Health Benefits of Cauliflower and Broccoli

Cauliflower and broccoli are cruciferous vegetables that are high in many valuable micronutrients. If you don’t already use these veggies in your cooking, it’s time to start! Both cauliflower and broccoli are heart-healthy vegetables that can improve your overall health and reduce the risks of many chronic illnesses.

Cauliflower is high in vitamin K, which plays an important role in blood clotting and wound healing. This vitamin also prevents calcium from depositing in the arteries, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cauliflower also contains many anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation anywhere in the body is a symptom of many chronic illnesses, especially heart disease. Decreasing inflammation in the blood vessels can prevent blood clots from forming, which reduces the risks of strokes and heart attacks.

Cauliflower is very low in calories. One of the biggest risk factors for heart disease is obesity, so weight management is an important preventative measure. Cooking with cauliflower can increase the density of your meals while contributing few calories. This means that you can eat a bigger portion of food without needing to worry. Both cauliflower and broccoli are high in fiber, which will keep you full for a longer time. Try adding these veggies to your meals to help with weight loss.

Broccoli is also a wonderful vegetable for heart health. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risks of blood clots and plaque build-up. Both cauliflower and broccoli are low in sodium, which increases blood pressure and should be limited. Broccoli is also high in potassium, another important mineral for regulating blood pressure levels.

Potassium minimizes the negative effects of sodium by helping the body get rid of it. Most of us are consuming too much sodium in our diets, so it’s important to get enough potassium to keep our hearts healthy.

MagicKitchen.com has many complete meals containing these heart-healthy vegetables, such as Beef Bourguignon, Brown Rice & Broccoli and Cheese Omelet, Broccoli & Cinnamon Apples, as well as a la carte items like Broccoli, Mushroom & Zucchini Soup, Chicken Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole (low fat) and Chicken Fettucine Alfredo & Broccoli (low sodium).