Cauliflower

Kidney Nutrition: Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a vegetable rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Typically white, cauliflower actually comes in multiple colors, including green, orange, and purple. Cauliflower is also high in vitamin C, K, and folate ^[1].  These vitamins help wounds heal, blood clotting, and anemia ^{[2, 3, 4]}. 

Potassium: Potassium in Cauliflower

Per half-cup serving, cauliflower is a low-potassium vegetable, making it easy to include in many dishes. 

Phosphorus: Is Cauliflower high in phosphorus?

No cauliflower is not naturally high in phosphorus. Packaged forms of cauliflower, like frozen meals or appetizers, may have added phosphorus as part of that product. Make sure to read the ingredient list to avoid added forms of phosphorus.  

Sodium: Sodium In Cauliflower

All veggies, like cauliflower, are naturally low in sodium. Cauliflower is an excellent addition to any low-sodium diet. Add whole spices or spice blends without salt to cauliflower, which can enhance cauliflower’s taste and versatility. 

Protein: Protein In Cauliflower

Cauliflower is low in protein. If you want to increase your meal’s protein content, consider adding beans or lentils with cauliflower. For those seeking a low-protein diet, cauliflower is a good low-protein, high-fiber choice that can fill you up without overdoing your protein for that meal. 

Ways to add cauliflower to your meals

Cauliflower can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, boiled, and mashed.

This versatile vegetable absorbs seasons well and can be used in almost any cuisine. Cauliflower is often used to replace starches such as rice, crusts, and mashed or mac n cheese bases. You can find it precut in ready-to-microwave steam bags in the frozen or fresh section of the grocery store. Cauliflower also makes a great meat substitute in the form of steaks or taco meats. 

Our favorite spices to use with cauliflower:

• Pepper, olive oil, and garlic
• Salt-free taco seasoning
• Curry powder

Cauliflower Recipes

Here is a list of different ways to make cauliflower:

Conclusion

Cauliflower is a great kidney-friendly choice. This veggie is low in potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and protein. It is an excellent substitute for starches or meat. This super veggie can be seasoned in many ways to make a delicious meal. Check out our other kidney-friendly recipes here. 

References

1. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/cauliflower-the-new-nutrition-superstar. 
2. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
3. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminK-HealthProfessional/
4. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/