Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

Not everyone loves Brussels sprouts, but those little green buds contain some surprising and potent health benefits.  With some of the highest plant protein of any vegetable and considerable density in many important vitamins and minerals, there are more than a few reasons to include Brussels sprouts in your diet. Here are some potential health benefits of Brussels sprouts.

1. Excellent Source of Vitamin C

As little as 50 grams of boiled Brussels sprouts can help you meet your daily requirement for vitamin C. In fact, there’s more vitamin C in Brussels sprouts than oranges. Vitamin C is necessary for a variety of important natural functions, including regulating your blood pressure and bolstering your immune system. Vitamin C health Benefits

2. Reduce Cholesterol

Due to their high fiber content, Brussels sprouts are great at helping the body regular cholesterol levels. The fiber contained in each sprout can bind with bile acids, making it easy for your body to get rid of them from your system.

3. Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals

As little as a single serving of Brussels sprouts can provide you with your complete daily requirement of vitamin K, B, and C. They’re also an excellent source for a number of important minerals including potassium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium.

4. Protect your DNA

There are enzymes in your body that can do serious harm to the stability of your DNA within the white blood cells that are crucial to your immune system.  Brussels sprouts can actually block these enzymes from affecting your DNA, which can protect you from a variety of serious genetic problems.

5. Reduces Risks of Cardiovascular Disease

Brussels sprouts are also a potent anti-inflammatory agent, and may even help repair damaged blood vessels. This is due to isothiocyanate sulforaphane, a compound in Brussels sprouts that helps support your heart’s health, and may even lower your risk of a heart attack.

6. Excellent Source of Fiber

The body uses fiber for a healthy and efficient digestive process. Like many vegetables, Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of fiber. A serving as small as 100 grams of sprouts each day can help provide nearly 20% of your daily value.

7. Good For Bones

Brussels sprouts have some of the highest vitamin K content of any vegetable, which is vital for healthy bone structures, regular calcification, and helping your body absorb and distribute other vitamins. One cup of sprouts every day will provide double your daily value.

8. Fight Free Radicals

Brussels sprouts contain a variety of antioxidant compounds and flavonoids. Combined with a high density of important vitamins like A, C, B6, and K, they provide almost everything your body needs to help fight off the oxidative stress placed on your body every day.

9. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Sprouts are an excellent source of glucosinolate, which are a compound necessary in the natural regulation of the body’s inflammatory response. With enough Brussels sprouts in your diet, you can help prevent or reduce chronic inflammation.

10. A Well-Rounded Addition to Any Diet

A single serving of Brussels can help provide you with more than 100% of your daily requirement for several critical vitamins and minerals. While many fruits or vegetables are a rich source of one or two vitamins, like oranges with vitamin C, Brussels sprouts are a well-rounded addition to any diet.

[source]