The brussels sprouts are an amazing versatile food used in many cuisines from all arund the world. They are filled with plenty of health benefits, and are not at all what you probably think of them. When someone mentiones the brussels sprouts, your mind probably leaps to cabbage in an instant, and with a good reason too. The brussels sprouts are a variety of the cabbage, and they are small green bulbs with an incredible taste. As the name implies, they were first grown around the region of Brussels, Belgium.
Nowadays, you can find them on the global market, and with a pretty good reason why – they are delicious and packed with plenty of different nutrients. If you are eager to enjoy the benefits that will come from these amazing veggies, then keep on reading because we have prepared for you a list of the best health benefits that you can get from daily consuming the brussels sprouts.
1. It will boost your immune system – some of the most impressive characteristics of this veggie is that it is high in Vitamin C. One cup of brussels sprouts contains about 120% of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, which is a crucial component in your immune system, as the Vitamin C will stimulate the production of white blood cells in the body and will act as an antioxidant too by reducing the oxidative stress and lowering your chances of a chronic disease.
2. Will improve your digestion – just like most of the cruciferous veggies, the brussels sprouts contain a pretty high amount of dietary fiber. The fiber is able to help you bulk up the stool and promote a healthy digestion by reducing the constipation and stimulating the peristaltic motion, which will be able to help the food move through your body in a smooth way.
3. Can help during pregnancy – the amazingly high levels of folic acid which is found in the brussels sprouts makes them excellent for the mothers to be. The folic acid is one of the most important components of preventing neural tube defects, an ailment that affects thousands of newborns every year. The B vitamins are also quite important for the developmental process of the fetus.
4. Can prevent blood clotting – the Vitamin K is probably one of the most overlooked vitamins ever, but it is very necessary in order to prevent blood clotting. Only a cup of brussels sprouts will provide you with 240% of your daily recommended Vitamin K intake, making sure that your blood will flow through the entire body with no problem and will boost the health of your heart as well as the health of your bones.
5. Balance out the hormone levels – some studies have found out that the active ingredients, as well as the volatile compounds found in the brussels sprouts are affecting the thyroid gland and its functions within the body. Thankfully, this veggie can help you regulate the hormone levels in the body, which will in turn affect everything, from your metabolic function to your digestive effectiveness and your levels of energy.
6. Can aid in healing wounds – the Vitamin C will do so much more than simply boosting the immune system – it is also an important component in the collagen production, which is required for the overall production of skin, tissue cells and muscles. Without the proper levels of Vitamin C that can br provided to you by the brussels sprouts, the body will become unable to heal wounds, injuries and illnesses.
7. Will improve the strength of the bones – there are varietsi of minerals found in the brussels sprouts, including the copper, manganese, iron, phosphorous, all of which are needed to build up stronger bones and prevent osteoporosis from ever happening. If you prevent the bone mineral density loss, you will be feeling healthy and active as you age.
8. Reduce your blood pressure with it – the potassium is known to be an important mineral in the body, mostly because it can act as a vasodilator, meaning it is able to reduce the tension as well as the pressure of the blood vessels and the arteries, thus relieving the strain on the cardiovascular system. This will definitely help you lower your risk of a stroke, a heart disease, atherosclerosis and many other cardiovascular issues.
9. Can lower your inflammation to a minimum – the brussels sprouts contain substances called glucosinolates, which are able to regulat the inflammatory response of the body. So, for people who are regularly suffering from gout, oxidative stress, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions, consuming brussels sprouts on a regular basis can reduce the pain and get the body back on track.
10. Is able to increase your metabolism – the high levels of B vitamins found in the brussels sprouts include folate, riboflavin, Vitamin B2, pantothenic acid and many others, make this vegetable key for a healthy metabolism. This will help your body in the process of effectively digesting more food, faster burning of the calories and using the nutrients in a more effective way.
We are going to end this article on a cautious note – if you happen to be consuming a blood clotting medicine, the brussels sprouts can be dangerous for you because of their excessive amounts of Vitamin K. By doubling the dose of this vitamin you can easily lead up to more cardiovascular complications. So, before adding this healthy veggie into your dieting plan, make sure you consult with your doctor first.
Other than that, you’re good to go! The brussels sprouts are thought to be an amazing addition to any dish, and they are prepared in a different way in different parts of the world. Whether steamed, fried or roasted, they can complement any dish. Just remember never to overcook them, for they will get a sour and unpleasant taste. However, if you cook them properly, they can be added to any meal and topped of with spices or sauces. This miniature cabbage will provide you with plenty of health benefits, all you need to do is start consuming it now!
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