You may remember being served up Brussels Sprouts as a child and the alarmed reaction you had to seeing them on your plate, never mind having to eat them! But those small, round veggies were put on your plate because they’re actually one of the world’s healthiest foods. Brussels Sprouts fall into the cruciferous family and are packed with fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals and may help protect you against various cancers, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes.
Are They Called Brussel Sprouts or Brussels Sprouts?
Well, most people refer to these mini-cabbages as Brussel sprouts but the correct plural term is, in fact, Brussels sprouts as they are evidently named after the Belgian capital city.
Are Brussels Sprouts Just Miniature Cabbages?
They may resemble mini-cabbages but no, they aren’t! They do, however, belong to the same family – the Brassica or cruciferous family – which includes kale, broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens and bok choy.
Nutritional Value And Health Benefits
Brussels sprouts have found popularity due to their high nutritional value and versatility in the kitchen. When raw, Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamin C and K and contain good amounts of B vitamins such as vitamin B6, folic acids, and other essential minerals. They are also a good source of dietary fibre and protein and contain absolutely no cholesterol.
Like cabbages, if you have too many of them, they may cause an overactive bowel, so it’s important to eat them in moderation. Apart from making you extra-regular, they can also cause gas and bloating if you eat too many.
Brussels sprouts are also a great source of vitamin A, which is an antioxidant required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes, skin, and promoting optimal eye health. Foods and veggies rich with vitamin A have been known to offer protection against some cancers such as oral cavity and lung cancer and research is showing that this veggie also cleanses the body of many toxins.
Brussels sprouts are also one of the leading veggie sources of vitamin K, which is best for bone health and preventing diseases and disorders of the bones such as osteoporosis. They are also an excellent source of minerals such as copper, iron, manganese, calcium, potassium and phosphorus which all help to build strong bones, remove toxins, regulate metabolism, promote strong muscles, oxygenate the blood, and so much more. These superfoods are a do-it-all veggie that promotes optimal health and wellbeing.
How Do You Prepare Them?
All you have to do is remove a few of the outer leaves and a bit of the stalk. Wash them, and you’re ready to go!
Adding Brussels sprouts to your diet is incredibly easy because they can be prepared in so many different ways. Oven roasted Brussels sprouts; stir-fried, baked, shredded sprouts, parmesan sprouts, breaded, and raw sprouts are just a few ways to prepare these veggies. There are many oven roasted recipes that can be made with crumbled bacon, onion and fresh garlic.
They can also be added to soups, salads, casseroles, pasta dishes, vegetable loafs, and used as garnish around poultry and fish. There’s truly no right or wrong way to make these, so simply find a recipe that intrigues you and get cooking!
One of my favourite recipes is to slice mushrooms and Brussels sprouts thinly, then fry them in a small amount of coconut oil. Add a pinch of chilli. Allow to cool slightly and then serve with hummous. It’s a quick meal to prepare and the combination of caramelised mushrooms, Brussels sprouts and hummous is beyond delicious!
Created By Nature, Made for You
Though Brussels sprouts may have gotten a bad reputation when you were a child, it’s time to look at them with new eyes. These little vegetables benefit your body and wellbeing and, when eaten in moderation, they will keep you regular, have you feeling great, and inspire you to create a healthy diet around them and their health benefits.
Your Mum was right when she told you to always eat your vegetables!