Brussel Sprouts are members of the brassica (cabbage) family which makes them similar to cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. They are leafy green vegetables about an inch big that look like miniature cabbages. Despite being given the name ‘Brussel’ after the city in Belgium, it is not commonly believed that Brussel sprouts originated here. In fact, it is thought that they were first cultivated in ancient Rome. These vegetables are now cultivated throughout Europe and the United States as well as other moderate regions.
When buying Brussel sprouts, look for firm, compact, and vivid green specimens. Brussel sprouts are most commonly sold after the stalks have been removed from the head. However, if you buy them with the stalks still attached, cut off the stalks before cooking. Brussel sprouts can be cooked by boiling, steaming or roasting, but be aware that boiling will result in a significant loss of the anti-cancer compounds found in raw Brussel sprouts.
Overcooking will produce sulphur dioxide and make the sprouts taste unpalatable, so boiling or steaming the vegetables for six to seven minutes will suffice. When they are perfectly cooked they should have a crisp dense texture and a slightly sweet taste. Brussel sprouts are best stored in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator and if placed inside a plastic bag, they can be kept for up to ten days. To freeze Brussel sprouts, first blanch them for three to five minutes. They can then be kept in the freezer for up to a year.
Why are Brussel Sprouts to good to eat?
Brussel sprouts truly are a super food. As you can see, Brussel sprouts provide the body with many vitamins and minerals. They can lower cholesterol, prevent cancer and assist in the detoxification of the body, which makes them an essential part of a healthy diet. Brussel sprouts are believed to have potent anti-cancer properties. While boiling reduces the compounds, steaming, microwaving, and stir frying will retain most of the chemical for your digestion.
Brussel sprouts protect the body from cancer because they contain cancer-preventive glucosinolates. Even though all of the brassica family vegetables contain these, research shows that Brussel sprouts have a special combination that gives extra protection. Prevention of bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer are most closely associated with intake of Brussel sprouts.
Brussel sprouts provide nutrients which support the body’s detox system, antioxidant system and anti-inflammatory system. Chronic imbalances of any of these systems can lead to cancer, and incorporating Brussel sprouts as part of a healthy diet will aid each of these systems and keep your body in balance.
Brussel sprouts’ effects on the detox system can also assist in weight loss. Minerals in Brussel sprouts stimulate the kidneys, which results in the quicker release of body waste. Brussel sprouts stimulate the pancreas, which releases hormones that have a cleansing effect on the cells. Brussel sprouts are low in calories and can be a great food to aid detoxification and assist you to lose weight. Steamed Brussel sprouts have cholesterol lowering benefits and they are a great addition to a healthy eating plan.
Food Group: Vegetable
Nutritional Values: Per 100g (green olives)
- 43 Calories
- 0g Fat of which 0% is saturated
- 9g Carbohydrates
Nutrients:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B6
- Thiamin
- Folate
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Fibre
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Riboflavin
