The following nutrition information is provided by the USDA for one cup of raw chopped cauliflower (107g).1
Carbs:
Cauliflower is a carbohydrate-rich vegetable, but it falls into the category of non-starchy, complex carbs, boasting high fiber and minimal natural sugars. With a low glycemic index rating between 15 and 30, it’s unlikely to cause blood sugar spikes. Comparatively, one cup of cauliflower contains only a fraction of the carbs found in the same serving size of cooked pasta or rice.
Fats:
Containing negligible amounts of fat and being devoid of cholesterol, cauliflower easily fits into low-fat or cholesterol-lowering diets.
Protein:
While cauliflower offers minimal protein content, it’s essential to incorporate other protein sources into your diet to meet daily requirements.
Vitamins and Minerals:
Cauliflower shines as an excellent source of vitamin C, providing over half of the recommended daily intake for adult women and a significant portion for men. Additionally, it delivers notable amounts of vitamin B6 and magnesium. Beyond these, cauliflower offers a plethora of other nutrients including calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, fluoride, and various B vitamins.
Calories:
With just 27 calories per cup, cauliflower makes a negligible impact on total calorie intake. Its calorie composition comprises primarily of carbs (65%), followed by protein (26%), and fat (10%).
Summary:
Cauliflower emerges as a fiber-rich, low-fat, and low-calorie vegetable, boasting significant vitamin C content while providing notable doses of vitamin B6 and magnesium. Additionally, it serves as a source of various essential minerals and B vitamins.
Health Benefits::
Cauliflower boasts numerous health benefits owing to its abundance of micronutrients, antioxidants, and fiber.
Promotes Digestive Health: Being rich in dietary fiber, cauliflower supports digestive health. Increased fiber intake contributes to weight management and reduces the risk of chronic health conditions.
Heart Disease Prevention: Studies indicate that dietary fiber plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health by influencing the gut microbiome. Incorporating vegetables like cauliflower into your diet may mitigate the risk of heart disease.
Antioxidant Protection: Loaded with antioxidants, cauliflower aids in cell repair and inflammation reduction, thereby lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Potential Cancer Prevention: Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower contain glucosinolates, which break down into compounds that may offer protection against certain cancers.
Allergies:
Although rare, allergic reactions to cauliflower have been documented, particularly in individuals sensitive to other Brassica vegetables. Those with mugwort pollen-induced hay fever may also experience oral allergy syndrome when consuming raw cauliflower. Symptoms may include mouth itchiness or swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. If you suspect a cauliflower allergy, seek medical advice promptly.