10 Detox Benefits of Cauliflower That Might Surprise You

It prevents damage from carcinogens

The main reason for detoxing is to rid your body of toxins. Cauliflower is a nutrition superstar at this, thanks to the fact that it can prevent damage by carcinogens. It contains a fancy-sounding component called glucosinolates. This is what gives raw cauliflower its distinct smell – but it has also been shown to protect the lungs and stomach from common carcinogens.

It’s high in fibre

Healthy digestion is an essential part of detoxing. Luckily, cauliflower is high in fibre, which is the most natural way to cleanse your body. Not only will adding cauliflower to your diet help you stay regular, it can also aid in weight loss.

It’s low in carbs

When it comes to detoxing, carbs are not your friend. Which means cauliflower is your BFF. This low-carb crucifer can take the place of high-carb foods like bread, rice, pizza crust and more. When your carb intake is lower, you’ll feel lighter and healthier. Your body will thank you.

It can reduce your cancer risk

Cauliflower, and its cruciferous friend broccoli, naturally contains an ingredient that can help reduce the risk of developing certain cancers. This compound, called sulforaphane, has been shown to not only inhibit some cancers induced by carcinogens, but also some hereditary cancers.

It makes a detoxifying spice even more powerful

If you want an excuse to whip up a spicy cauliflower dish, here’s a great one:

Studies show that turmeric (aka curcumin) has “significant cancer-preventive qualities” especially when paired with a naturally occurring substance called phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC). This unpronounceable substance is plentiful in cruciferous veggies like cauliflower. So next time you whip up a meal with cauliflower, be sure to add some turmeric for a super-powered detox dish.

It’s the perfect meat replacement

When it’s detox time, red meat (along with sugar, processed foods and dairy) should be one the first foods you cut out of your diet.

But don’t despair. Cauliflower can be a surprisingly good substitute for meat, thanks to its ability to transform into your favourite comfort foods. Buffalo cauliflower “wings” anyone?

It’s packed with antioxidants

Antioxidants are famous for protecting your bod from disease by counteracting free radicals that cause cell damage.

These magical chemicals naturally occur in fruits and veggies, and cauliflower is a powerful source of them.

Not only is cauliflower packed with vitamins C, K and B6, it’s also loaded with good stuff like choline, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids.

You’re welcome, cells.

It helps beat inflammation

A proper detox should help counteract chronic inflammation in your body, whether it’s caused by stress, lack of sleep, or diet.

When it comes to diet, cauliflower should be at the top of your detox list for fighting inflammation. It’s an excellent source of vitamin K, which regulates the inflammatory response. In fact, studies show that it may help protect against heart disease and osteoporosis, because they are both characterized by inflammation.

It can help prevent cancer from recurring or spreading

Remember that fancy-sounding compound, phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)? Well, it does some pretty amazing things. Like actually killing cancer cells.

When researchers treated human cervical cancer stem cells with PEITC, about 75 percent died within 24 hours. That’s a lot of disease-fighting power in one little ingredient.

It makes detoxing easy

That’s right. We said it. Detoxing can actually be easy. Thanks to this little nutrient powerhouse called cauliflower, you can make your detox feel like an exercise in indulgence. Cauliflower can be completely transformed into any food you’re craving. Cutting out dairy? You can make a creamy alfredo sauce with cauliflower. Cutting out rice? Make it with cauliflower instead. Want to quit on your detox and just order a pizza? Before you give up, try a cauliflower pizza crust recipe instead.

Detoxing doesn’t have to mean deprivation. And we have cauliflower to thank for that.

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