Nutritionist praises cheap vegetable for gut health and reduced cancer risk
From when we're young, we were always told to eat our vegetables because they are good for us - but it's only when we're adults we start to understand their true health benefits. And it turns out one vegetable which our parents really weren't lying about was cauliflower.
The cruciferous vegetable is not only delicious on its own or served alongside a roast dinner in a cheese sauce, but offers incredible benefits for out gut. Speaking to the Mirror, Dr Emily Prpa, Science Manager & Nutritionist at Yakult, said: "Cauliflower is popular not just for its versatility in culinary creations, but also for its remarkable benefits for gut health. One of the main reasons cauliflower is beneficial for gut health is its rich fibre content."
Cauliflower is also high in anti-oxidants, can help fight inflammation and is good for your circulation - but it turns out it can also help reduce the risk of some cancers. Dr Prpa explained: "I can't stress enough how important fibre is for our gut (and overall) health. Previously, the message was simply that fibre 'helps you poo', but it's so much more than that. Eating enough fibre has been linked to a reduced risk of so many chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers." According to Cancer Research UK, natural chemicals found in certain vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage, can help enhance DNA repair in cells, which "perhaps helps to stop them becoming cancerous".
When it comes to how much you should eat per day to reap the health benefits, Dr Prpa said: "For our gut health, it's not just about eating our recommended daily amount of fibre (30g per day). Our gut microbes feed on fibre, but they can be fussy eaters and prefer different types of fibre – both soluble and insoluble. To ensure you nourish your entire community of microbes, consume a mix of different types of fibre, and cauliflower provides a generous amount of both.
"Soluble fibre helps soften stools which promotes regular bowel movements, so it can help alleviate constipation, while insoluble fibre adds bulk to stool and aids in its passage through the digestive system, helping to prevent issues such as bloating."
Warning as popular food and drink ‘increase risk of cancer death by up to 30%’
As well as being rich in fibre, cauliflower is also rich in phytochemicals, which feeds your gut bacteria and "promotes the health of your gut". Dr Prpa added: "Additionally, cauliflower is loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K and folate, which contribute to gut health. These nutrients facilitate tissue repair and maintenance within the lining of the intestine wall, ensuring its integrity (ie, strong enough to keep toxins and 'bad' bacteria out). B vitamins present in cauliflower are essential for energy production and maintaining nerve health within the digestive tract, facilitating efficient digestion and nutrient absorption."
The NHS recommends eating five portions of vegetables a day, including cooked vegetables. A portion of cauliflower is eight florets. Dr Prpa added: "What's more, because it's inexpensive and so versatile, cauliflower is really easy to incorporate into your diet. It can be enjoyed in lots of different ways - from roasted cauliflower 'steaks' to cauliflower-based rice alternatives, so it definitely deserves a spot in your diet!"
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
