There is a new trend in the foodie community, and it is cauliflower rice. As Americans are becoming increasingly health-conscious, people are looking for alternative options for high carb, high starch foods. Rice is a staple of many diets. It’s inexpensive, filling, and acts as a base to a variety of meals. Substituting cauliflower rice in its place provides a range of nutritional benefits.
1. High in fiber
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is naturally full of insoluble fiber. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system, which is a huge contributor to overall health. Fiber keeps everything moving, preventing constipation, causing a string of other problems from acne to colon cancer.
Fiber is also essential for blood circulation and eating cauliflower rice can help improve your blood flow.
2. Helps keep bones strong
Cauliflower rice is high in vitamin K, a key contributor in keeping your bones strong and healthy. Along with your bone health, it benefits the health of your hair and nails. Vitamin K also helps the body to produce the necessary proteins for blood clotting, thus encouraging the healing of wounds.
3. Boosts the immune system
Cauliflower has tons of antioxidants that help to boost your immune system. Everyone’s immune systems could use a boost these days, and by adding cauliflower rice to your diet, you can help reduce your chances of getting sick. Antioxidants also help reduce inflammation in the body and help fight infection. You’ll get maximum antioxidant benefits from cauliflower rice when eating it raw or lightly cooked. That said, most people prefer it cooked until it’s soft and the consistency of actual rice, and it still retains much of its antioxidants.
4. Fights cancer
Cauliflower is high in a compound called Phenethyl isothiocyanate or PEITC. The compound attacks cancerous stem cells and prevents them from spreading. Studies show that those who eat cauliflower have a lower risk of developing cancer. Eating cruciferous vegetables, in general, is considered to lower the risk of both colon and lung cancer.
5. High in choline
Choline is a nutrient necessary for the healthy function of your liver, nervous system, metabolism, brain development, and more. Although the liver does make some naturally, most choline is obtained through food. Cauliflower is a substantial source of choline, which encourages optimal brain function. Eating cauliflower can help improve memory and learning and be beneficial to those who have trouble sleeping.
6. Helps with weight-loss
Cauliflower rice is an excellent option for anyone trying to lose weight. It’s an extremely versatile dish and makes an excellent substitute for items high in starch, such as pasta, or white rice. It’s low carb, low calorie, and low fat, and you can pair it with just about anything. The flavor is mild, so you can use a variety of different spices and sauces to create whatever your body is craving, from spicy to sweet.
More Nutritional Advice
Like cauliflower rice, there are other food items that you can substitute for unhealthy items. To learn more about them, as well as get more nutritional and health tips, give SnapCrack a call.
SnapCrack is a walk-in chiropractor in Coral Gables that provides more that chiropractic care. Our highly trained professionals can also assist with any nutritional and health-related questions you may. Our Coral Gables chiropractor location has a no-wait policy, so you won’t need to make an appointment to get any questions answered.
Eating cauliflower rice has many health benefits, especially when used as a substitute for more unhealthy options. Try swapping it into one of your favorite dishes today!
