Benefits of Brussel Sprouts

Today we’re talking about the miniature cabbage that is a sadly not so loved vegetable but it is extremely good for your health. Enter, the Brussel Sprouts. Historically it is said that around the 16th Century onwards, it was popular in Brussels, Belgium and may have gained its name from there.  Many of my patients have told me that Brussel sprouts aren’t in their regular recipes even if it is good for health.

4 valuable benefits of Brussel sprouts are:

• Low in calories (per 100 gram it has only 42 calories)
• Extremely high in many nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K as well as fibre
• Loaded with minerals like potassium and magnesium.
• High in Kaempferol, an antioxidant that has been studied for its several health benefits such as cardiac health promotor as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

Brussel sprouts have been proven to increase the levels of various liver supportive enzymes which are better known as detoxification enzymes by almost 15-40%. So, it is correct in saying that a regular intake of Brussel sprouts can help in detoxification processes on a regular basis.

I have always kept Brussel sprouts in many of my recipes and diet plans for my clients esp. those who need blood sugar regulation as well as working against high cholesterol/high triglycerides. Multiple clinical studies have proved that an increased intake of cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts have decreased the risk of diabetes mellitus as well as insipidus since it contains alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that’s been researched extensively for its potential benefits on blood sugar reduction and maintaining healthy levels of the hormone insulin in the body.

Dr. Vidhi Pandya Patel | R&D Consultant and Nutritionist