudgers University in New Brunswick , found that both phenethyl isothiocyanates ( a phytochemical in cauliflower) and curcumin ( a phytonutrient in turmeric) retarded the growth of human prostate cancer cells that had been implanted into mice. Immune Power Cauliflower does more than protect against cancer. It’s also loaded with vitamin C and the B vitamin folate, two nutrients that are well known for keeping your immune system in peak condition. 

Just three uncooked florets of the crucifer supply 67% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C, more than the amount in a white grapefruit. By increasing your level of vitamin C, along with other antioxidants, like vitamin E and beta-carotene, you can keep your immune system strong while staying off a host of conditions, like heart disease, cancer, and cataracts. To get the most out of Cauliflower Avoid cauliflower that has brown spots on its ivory florets.

That means that it’s already past its nutritional peak. Choose cauliflower heads that are surrounded by many thick green leaves. They are better protected and will be fresher. Store with care Store cauliflower with the stem side down, to prevent moisture from developing in the floret clusters. Enjoy it raw To keep cauliflower’s cancer-fighting indoles intact, keep it out of the heat. 

Your best bet is either eating it raw or cooking it quickly in a steamer, wok, or microwave. Boiling is the worse way of cooking this crucifer. Submerging cauliflower in hot water will cause it to lose about half of Its valuable indoles. Steam it right Steaming cauliflower releases the maximum amount of sulforaphane. But take care to cut cauliflower into large pieces before you steam it. Larger pieces means a smaller surface area will be exposed. The greater the surface area exposed, the more nutrients can leach out. Pureed in a blender or food processor, cauliflower is like mashed potatoes. Plus it’s low in calories and high in fibers 

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