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Sunday, January 29, 2017

Crazy Cauliflower

Cauliflower is one of the  most versatile and delicious vegetables with numerous health benefits.   Here are some reasons why this Cruciferous or Brassicaceae vegetable scores off the chart for nutrition: Cauliflower contains glucosinolates, which trigger our bodies own antioxidant systems.   Which correlates with a decreased risk of cancers including lung, stomach, breast and bladder.
A half-cup of raw or cooked cauliflower has more then half of our RDA vitamin C, which is important for immune health.   One cup provides roughly 2 grams of both soluble and insoluble fiber which is very important for good colon health.   This combination of both types of fiber are excellent for weight management while being low in calories (27) compared to a typical pretzel pack (110).   Have some raw cauliflower for a snack instead.   It also provides us with over 10% of our RDA for vitamins B 5 and B 6. B 5 is required by dozens of enzymes that produce energy from food, while B 6 supports more than 100 enzymes needed for essential functions including the release of stored glucose.   Glucose is form of simple sugar that fuels our brain, carries out nerve cell conduction, assists muscle contractions and provides energy to go the extra mile.   Being high in fiber, just remember don't eat cauliflower as a pre-exercise or workout snack as it could cause digestive issues.

There are many different varieties and colors of cauliflower, but most grocery stores only carry white.   You will have to go to your local farmers markets to find others. (You should be doing this anyway!). 


One of my favorites is Romanesco, called both broccoli and cauliflower, it is pretty crazy looking!


Here is an easy recipe using Romanesco or any type of cauliflower:

Preheat oven to 425'.
Cut Romanesco into bite-size florets.
Coat with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic salt and smoked paprika.
Sprinkle with lemon juice, and rosemary and thyme seasoning.(or any blend you want)
Roast in oven for 10-20 minutes until desired tenderness (crunchy is better)
Using leftover quinoa and brown rice (you should have some prepped for easy weekly recipes).
Add some black beans and mix all together.
Top it off with some Green Goddess Dressing.

If you have the rice, quinoa and beans already in the fridge, it's a quick and easy nutritional powerhouse!


Have a great week.
Be kind.
Judd




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