Using cauliflower for a low-carbohydrate this Holiday Season? Great! Not only does it work well as mashed “potatoes,” rice, soup bases and more, but it is also absolutely packed with nutrition. In fact, it’s more than just a grain substitute.  It works to heal cells and support health from your brain to your toes. Today, we’ll discuss 8 amazing science-backed health benefits of cauliflower.

1. Bring a pot of water to boil over high heat.
2. Add cauliflower and boil for about 5-6 minutes, until soft. Drain well but don’t allow to cool. Pat dry using layers of paper towels.
3. Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend hot cauliflower pieces with cream cheese, parmesan, garlic, salt and pepper until desired smoothness. Add chives and butter. Serves 6.

Many people want to cut carbohydrates and enter the Keto Zone while still consuming nutrient-loaded vegetables.  Cauliflower is a perfect choice.

Cauliflower is great for digestion because it is high in both fiber and water. Together, fiber and water can help prevent constipation and support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut (2, 3).

These bacteria improve immune function and help diminish bodily inflammation. What’s more, dietary fiber improves whole-body health. Studies show may reduce the risk of (4, 5, 6):

• obesity
• diabetes
• heart disease
• metabolic syndrome
• some cancers
• stroke
• heart disease and high blood pressure

In fact, recent studies have shown that fiber may be a therapeutic option for reducing hypertension.

3. Better Brain Health and Memory Support

Cauliflower also contains an important nutrient called choline. In fact, each cup contains about 11% of a woman’s daily value (and 8% for men).

Choline is important for sleep, learning, and memory. Additionally, it is part of cellular membranes, involved in nerve impulse transmission, fat absorption, and the reduction of inflammation (7). Choline also:

• Supports DNA Synthesis (8)
• Helps Prevent of Fat Accumulation in the Liver (9)
• Reduced Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s (10)

Choline is an important nutrient, but not many foods contain it. Luckily, cauliflower is a potent source.

Cauliflower’s phytochemicals also include a group that works directly on cellular detoxification – both Phase 1 and Phase 2 cellular detox.

These phytochemicals belong to the glucosinolates group and include glucobrassicin, glucoraphanin, and gluconasturtiin.  Add to it cauliflower’s high content of fiber, which directly promotes gut health and therefore indirectly promotes improved immune function, and you’ve got yourself a serious health-promoting vegetable.

If you want to include more detox vegetables along with your cauliflower, add Brussels sprouts, Savoy cabbage, Broccoli, and Kale.  All great during the Holidays!

In addition, cauliflower is loaded with antioxidants. These powerful nutrients reduce oxidative stress and neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.