Orange Cauliflowers
Have you ever eaten an orange cauliflower? I have to admit I haven’t even seen one. Apparently, it’s a result of a genetic mutation, a quirk that allows the plant to hold more beta-carotene.
Scientists have now identified the genetic mutation responsible for this and will be exploring its use in creating other transgenic crops with enhanced beta-carotene. Such crops may be useful in fighting vitamin A deficiency which is common in developing countries, and leads to compromised immune systems and blindness.
Tags: blindness, diet, functional-food, GMO, health, health-food, Healthy Eating, nutraceuticals, nutrition, transgenics, vicion, Vitamin-A-deficienceRelated Stories
POSTED IN: ~Fruit and Vegetables, ~Immune Defense, ~Vision and Eye Health
2 opinions for Orange Cauliflowers
Sotto l’ombra degli olmi » Blog Archive » Cavolcarota
Jun 6, 2007 at 12:56 am
[…] Eating Fabulous, Cornell […]
Michael
Jun 10, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Hi Ruth:
It’s very interesting that you would mention immune deficiency and its link to orange cauliflowers. (I’ve actually had orange cauliflowers and they are delicious.)
Cauliflowers however have another compound that is a very potent modulator of the immune system. One that makes beta-carotene look like picnic in a park. It is called Diindolylmethane. Researchers at UC Berkeley have recently discovered that this phytochemical is a direct modulator of Interferon-Gamma sensitivity and production and as such it potently modulates the immune system with anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties.
More information regarding this breakthrough discovery is available at:
http://www.diindolylmethane.org/
http://www.activamune.com/
http://www.activamune.com/news.htm
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