A healthy diet requires that you eat fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Brussels sprouts are not often preferred, but they should be, as they are rich in nutrients. They can be cooked in the most diverse ways, providing us with the necessary daily intake of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances. In the paragraphs below, keep on reading and discover several reasons for which you should consider eating them each and every day. Allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised with the versatility of these small vegetables, including them in as many meals as it is possible.
Twelve Reasons to add Brussel Sprouts to Your Diet
#1 Cancer-fighting power
Brussels sprouts are rich in antioxidants (1), providing the body with protection against the damage done by free radicals. This means that, consumed on a regular basis, they can protect against different types of cancer. They contain a high quantity of sulforaphane, which provides protection against prostatic, pancreatic, esophageal and skin cancer.
#2 Support bone health by eating brussels sprouts
When a person suffers from vitamin K deficiency, due to the low intake from the daily diet, the risk of bone fractures becomes considerably higher. They are rich in vitamin K (2), with a cup covering the DRA. By consuming these tiny vegetables on a daily basis, you will make your bones stronger; the absorption of calcium will be improved as well. Keep in mind that they are rich in calcium, with one cup being enough to cover the daily need. They are often recommended for vitamin D & bone health.
#3 Manage arthritis pain with brussels sprout
Suffering from a condition such as arthritis can be quite discomforting, especially when you have to deal with symptoms such as pain, inflammation and stiffness. Brussels sprouts can help you deal with the signs and symptoms of joint pain in an efficient manner. Once again, this has to do with their rich content in sulforaphane, which can slow down the progression of joint damage. The connection between arthritis and the anti-inflammatory diet (3) has been confirmed by various studies, including one published in NutritionWise.
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#4 Diabetes management
Green vegetables are rich in antioxidants, being able to lower overall glucose levels and, thus, ensure the efficient management of a chronic condition such as diabetes. The beneficial effects of Brussels sprouts, with regard to diabetes, have been confirmed by numerous scientific articles and studies, including in an informative brochure published online.
#5 Brussels sprouts for better eyesight
If you are looking to maintain healthy eyesight, you should definitely consider eating more vegetables. They are rich in vitamin C, being able to protect against the damage done by harmful UV rays. Moreover, they are rich in antioxidants, preventing the macular degeneration at the level of the eyes. The protective role regarding eye health has been presented in numerous online resources, including in an article regarding food & macular degeneration.
#6 Do Brussels sprouts impact brain health
Yes, they can help you maintain your brain in a healthy state, thanks to their rich content of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and A. By adding these to your diet, you no longer have to wonder how to improve memory. The beneficial properties of Brussels sprouts with regard to brain health have been confirmed in a scientific article published online.
#7 Eat Brussels sprouts to boost your immune system
As they contain generous quantities of vitamin C, Brussels sprouts can boost the proper functioning of the immune system and protect against a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Numerous articles have confirmed these properties, including one dedicated to the connection between antioxidants and the immune system.
#8 Brussels sprouts impact digestive health
Brussels sprouts are rich in substances known as glucosinates (4), which can protect the mucosal lining of the GI tract and reduce the risk of digestive disorders. Moreover, they contain sulforaphane, which works to support a healthy microflora at the level of the gut. Brussels sprouts are recommended to be consumed by those who suffer from chronic digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, as it is shown in an informative brochure developed by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (5).
#9 Nerve function
The consumption of Brussels sprouts on a regular basis can ensure proper nerve function, as these tiny veggies are rich in potassium as well. This electrolyte can also maintain the proper functioning of the muscles and the nervous system in general. They have been added to the potassium food list, which has been published online.
#10 Healthy pregnancy
Eating Brussels sprouts during your pregnancy is more than recommended, as these are rich in folate, a substance essential for the development of a healthy baby (6). By consuming adequate quantities of folate, you are protecting the growing baby against neural tube defects, spina bifida included. Brussels sprouts are part of the good nutrition recommendations, as it is shown in a patient handout published by The Female Patient.
#11 Eat Brussels sprouts to look younger
It is a known fact that Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C, which is one of the main antioxidants that protect the skin against oxidative damage. Consumed on a regular basis, it can improve the overall texture and prevent further damage. When it comes to nutrition for skin, they stand at the top of the list.
#12 Low caloric intake
If you are planning on losing weight, you should definitely consider including Brussels sprouts more often in your diet. These have a low caloric intake, but they are chock full of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients. They represent the ideal choice for those who are looking to return to a healthy figure; they are also known as superfoods, as it is shown in a scientific article published on Heal with Food.
These are some of the reasons you should consider eating more Brussels sprouts. As you have seen, they have a lot of benefits to offer, protecting the health of vital organs, ensuring proper nerve functioning and boosting the immune system.
(1) Brussels Sprouts | The Nutrition Source
(2) Naturopathic Kitchen: Brussels Sprouts
(3) Anti-Inflammatory Diet Do’s and Don’ts
(4) Bioavailability of Glucosinolates and Their Breakdown Products: Impact of Processing
(5) Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
(6) Love ‘Em Or Hate ‘Em, There Are Benefits To Eating Brussels Sprouts While Pregnant
Author Bio: Ella James is an independent researcher and writer. She has contributed to many online websites related to general health and fitness. Her interests include reading and writing about day-to-day health, fitness, and skin care problems. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
