Brussels sprouts are a small cabbage like vegetable that are packed with vital nutrients your body needs to function optimally. Although they are not as popular as some other cruciferous vegetables, brussels sprouts definitely stand out when it comes to nutrition. Brussels sprouts are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. Like spinach, brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, so they make you feel full for longer. Brussels sprouts contain a variety of other vitamins and minerals as well, which help fight off colds and the flu. Some other nutrients found in brussels sprouts include folate, vitamin A, vitamin K and manganese. Brussels sprouts have other health benefits, as well. 

Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

Helps Aid Digestion

Brussels spouts are loaded with fiber, so they help your body with the digestion process and help you stay full for longer. Fiber rich foods, such as brussels sprouts, greens and zucchini also help feed the good bacteria in your gut, which help break down other types of food to create a healthy microbiome.

Good For Eye Health

Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C, which helps protect your body. They are also high in carotenoids, which are found in plants and give them their color. Carotenoids are important for eye health and protect them from damaging rays from the sun. They also may help reduce the risk of developing cataracts, as you age.

Helps Reduce Inflammation

It is a proven fact that inflammation in the body is the cause of most disease and illnesses. Brussels sprouts and other vegetables high in antioxidants, can help lower levels of inflammation in the body. That is why it is important to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, which contain vital nutrients your body can’t get from other sources. Try adding brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables to your diet to help reduce inflammation.

Helps Protect Your Body Against Cancer

Brussels sprouts are high in antioxidants, which may help protect your body from some types of cancer. In fact, “a 2008 study found that brussels sprouts protect against carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents, and prevent oxidative damage to cells.”¹ The good news is eating a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins can help protect your body against cancer causing substances we are exposed to on a daily basis.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

P. S. If you are interested in reading more about healthful eating and living a healthy lifestyle, you might want to check out my book, Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living.

Source:

¹Link, RACHEL, MN RD. “10 Ways Brussels Sprouts Benefit Your Health, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-brussels-sprouts