Brussels Sprouts: Why they should be on your grocery list!

One thing is for sure- Brussels sprouts are exceptionally wholesome vegetables. Love them or hate them, these leafy green vegetables have a lot going for them in the nutritional department. Experiment with a few Brussels sprout recipes and you’ll find yourself warming up to its tender, crunchy texture. Baked, sautéed or roasted, Brussels sprouts can be enjoyed in numerous ways!

Health Benefits:

Brussels sprouts belong to the family of cruciferous vegetables. This class of vegetables is known to have disease fighting and healing properties.

1. Ability to Fight Cancer: Brussels sprouts are a rich source of a set of antioxidants called phytochemicals. These substances function as natural anti-cancer agents, eliminating damaging cancerous cells from the body system. Regular consumption of this vegetable can prevent several cancers including colon cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.
2. Low in Fat: 100 grams of Brussels sprouts contain only 45 calories. What makes this vegetable even more appealing is that it has no cholesterol. Eat without any fear of falling prey to cholesterol or heart problems!
3. Rich Source of Dietary Fiber: Every 100 grams of Brussels sprouts contain 3.8 grams of dietary fiber. This store of roughage not only helps the digestive system to function smoothly, but also cures and prevents cases of constipation.
4. Good for the Eyes: Brussels sprouts contain Zeaxanthin, a carotenoid, which is absorbed and utilized to prevent age-related diseases, such as macular degeneration and retinal damage, from attacking the eyes. Vitamin A, another useful substance found in Brussels sprouts, also enhances and sharpens the eyesight.
5. Vitamin K- The Super Vitamin: Not only does Vitamin K promote bone fortification, it is also good for the brain. It prevents neuronal damage and thus plays a key role in delaying, or even averting the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Good for the Heart: The absence of cholesterol and the robust presence of minerals such as Potassium and Iron keep the heart strong and healthy. Potassium is an important component of numerous bodily fluids that regulate the blood pressure and maintain the heart rate.
7. Strengthens the Immune System: Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of Vitamin C. This Vitamin not only combats bacterial and viral infections, but also speedily repairs damaged tissues, relieves inflammation and reinforces the bones and teeth.
8. As a Treatment for Diabetes: Research suggests that a combination of Brussels sprout juice and runner or string bean juice has yielded positive results and can be used by diabetics to supplement their treatment.
9. Reduces the Risk of Respiratory Ailments: Brussels sprouts contain beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that is known to increase lung capacity and lower the risk of contracting diseases such as asthma and emphysema.
10. Reduced Risk of Birth Defects: Low levels of folic acid have been known to cause birth defects such as spina bifida and cleft palate. To reduce the risk of these neural tube defects, pregnant women are advised to have foods, such as Brussels sprouts, which contain Folic Acid.

Possible Health Concerns:

Brussels sprouts do not have any recorded health risks. However, those taking anticoagulant drugs should refrain from eating too much of the vegetable since it is believed to interfere with the effect of the drug on the body.