Brussels sprouts may look like tiny cabbages, but their health benefits are anything but small. They are packed with nutrients as well as antioxidants. The following information will explain why Brussels sprouts are so nutritious. If you don’t like the taste of this vegetable, you may decide to learn to like it after learning how beneficial Brussels sprouts are for your health.
Brussels Sprouts Supply Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Brussels sprouts contain an abundant supply of vitamins C and K. They provide a significant amount of vitamins A and E. They also supply folate as well as manganese, potassium, and iron.
Brussels Sprouts Prevent Polyarthritis
A study that was done on 20,000 plus people showed that those who included foods high in vitamin C in their diet were shielded from inflammatory polyarthritis. Inflammatory polyarthritis is a type of rheumatoid arthritis. Brussels sprouts have a rich supply of vitamin C.
Brussels Sprouts Prevent Cancer
Brussels sprouts offer protection against cancer as they contain bioflavonoids that work to prevent injury to cells and stop changes from occurring inside these cells. The bioflavonoids in this vegetable and the indoles it contains discourage hormones that support the development of tumors. Sulforaphane, which is also found in this member of the cabbage family, is another substance that offers cancer protection. The types of cancers Brussels sprouts may protect the body from include breast, prostate, and uterine cancer.
Brussels Sprouts Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease
Brussels sprouts contain omega-3 fatty acids. The type found in Brussels sprouts is alpha linolenic acid, or ALA. Research has shown that alpha linolenic acid offers protection against heart disease.
When you shop for Brussels sprouts, avoid the ones that are turning yellow, the ones that have loose leaves, and those that have an unpleasant odor. Choose sprouts that are heavier than they look, small, and vivid green in color. Select the smallest stalks of sprouts you can find for those that taste the sweetest. Before cooking Brussels sprouts, slice them down the middle. If you want to cook them whole, engrave the letter X into the bottom. Use an amount of water that is equal to the amount of sprouts you are going to boil Do not cook them too long to avoid winding up with sprouts that have an acrid taste and to prevent losing vitamin C. If you plan to steam them, lifting the cover several times during the cooking process will impede the accumulation of offensive smelling gases.
References:
“Superfoods, The Healthiest Foods on the Planet”; Tonia Reinhard; 2010
“Foods That Harm Foods That Heal; The Reader’s Digest Association; 1997
“Brilliant Food Tips and Cooking Tricks”; David Joachim; 2001
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