Brussels sprouts are a hardy member of the cabbage family and produce miniature cabbage-like heads 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The sprouts grow from a tall, heavy main stem surrounded by large green leaves.
Like most leafy green vegetables, they are low in calories, full of Vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, folic acid and fiber. also they are high in protein. They’re believed to protect against colon cancer. And because they’re a source of a second potent chemical called 'sulforaphane', they boost DNA repair and block the growth of cancer cells.
1. A Natural Digestive
The high fiber content in Brussels sprouts helps in multiple ways to improve your
digestion and in regularizing your bowel movement. They facilitate the release and binding of bile juices and aid digestion.
Brussel sprouts mainly have soluble fiber which absorbs water and softens the stools while adding bulk to it.
This process prevents constipation and consequently gives relief to those who are suffering from piles and colon related diseases.
Fiber also ensures that your intestines get cleansed and empty out completely of its contents. This reduces the chances of various bacterial and fungal infections in the Gastrointestinal tract.
2. Maintains Ideal Blood Pressure
The very fiber that helps in improving digestion also is a key factor in controlling blood pressure.
Brussel sprouts hardly have any fat and simply no cholesterol. This basically helps in cutting down the amount of Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) also labeled as “Bad Cholesterol” in the blood.
Continuous deposition of LDLs over a period of time create plaque along the inner lining of arteries. This condition eventually leads to rigid arteries that have a narrow passage for blood to flow.
All these factors put a lot of stress on the heart and cause the blood pressure to fluctuate. Consuming Brussels sprouts reduce the incidence of raised blood pressure and protect the entire Cardiovascular system from the undue stress.
3. Aids Weight Loss
If you have been fighting with weight issues and a bulging waistline, then get to an active lifestyle and incorporate a healthy diet.
Including vegetables like Brussel sprouts can do the world of good for you if you are following a strict dietary regimen and want to shed tons of extra pound.
These sprouts help you in more than one way to achieve your weight loss target.
Firstly, fiber acts as a natural appetite suppressant; it discourages you from consuming more food and keeps you full for longer.
Secondly, it has no cholesterol, but it helps in breaking down the fats in your body eventually giving you a leaner physique.
Thirdly, it has a rich composition of trace metals that make the electrolyte and is high in water content. These two qualities are a must for any food which accompanies heavy physical exercises that lead to fluid loss in the body.
4. Reduces Acne Breakout
Acne is the worst enemy of your skin and can completely mar your looks on a special day!
So what are the causes behind acne breakouts?
Oiliness on the skin, pathogens like yeast, fungus, bacteria and environmental factor play a vital role in determining the frequency of acne breakouts.
Of the three causes, preventing acne owing to Pathogens is one area where Brussels sprouts and its fiber can help you out.
You would be surprised to know that fiber protects your skin and its health by moving yeast and fungus out of your body through bowel excretion.
Otherwise, this same fungus and yeast could find a way into your bloodstream and excrete through your skin leading to a bad case of Acne.
5. Carbs in sprouts Boost Your Mood
Have you been feeling low and depressed lately?
This may be time for you to add Brussels sprouts in your daily diet. And we are advocating this vegetable not only for its refreshing green color which could uplift your mood instantly but its nutritional goodness as well.
The Carbohydrates in these sprouts incite better mood and reduce the incidences of mood swings. Brussel sprouts contain vitamin C, D and B6 that are known to synthesize various neurotransmitters that are related to mood and mood swings.
Vitamin B6 helps in creating Dopamine, which regulates emotional responses.
Brussel sprouts also contain amino acid Tryptophan, which is known to lower anxiety and lend a feeling of calmness. All these qualities make this vegetable a complete and effective mood enhancer.
6. Improves memory & Brain function
Brussel sprouts strengthen neurotransmitters of our body and maintain the balance of electrolyte owing to its own composition of trace metals like potassium, phosphorus, and manganese.
Electrolyte induces electric signals in our nerves that help in transmitting signals from the brain that become the basis and plan on which every part of our body act.
An optimum level of electrolyte in the body ensures that the signals are transmitted promptly and consequently optimize the brain functioning as well.
Apart from enhancing brain function and improving memory, Brussels sprouts are considered good in the diet of those who are undergoing treatment for psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, ADHD and similar conditions.
7. Safeguards Myelin Sheaths
Myelin sheaths are a fatty substance which coats and protects nerves in the central as well as the peripheral nervous system. The impulses sent from the brain travel via nerves and myelin reduces the chances of these impulses getting lost on their way by escaping at a wrong point.
The damage or destruction of Myelin sheaths can completely impair the transmission of impulses leading to various disabilities including multiple sclerosis.
Brussels sprouts contain Lecithin, the fatty substance containing choline and Lipid molecules that are a source for Myelin production.
They safeguard the Myelin and also replace the damaged ones. Very few vegetarian dishes have myelin protecting properties and Brussels sprouts is amongst those very few.
8. Maintains Eye Health
By now, we know that Brussels sprouts are strong antioxidants as they contain Vitamin C which is more than oranges. It also has Vitamin K and Vitamin E. Antioxidants help in fighting the free-radical damage in the body which can damage the mucous membranes of the eye. They also reduce the risk of developing degenerative diseases of the eyes like macular degeneration and cataract.
Both of these conditions, if remain unchecked, can lead to partial or complete vision loss. The vitamins not only protect the eye from damage due to oxidative stress but also supports their health by strengthening the vision and organs that make the eye.