Brussels sprouts have been consumed in Europe for thousands of years. It’s one of the most well-known and versatile greens available anywhere. The reason it is so popular has to do with its nutritional value, taste and color! Sprouted seeds can be used in soups, stews and casseroles. And now, you can enjoy them on your own! Read this Brussels sprout guide to learn more about the nutrient content, flavor and freshness of each variety.
The nutritional value of Brussels sprouts is high due to their high vitamin content, which includes important B vitamins like Biotin, Folic Acid and Magnesium. In the U.S. most of the Brussels sprouts grown are grown in California, although they can also be found in your local grocery stores. They come up during the growing season in late fall through early spring, but peak harvesting is usually in the summer. This means that these vegetables will be available in stores well into May. Be sure to purchase before the flowers open!
Like all cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts contain a lot of fiber, which helps to regulate your weight. This is because it has a higher absorption rate than other vegetables. Fiber is considered to be an important element when it comes to weight control, and is recommended in any diet for its health benefits.
Aside from high fiber content, Brussels sprouts are high in minerals such as iron and potassium, which also contribute to their health benefits. Iron is essential for healthy blood and red blood cell production, while Potassium contributes to the regulation of muscle tone. High levels of these minerals may reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly heart disease of the cardiovascular type. Studies have shown that regular eating of brussel sprouts helps to lower your LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol by 22 percent. That is quite a large amount, and since it goes well along with the other health benefits of these superfoods, there is no reason not to incorporate them into your daily diet.
Of course, another great health benefit of Brussels sprouts is their generous supply of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D. These vitamins are also important to your overall health, so eating them on a regular basis is not only good for your taste buds, but for your health as well. Brussels sprouts are a good source of vitamin A, especially in the form of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is linked to reducing breast cancer risk, so increasing your intake of this vitamin could help you in that regard. It is also believed that vitamin C increases the absorption of iron in your body. It is also a good source of vitamin D, although it is difficult to absorb, mostly through food sources. Deficiencies of vitamin D can result in weak bones and weak immune system.
There is no doubt that you will be able to please your palate and your doctor by consuming brussel sprouts. Not only do they contain a wide range of health benefits, they are also delicious. You can eat them raw, cooked, sauteed, mixed, boiled or added to your favorite recipes. They make a good ingredient in breads, rice and potatoes as well, although their flavor is a little bit less than those of its relatives like spinach and kale. By consuming at least one serving of brussel sprouts each day, you can ensure that you receive all of the health benefits of these little wonderments!