Brussels sprouts - Health Benefits of Brussels sprouts

Health Benefits of Brussels sprouts:

Till date there is a mystery about the origin of Brussels sprouts. However, it is believed that Brussels sprouts have been originated from Belgium. Being low in calories and fat; this vegetable has stored essential amino acids, protein, vitamin A, folacin, calcium, fibre and potassium. Not only essential body nutrients, Brussels sprouts have numerous health benefits. This mini cabbage like vegetables comes in distinct aroma and flavour.

Health Benefits of Brussels sprouts

Composition of Brussels sprouts in 100 grams

 

Below are several health advantages associated with Brussels sprouts:

Cholesterol:

Brussels sprouts contain high fibre i.e. around 15% of our RDA. This fibre content helps to lower the cholesterol level.

DNA:

According to the recent research, Brussels sprouts have certain compounds that block the activity of certain enzymes (sulphotransferase enzymes) those are responsible to detrimental to the health and DNA stability.

Antioxidants:

Brussels sprouts are known to be the store house of antioxidant ingredient. A pack of antioxidant ingredients along with vital nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and mineral manganese has been found. Brussels sprouts also boast to have flavonoid antioxidants such as kaempferol, isorhamnetin and quercitin to serve as a shield against oxidative stress.

Inflammation:

Vitamin C also plays a role in reducing inflammation. Vitamin C along with vitamin E neutralizes free radicals and thus helps to reduce severe body inflammation. On a genetic level, lucobrassicin which is abundant in Brussels sprouts fights against inflammation. Also, Brussels sprouts have omega-3 fatty acids that work wonders against body inflammation. Furthermore, the enrichment of vitamin K present in Brussels sprouts helps to regulate body’s inflammatory process.

Cancer Prevention:

Brussels sprouts along with other cruciferous vegetables have Glucosinolates. Glucosinolates features anti oxidant compounds that help to fight against carcinogenic cells and help to prevent various cancers. This phytonutrients reduce cancer cell metastasis and reduce tumour growth. Sulforaphanes helps to remove body toxins including cancer causing elements. Isothiocyanates helps to stop cancer cell division and destroy carcinogens. Brussels sprouts can prevent various cancers such as colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and bladder cancer.

Digestion and Diet:

Brussels sprouts contains high amount of dietary fibre. This fibre content helps to boost up one’s digestion and prevent constipation. Brussels sprouts also help to maintain low blood sugar level and control overeating. The fibre content helps to reduce the growth of bacteria named Helicobacter pylori that lead to gastric cancer.

Healthy bones and Osteoarthritis :

Brussels sprouts are highly equipped with vitamin K and therefore help to promote healthy bones and prevent calcification of the body tissues.

Prevent heart disease:

Brussels sprouts also contain vitamin C that fight against hyper tension and help to reduce blood pressure. It prevents cellular rust which leads to atherosclerosis, stroke and heart disease. Presence of folate suppresses the growth of amino acid homocysteine; one of the triggering factor of heart disease.

Improve immune system:

The nutritional benefits of vitamin C helps to boost up body immune system.

Healthy eyesight:

Recent studies have shown that presence of vitamin A present in Brussels sprouts protects eyes against macular degeneration and fight against cataract.

Helps cell detoxification:

Brussels sprouts contain phytonutrients along with vitamin C that helps to boost up body’s detoxification capabilities. Cellular level detoxifications are done to get rid of harmful free radicals and carcinogenic compounds.

Prevent birth defects and initiate healthy pregnancy: Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of folic acid. Every pregnant woman requires an adequate amount of folic acid consumption in their diet. Deficiency of folate or folic acid can increase various birth defects such as: spina bifida and neutral tube defect.

Uses of Brussels sprouts:

Brussels sprouts are mostly prepared by removing the buds from the stalk and then cutting the additional stems and then discarding the leaves. Common cooking technique includes boiling, steaming and roasting. Brussels sprouts are the wild variety of cabbage has sweet taste and crisp texture. Brussels sprouts needs proper cooking, overcooked Brussels sprouts are not preferred by most people. This vegetable goes well with the flavours of onions, garlic and mustards.

Some of the useful recipes of Brussels sprouts:

For a simple and quick way to eat Brussels sprouts you need to steam them and then add sliced onions, into the mixture add thyme, oregano, melted butter, salt and pepper.

For another easy and delicious salad recipe of Brussels sprouts you need to shred the vegetable and keep in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently with lemon juice, olive oil, hazelnuts, thyme, chives and salt. Adjust the seasoning and taste by adding lemon juice. Finish the dish by tossing once or twice with the cheese.