Isn’t it funny how we hate certain things as children, only to love them as adults?
Case in point: taking naps, receivingpractical gifts, and eating Brussels sprouts.
Luckily, Brussels sproutsaregood for you, so the change of heart is totally justified.
Anna Williams
They’re chock-full of heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory compounds, plus antioxidants to boot.
(Apparently, our parents were on to something.)
The Top Benefits of Eating Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts fight oxidative stress.
Con Poulos
Why do we need these compounds?
Because too many of us are dealing with the consequences of free radicals, the molecules that causeoxidative stress.
These free radicals cause damage to your cells when they’re present in high amounts.
Roland Bello
They reduce inflammation.
Another terrible consequence of oxidative stress?
But again…bring on the Brussels sprouts!
Brie Passano
They’re high in fiber and support gut health.
This cruciferous veggie offers fiber, a crucial nutrient for digestive health.
More regular bowel movements, along with alower risk of bloating, diarrhea, and/or irritable bowel syndrome.
John Kernick
Additionally, the fiber in Brussels sprouts feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut, notes Ivanir.
This helps maintain thebalance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, which is crucial for healthy digestion.
If you usually don’t eat much fiber, go easy on the Brussels sprouts to start.
Brussels sprouts stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing your risk for diabetes.
The soluble fiber in Brussels sprouts can also regulate blood sugar.
Here’s how: As mentioned earlier, soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the gut.
The ALA in Brussels sprouts can help manage blood sugar, too.
They lower bad cholesterol and protect your heart.
Brussels sprouts canprotect your heart, and it’s all thanks to their soluble fiber content.
It also helps the body excrete more cholesterol, according to theNational Lipid Association.
(Side note: Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol.
So when the fiber leaves the body, the cholesterol goes along with it.)
They support immune function with almost as much vitamin C as an orange.
Although citrus fruitslikeorangesand grapefruitsare excellent for immune health, they aren’t your only options.
Like oranges,Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that’s for immune function.
Vitamin C also helps repair tissue and heal wounds, says Ivanir, further protecting your body.
They’re high in vitamin K to help boost bone health.
Brussels sprouts aren’t typically associated with bone healthbut they can definitely lend a hand.
According to Ivanir, Brussels sprouts offervitamin K, a nutrient that activates proteins involved in bone formation.
(Bone resorption naturally speeds up with age, which increases the risk of osteoporosis.
The pancetta not only infuses the vegetable with flavor, but it also adds crispiness, too.
The result is a golden brown exterior and a perfectly tender interior.
2021;125(3):337-345. doi:10.1017/S0007114520002706
Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and immune function.Nutrients.
