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Many people have memories of being a kid, aimlessly rolling those brussels sprouts around their plate, and mom saying, ‘finish them all.’ Well, mothers know best. Brussels sprouts are a super nutritious food with many health benefits, so finish up what is on your plate!
Brussels sprouts are a type of cruciferous vegetable that is related to mustard greens, kale, and cauliflower, according to Healthline. They need not be boiled to mush; this green mini cabbage has a gourmet side too!
Brussels sprouts’ recipes include roasting them with olive oil and spices until crispy, sautéing, steaming, or baking them. This healthy food makes a delicious side dish with added health benefits. Here are seven reasons why you should serve them each week.
High in Fiber
Half a cup of cooked brussels sprouts has two grams of fiber, according to Healthline. Fiber aids with regularity, relieving constipation. Fiber is also a great food source for those healthy bacteria living in your gut, according to Greatist. After these bacteria have digested this fiber, they turn out fatty acids that in turn assist in hormonal, brain, and immune functions, as well as sugar levels.
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High in Vitamin K
A cup of cooked brussels sprouts delivers a whopping 238 percent of your daily value of vitamin K. This boost of vitamin K is important for blood clotting and healthy bones, and may even protect against osteoporosis. However, if you are on blood thinners, do not eat too many, advises Greatist. They may interfere with your medication, so speak to your doctor first.
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Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
For those who do not eat seafood or fish, a plate of brussels sprouts is a good way to get your omega 3s, recommends Healthline. Omega 3 contributes to a healthy heart, brain, immune system, blood vessels, and lungs.
As the omega 3 found in plants like brussels sprouts is an alpha-linolenic acid, and is less effective than that found in fish, vegans should have a few servings of brussels sprouts a week.
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Antioxidant Rich
A half cup of brussels sprouts offers 53 percent of your daily value of Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant may promote the absorption of iron, repair tissue, and assist in immune function. And there is good news for vegetarians in search of extra iron. Vitamin C increases the absorption of nonheme iron that is in plants.
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Good for Your Skin
Brussels sprouts offer health inside and out, offering a healthy glow. The vitamin C in brussels sprouts helps to produce collagen, which assists in firm skin that shines with health, according to Taste of Home.
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Good for Your Vision
Rich in carotenoids, brussels sprouts are the green version of eye-enhancing carrots and sweet potatoes. Carotenoids are nutrients that are converted to vitamin A.
Aside from being associated with improving eye health, they may help prevent eye damage that is caused by computer and phone screen use. Plus, lutein and zeaxanthin (the primary pigments in eyes) that are found in food also support eye health, according to Greatist. One more helping of brussels sprouts, please!
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May Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
This is good news for those with type 2 diabetes, and a study from Primary Care Diabetes backs this up. In fact, all cruciferous vegetables play a part in helping to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to Taste of Home.In fact, the high fiber content of brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help to control the levels of blood sugar, according to the CDC.
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