Once known by kids as that dreaded vegetable at the dinner table, brussel sprouts have made quite the comeback in the recent years. Get to know the reasons why brussel sprouts belong in your life.
BY: EA STEWART, MBA, RD
Trying to eat more cruciferous veggies? Brussels sprouts are super duper good for you, and SO easy and delicious too. They are a great source of protein, iron, vitamin K, potassium, as well as a whole lot of potent antioxidants.
For decades, brussel sprouts have gotten a bad reputation, but luckily for us that has all changed as more people are giving them a try and restaurants are serving them up! Whether steamed, sauteed, or roasted, there are so many different ways to prepare them. Feel free to get creative and experiment with whatever herbs, oils, nuts, cheese, and other veggies that you have on hand.
Here are 5 more reasons to get your brussel sprout fill:
1. POTENTIAL CANCER FIGHTERS
Although human studies to date have been mixed, Brussels Sprouts and other cruciferous veggies are being studied for their cancer fighting potential, especially in breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal.
2. BONE BOOSTERS
Did you know 1 cup of cooked Brussels sprouts provides over 200% of your daily value for bone-boosting vitamin K? Yep. It does! However, just make sure not to over o Brussels sprouts and other vitamin K-rich foods if you’re taking anticoagulants.
3. DETOX DARLINGS
Rich in glucosinolates, sulfur, and antioxidants, brussels sprouts contain components that can help jumpstart your liver’s natural detoxification system that help break down toxic substances. No juice fasts needed!
4. GUT PROTECTORS
Research has shown that sulphoraphane, a compound found in Brussels sprouts, may help prevent the overgrowth of H. Pylori, bacteria responsible for causing stomach ulcers.
Note: For anyone following a low FODMAP diet, please try to limit your daily intake to 2 Brussels sproutsduring the elimination phase. Sorry~hopefully you’ll be able to eat more in the re-introduction phase!
5. BECAUSE YOUR MAMA TOLD YOU SO!
No. Scratch that. My mama doesn’t like Brussels sprouts, so she never actually made me eat them (or any other veggies for that matter) when I was a kid. So, if you’re a parent, never make your kids eat their Brussels sprouts, because they’ll probably love eating them later on!
For some delicious brussel sprout recipes, make a visit here!
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EA Stewart, MBA, RD is a San Diego-based private practice dietitian and culinary nutritionist with a passion for creating amazing gluten-free recipes to nourish your healthiest life. Focusing on a realistic healthy lifestyle, EA knows that eating is meant to be a shared experience to savor with family and friends. Visit her for more beautifully creative recipes at Spicy RD Nutrition.
Thank you! I’m in the midst of ULCERS & needed to know if I could eat Brussels sprouts in my MARIE CALLENDARS’ microwaveable chicken dinner! YES!! thank you. I am unable to prepare or cook meals so this is the best I can do. Happy.