Cauliflower and broccoli share a surprising amount of common ground. Both belong to the cruciferous vegetable family and come from the Brassica oleracea species. They also trace their origins to the Mediterranean region of Europe. And chances are, as a kid, you weren’t exactly eager to eat either one—unless they were smothered in cheddar cheese sauce!
One thing is certain: both vegetables are nutrient-dense and great for your health. You can turn cauliflower into a veggie burger or make good use of nutrient-rich broccoli stems. But with so many similarities, it raises an interesting question: which Brassica vegetable is actually better for you?
To find out, let’s take a look at their nutrition profiles and health perks to see who comes out on top in the cauliflower-vs-broccoli showdown.
Nutrition Facts: Cauliflower vs Broccoli
You are advised to be eating at least five cups a week of cruciferous vegetables, especially including broccoli and cauliflower. Why should you eat these specific veggies? Well, the similarities between broccoli and cauliflower continue into their nutrient content.
Vitamins
Broccoli and cauliflower both contain vitamins A, C, and K; however, broccoli offers greater nutrient content in all three vitamins. Vitamins A and C are both essential for immune support.
A cup of broccoli contains 2,280.7 IU (international units) of vitamin A, which provides 46.6% of your recommended daily intake. It also contains 123.4 mg (milligrams) of vitamin C, or an incredible 205.7% of your recommended daily intake! Cauliflower only contains 54.9 mg of vitamin C and 21.08 IU of vitamin A.
