Photo: barbaraandmark on Instagram

If you’re a health-conscious foodie who has jumped on the recent gourmet trends of roasted cauliflower and cauliflower pasta, you’ll be happy to know that this superfood has a myriad of health benefits. Before you reach for your next bite of cauliflower-enriched pizza, here’s a list of reasons why you should incorporate this produce aisle staple into your regular menu.

Cauliflower is boosted with antioxidant and beta-carotene benefits: According to The World’s Healthiest Foods, this popular cruciferous vegetable is boosted with vitamin C and is known for its antioxidant benefits. Along with vitamin C and a host of B vitamins (which are responsible for healthy cell function), cauliflower is also enriched with the carotenoid beta-carotene. As a type of naturally occurring pigment found in fresh produce, carotenoids are known to play a role in eye health.

It can encourage balanced brain health: For veggie lovers who are looking to enhance their brain power, cauliflower can offer neurological benefits and potentially encourage brain development. In fact, the chemical choline in cauliflower can help to promote the growth of brain cells.

It offers anti-inflammatory advantages: In addition to providing antioxidant and brain benefits, this powerful vegetable can potentially tackle the discomfort which is associated with inflammation. In fact, cauliflower may help to prevent health conditions like arthritis, obesity and diabetes, which are triggered by inflammation in the body.

Cauliflower can help to promote regulated digestion: Due to its high fibre content, cauliflower is said to lead to balanced digestive health. As well, Medical Medium reports that this superfood can also shield the stomach lining from the bacteria H. pylori. Found in the digestive tract, overgrowth of H. pylori can cause health issues like ulcers.