Love them or loathe them the humble Brussels Sprout is like any good parent would have told you as a child, very good for you! I don’t know if it’s just because I’ve recently discovered some great recipes but I feel like the Brussels Sprout is coming back in vogue. It’s reinventing itself from that overcooked little ball of dull green, that was pushed to one side of the plate, into something much more dynamic and delicious.
Still skeptical? Maybe try out the recipes below, read about the health benefits of Brussels Sprouts and then make a call.
Natural Antioxidant
Brussels are a very good source of vitamin C. You can obtain 142% of your recommended daily intake (RDA) of vitamin C from just 100gms of sprouts. The vitamins C, A and E and the mineral manganese found in the sprouts make them excellent antioxidant and natural free-radical fighter.
Excellent Source of Vitamin K
Brussels Sprouts have a very high level of vitamin K (100gms is 147% of your RDA). Vitamin K helps in bone formation and strengthening and is also intrinsic to the blood’s ability to clot blood. Vitamin K also acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and is essential for proper brain and nerve function.
Good for Pregnant Women
In addition to being a great source of fiber and containing essential vitamins needed during pregnancy, Brussels Sprouts are an excellent source of folate. Just ½ cup of sprouts provides 47mcg of folate. Folate is essential for fetal growth and development and is also one of the few nutrients known to prevent neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida. The high levels of vitamin C found in sprouts can also help with the absorption of iron, which an important mineral during pregnancy.
May keep Cancer at Bay
Brussels Sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable; these types of vegetables are known to contain compounds called isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates are believed to help with the elimination of potential carcinogens from the body. Due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification benefits obtained from Brussels Sprouts, it is believed they naturally help with any imbalances in these areas, therefore help to ward off cancer.
Nourishing Hub Caramelized Brussels Sprout Salad
Kale + Silvered Brussels Sprout Soba Noodles
