The Power of Purple Cauliflower: Top 5 Benefits to Consider
What is Purple Cauliflower?
Did you know that cauliflower comes in a beautiful shade of purple and is the most nutritious color to eat in comparison to its less vibrant counterparts?
Purple cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that contains an antioxidant called anthocyanin, which is also present in red cabbage, black carrots, and purple potatoes.
It was discovered by accident when a Canadian stumbled upon a mutated plant tinged orange in field of white cauliflower.
In other words, purple cauliflower’s pigmentation is the byproduct of selective breeding and therefore is not a genetically modified organism.
According to the University of Arizona Agriculture’s Department, diverse colors are a natural occurrence when normal strains are bred with mutant strains.
Moreover, in the following sections you will uncover the benefits of purple cauliflower and what to expect when introducing this plant into your dietary regimen.
What are the Benefits of Purple Cauliflower?
1. Contains Vitamin C
When your body maintains normal levels of vitamin C, it becomes better equipped to keep harmful pathogens and infections at bay.
Ascorbic acid can positively affect the functionality of the brain, nervous system, and immunity when consumed recurrently.
Additionally, 30% of purple cauliflower’s nutritional composition is comprised of vitamin c, which coincides with its white, orange, and green relatives.
However, if you fail to meet the vitamin c threshold for prolonged periods of time, you may experience mood disorders, mental instability and a suppression of the body’s defense system.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS
Free radicals are detrimental to the biology of humans considering that it can substantially modify the genetic code.
Otherwise speaking, if free radicals are not neutralized by antioxidants, your DNA becomes more susceptible to attacks.
Not to mention, free radicals can interfere with your physical appearance by robbing your body of collagen and lipids.
This is where purple cauliflower comes into play. The implementation of purple cauliflower into your nutrition plan can assist you in protecting your body against invasion and in turn prevent oxidative stress.
2. Fights Cancer Cells
Parabens, plastic, smoking, and even the sun has contributed to the emergence of abnormal cells in the human body.
Cancer accounts for 18% of deaths in the world and resides as number 2 in reference to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, researchers affirm that 50% of cancer deaths can be prevented through nutrition and wellness.
According to scientists, glucosinolate has been determined to fight cancer cells and therefore could be a viable option for cancer patients.
Glucosinolate also referred to as sulfur compounds, is the primary component in all cruciferous vegetables that gives the plants its unique scent and zest.
Moreover, scientists concluded that glucosinolate had the ability to promote apoptosis (cell death), protect DNA, exhibit antiviral/antibacterial activity, and decrease inflammation tenfold.
Ultimately, the prevalence of sulfur compounds in purple cauliflower exemplifies why the brassica genus family is continuously being studied to eradicate cancer.
3. Anti-Inflammatory
As life progresses, it is highly probable that you or someone you love will experience an inflammatory condition.
Inflammation transpires when an area of your body needs assistance in attaining equilibrium, and your diet is not in alignment with consuming nutrient dense foods.
Even though subtle inflammation is vital for your body to heal, prolonged inflammation can cause severe health problems in the forthcoming years.
Purple cauliflower can assist you with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, IBM (Inclusion Body Myositis), and asthma.
· Arthritis – affects the muscles, tendons, and joints
· High Blood Pressure – Impacts your organs and can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke
· IBM - affects the muscles which leads to fragility, and spasms
· Asthma – affects your breathing by producing extra mucus and compressing airways
By suppressing inflammatory markers efficiently, purple cauliflower has been shown to reduce the symptoms of chronic illnesses when taken habitually.
4. Prevents Heart Disease
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death globally, and the death rate has skyrocketed within the past 10 years.
It is difficult to pinpoint the culprit of Heart Disease, but the general consensus denotes stress as a fundamental factor.
Stated below are some of the heart conditions individuals’ may experience after being diagnosed with Heart Disease;
· CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) – arteries become limited and are incapable of delivering blood to the heart, in addition, plaque begins to accumulate.
· Heart Failure – oxygen is unable to reach the body’s organs and tissues.
· Arrhythmias – irregular heart patterns that derive from a faulty regulatory system.
· Heart Valve Disease – valves are impaired and become narrowed (valve stenosis) or begin to leak (valve regurgitation).
· PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) – poor circulation in the lower region of the body resulting in discomfort and delayed healing.
Consuming one serving of purple cauliflower per day can improve cardiovascular health and increase your life span.
5. Has Dietary Fiber
Fiber is an indigestible plant food that is broken down by microbes in the human gut.
Scientists have recently discovered that the microbiome is essential to overall health, and could be the key to precluding disease.
When dietary fiber ferments in the gut, good bacteria begin to reproduce and fight nasty microbes such as E. Coli, Salmonella, and Rotavirus.
Strictly speaking, the balance between good and bad microbes in the human digestive system dictates how “well” an individual feels.
For example, if you have an exponential amount of bad microbes in comparison to the good bugs, you will experience brain fog, grogginess, and a negative disposition.
With that being said, purple cauliflower provides 1.1 grams of fiber per serving which aids in increasing good bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces.
Key Takeaway
Adding vibrant foods to your palette is one of the best methods to improving your health.
Not only does purple cauliflower elevate brain health, stabilize the nervous system, and increase immunity, but it also shields your body from debilitating conditions.
By adding just a couple of servings of purple cauliflower to your meal plan a week, you can expect to enhance the entirety of your health.
FAQ'S (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Where can I buy purple cauliflower?
Purple cauliflower can be found in farmer’s markets, Publix (seasonal), Whole Foods Market, and the like.
2. Can I grow purple cauliflower at home?
Yes. Purple cauliflower seeds can be purchased from online vendors for a reasonable price.
Here is a list of reputable companies:
· Gurney’s
3. How can I tell if my purple cauliflower is bad?
When purple cauliflower goes bad, you will notice dark brown/black spots, mold, fuzz, an unpleasant aroma, altered texture (slimy), or soft spots along the length of the stem.
4. When is the right time to harvest purple cauliflower?
Purple cauliflower takes a week to 10 days to germinate, and is normally harvested after two and a half months
5. Which part of the purple cauliflower plant can I eat?
The whole plant is edible and safe for consumption.
6. Does purple cauliflower lose its color when cooked?
Yes. Purple cauliflower loses its vibrancy and appears diluted when boiled or steamed.
7. Does purple cauliflower lose its nutrients when cooked?
Yes. In The Journal of Functional Foods, it was determined that cooking purple cauliflower led to a 50% decrease in nutritional value as opposed to eating it raw.
8. Can dogs eat purple cauliflower?
Yes, purple cauliflower can improve the health of your furry friend by providing adequate levels of vitamin C, which prevents cognitive decline, and inflammation.