Brussels sprouts are in season during the autumn, offering a nutritional powerhouse with an amazing combination of vitamins, minerals, and disease-preventing compounds that dietitians often recommend. It is unbelievable that the cruciferous family of vegetables provides the body with a lot of health benefits in a small size, with high concentrations of vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber in a very low calorie count.
Brussels sprouts deliver exceptional nutritional powerhouse benefits
Brussels sprouts are members of the cruciferous family of vegetables that are very healthy, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. A half-cup portion of cooked Brussels sprouts is only 28 calories with 109 micrograms of vitamin K (137% of the daily value), 48 milligrams of Vitamin C (81% DV), and 2 grams of fiber. These are vegetables that provide folate, vitamin A, and essential minerals with low levels of sodium and fats.
Nutritionally, Brussels sprouts contain rare health-promoting phytonutrients that set them apart from the rest of the vegetables. These phytonutrients comprise glucosinolates, sulforaphane, and alpha-lipoic acid, which make them incredibly disease-fighting and anti-inflammatory throughout the body.
Surprisingly, the antioxidant level competes with citrus fruits
Brussels sprouts are equal to oranges in terms of antioxidant power when it comes to the content of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and serves the skin by helping to heal wounds, increase collagen synthesis, and delay the aging process, as well as maintain the functionality of the immune system.
Natural compounds protect against cardiovascular disease and diabetes
The sprouts of Brussels are a great aid to cardiovascular health, which happens in several ways. They have glucosinolates that assist in maintaining healthy blood pressure, omega-3 that assist in reducing the cholesterol level, and potassium that maintains the sodium level. Sulforaphane in Brussels sprouts can be used to prevent heart disease and atherosclerosis, and vitamin C is used to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Studies indicate that consumption of more cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, helps to prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes. The presence of alpha-lipoic acid may enhance the management of glucose in the blood and avert nerve-related complications in individuals who already have diabetes. These are non-starchy vegetables that contain fiber, and therefore, they maintain a normal level of blood sugar.
Fiber promotes gut microbiome and digestion
Per half-cup serving, Brussels sprouts contain 2 grams of fiber, which is a good source of the recommended 25-30g daily amount of this nutrient that the majority of the population fails to consume. Fiber plays a vital role in gut health, influencing the mood, the immune system, toxin clearing, and nourishing healthy gut bacteria.
Anti-inflammatory effects fight the occurrence of chronic diseases
Brussels sprouts have several anti-inflammatory nutrients such as alpha-lipoic acid, beta-carotene, glucosinolates, omega-3 fatty acids, sulforaphane, vitamin C, and vitamin K. These chemicals aid in the fight against chronic inflammation that could lead to anxiety, depression, autoimmune diseases, cancer, dementia, gastrointestinal diseases, heart diseases, and Type 2 diabetes.
The possible anti-inflammatory property of Brussels sprouts is correlated with the reduction of cancer risk, which makes this type of vegetable worthy of inclusion in disease-prevention diets. Brussels sprouts should be given the credit of being the nutritional champions of the fall season because their health benefits are impressive and well beyond what meets the eye.
These are cruciferous vegetables that are highly vitalized and rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as offering strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help in the prevention of diabetes, heart health, and digestive health. Brussels sprouts, however polarizing their image, are still one of the most disease-fighting nutrients concentrated by nature, and, therefore, they are the key ingredients of a health-oriented autumn diet program.
Disclaimer: Our articles on food and nutrition are purely informative and do not constitute medical or dietary advice. We respect the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration and follow a responsible editorial policy. Consult a healthcare professional or dietitian and remember that no superfood is a substitute for a varied and well-balanced diet.
