Cauliflower VS broccoli: Health benefits and Taste

Cauliflower and Broccoli, belonging to the same family of plants, are often compared with each there. Being a cruciferous vegetable, they both are rich in nutrients essential for our body- Still, the battle between the two continues. Some believe that one is better than the other, and it’s just a color difference for others. However, there’s a difference between the two, and that difference will help you decide which one will go to your cart. Let’s start the cauliflower VS broccoli tussle.

Nutritional Value: Cauliflower VS broccoli:

The nutritional value of the two is the main deciding factor. And, this will help you choose the best according to your health goals. 

1. Vitamins: Broccoli contains a higher amount of Vitamin-C and Vitamin-K. And cauliflower has more B-6 and pantothenic acid (Vitamin B-5), which is necessary for making blood cells and helps convert the food to energy. If you have any vitamin deficiencies, choose the one who can help you get the required vitamins.
2. Minerals: Broccoli wins here; it has more calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and potassium. Cauliflower has comparatively low sodium content.
3. Calories: Both of them are low-calorie food. 100 gm of broccoli has 35 calories, and the same amount of cauliflower has 25 calories. So, if your body goal is to lose weight, you can choose either of them. 
4. Protein and fats: Broccoli has more fats and protein than cauliflower. They have essential amino acids. The fat type in broccoli is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and in cauliflower, the saturated fatty acids are more.

Cauliflower VS Broccoli: Health benefits:

1. Antioxidants:  Antioxidants can prevent the damage caused by free radicals. A diet high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of many health problems like heart diseases and certain cancers. Both of them are rich in antioxidants. So, there’s a tie. 
2. Heart health: Both contain an almost equal amount of fiber, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, linked to heart problems.
3. Healthy gut:  Gut health is essential as other health factors and is related to optimum brain health and immunity. Both of them can ensure the balance of good bacteria and keep the digestive system healthy. A fair amount of fiber can reduce digestive issues and can help controlling cholesterol and Type-2 diabetes.
4. Improves overall health: Being a cruciferous vegetable, they both are good for overall health. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. And, dark green cruciferous veggies are also a good source of Vitamin A and C.

Cauliflower VS Broccoli:Who tastes better?

Here we are talking only about the natural Taste of cauliflower and broccoli because after cooking, it’s all about your recipe.

1. The natural Taste of cauliflower is mild, sweet, and is slightly nutty in texture. After cooking, it develops a chewy, slight-firm, and soft texture by absorbing all the added flavors.
2. Broccoli belongs to a cabbage family and has a grassy, earthy flavor that tastes slightly bitter. Most of us choose florets, but the whole plant is edible. In comparison, the edible part in the cauliflower case is the head part (often called curd).

Who wins? 

1.  If you’re on a weight loss diet, you can choose any of them. I have seen many people choosing broccoli over cauliflower just because they have heard that it is better for health and can help them lose weight. Though there’s nothing wrong with that, cauliflower is as good as broccoli. So, get something that is readily available.
2. Both of them have the same calories and a good amount of fiber, so it doesn’t make any difference in your daily calorie intake. Choose the one you like and the one which fits your health goals. Both of them are suitable for the low glycemic index diet.

If something can make a difference in their nutritional values and calories, it is your cooking method. And, the nutritional facts are the most important factors. Don’t forget to consider them while preparing a healthy meal. Your cooking methods determine a lot about the overall calories and nutritional value of the food.