What's the difference between broccoli and cauliflower? Learn to tell them apart easily
Broccoli, also known as green cauliflower, belongs to the same cruciferous cabbage family of vegetables as cauliflower, and is highly nutritious. Although it looks like cauliflower, there are still big differences between the two, so what is the difference between broccoli and cauliflower?
1. What is the difference between broccoli and cauliflower?
Difference 1: The leaves are different
Broccoli leaves are blue-green in color and gradually turn dark blue-green; the basal leaves and lower leaves of cauliflower are oblong and then elliptical, about 2-3.5 cm long, gray-green in color, with rounded tips, entire margins or fine teeth, and sometimes the leaves extend downward with several small lobes in a wing-like shape.
Difference 2: The heads are different
Broccoli is green, and its florets are much smaller than those of cauliflower and are not as densely packed as cauliflower; cauliflower comes in two colors, white and green, and is evolved from cabbage. Under normal circumstances it is white.
Difference 3: The nutritional value is different
The nutritional value of broccoli is higher than that of cauliflower. Apart from the minerals that cauliflower also has, what stands out especially is vitamin A and carotene: every 100 grams of broccoli contains more than 200 times the vitamin A and carotene of cauliflower; cauliflower contains protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fat and other minerals.
Difference 4: The way of eating is different
Broccoli is suitable for cold salads and plain stir-frying. Be careful not to overcook broccoli when stir-frying, otherwise it will carry a strong sulfurous smell and lose nutrients; cauliflower is more suitable for stir-frying and can also be made into pickles.
2. What are the effects and benefits of broccoli?
1. Boost immunity: Broccoli has an extremely high vitamin C content, which is beneficial to human growth and development, and more importantly can improve the body's immune function, promote liver detoxification, strengthen the physique and increase disease resistance.
2. Clear heat and quench thirst: Broccoli has the effect of clearing heat and quenching thirst. During hot weather, when the mouth is dry and thirsty, urine is golden yellow, or stools are hard or not passing smoothly, decoct 30 grams of cauliflower in water and drink the liquid frequently, which has the effect of clearing heat, quenching thirst, promoting urination and relieving constipation.
3. Slow aging: Broccoli is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and carotene, which can enhance the skin's resistance to damage and help maintain skin elasticity, with a strong effect of promoting skin rejuvenation and keeping one youthful.
4. Lower blood pressure and blood lipids: Broccoli contains a certain amount of flavonoids, which have a regulating and preventive effect on high blood pressure and heart disease. At the same time, broccoli is a high-fiber vegetable that can effectively reduce the absorption of glucose by the stomach and intestines and can lower blood sugar.
5. Lose weight and slim down: Broccoli has a water content as high as over 90% and is low in calories, with only 23-32 kcal per cup (240 ml), so for people who want to lose weight, it can fill the stomach without making them gain weight.
6. Aid digestion: The carotene richly contained in broccoli can promote the health and digestion of the stomach and intestines, and it is also rich in dietary fiber, carbohydrates and other nutrients, all of which are very effective in aiding digestion.
7. Protect blood vessels: Broccoli contains a chemical called sulforaphane, which can “activate” a protective protein in blood vessels, forming the body's own defense system and thereby preventing blood vessel blockage.