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Brussel Sprouts – Health Benefits

Brussels Sprouts in Bowl
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  • 2 years ago
  • 3Minutes
  • 756Words
  • 335Views

Background

The Brussel sprout (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) is a member of the Gemmifera Group of cabbages (Brassica oleracea), grown for its delicious edible buds.

The genus Brassica (family Brassicaceae, also known as Cruciferae) includes a high number of vegetables comprising among others broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, kohlrabi, cabbage, and mustard.

Brussel Sprouts are a great winter vegetable to grow in your garden with an excellent yield. They are extremely versatile and can be included in many dishes, from soups, curries, and stir fry to smoothies and juices.

brussels

Nutrition

Brussel sprouts are among the top 20 most nutritious foods according to their Aggregate Nutrient Density Index score, which measures vitamin, mineral, and phytonutrient contents in relation to calorie content. (2) Brussel sprouts have some amazing nutrient qualities, for example, a 100g serving contains:

  • 85mg of Vitamin C
  • 177µg of Vitamin K
  • 42mg of Calcium
  • 23mg of Magnesium

Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

Brussel sprouts contain a high amount of chlorophyll, which can block the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines generated upon grilling meats at high temperatures. Recent studies have reported that cruciferous vegetables including Brussel sprouts may protect humans against oxidative stress, several cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension as well as lowering cholesterol levels. (2)

Brussel sprouts are an important rich source of sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates. Glucosinolates are hydrolyzed to isothiocyanates (ITCs) by the action of myrosinase in the presence of water. Cruciferous vegetables including Brussel sprouts contain a variety of glucosinolates, each of which forms different ITCs such as sulforaphane, phenylethyl isothiocyanates, and allyl isothiocyanates, as well as indole compounds. ITCs, which are potentially bioactive components present in cruciferous vegetables, are being investigated for their anticarcinogenic properties, including their ability to induce phase I and II detoxification enzymes and inhibit genes that promote tumor formation. (2)

Several epidemiologic studies highlight that a regular intake of Brassica vegetables is associated with a reduced incidence of cancer and further beneficial effects on health were demonstrated in cardiovascular diseases and in metabolic disorders such as diabetes. (1)

Ultra Simple Recipe

SERVES 2

Ingredients

  • 1/4 of a Crown (or half a buttercup) Pumpkin cut into pieces
  • 1 round of Brie cut into about 16 wedges
  • About 15-20 Brussel sprouts
  • Coconut oil for roasting pumpkin

Method

Peel and chop the pumpkin into roasting-sized pieces and place in a roasting pan. Chop stalk ends of Brussel sprouts and boil for 20 minutes until soft while pumpkin roasts.

When cooked serve pumpkin and Brussel sprouts with Brie.

I like mine with some mustard.

Enjoy!

More To Explore

Cabbage Health Benefits

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) Health Benfits

2 days ago4Minutes1252Words8ViewsCabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, offers numerous gut health benefits, largely due to its rich nutritional profile. It provides dietary fiber, antioxidants, and important vitamins that contribute to maintaining a healthy digestive system. Here’s an overview of the key gut health benefits of cabbage, along with the role of glutamine: 1. Rich in Dietary Fiber Cabbage is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber plays a crucial role in supporting gut health by: Promoting healthy digestion: Insoluble fiber helps bulk up stool and move it through the intestines, preventing constipation and ensuring regular bowel movements. Supporting beneficial gut bacteria: Soluble fiber is fermented by gut bacteria, which produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate. These SCFAs fuel the cells of the colon, promoting a healthy gut lining and reducing inflammation. 2. Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Properties Cabbage contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress in the gut. This is important because chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to digestive disorders like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Cabbage’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the gut lining and maintain a healthy gut environment. 3. Supports Gut Lining and Mucosal Health Cabbage, especially when consumed in its raw form, contains glutamine, an amino acid that has been shown to support gut health. Glutamine is essential for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining. It helps to: Repair the gut lining: Glutamine supports the epithelial cells of the intestines, aiding in their repair and regeneration. This is especially important for those with leaky gut syndrome or those suffering from inflammation-related digestive disorders. Enhance gut permeability: Glutamine aids in maintaining the balance of the gut’s permeability, ensuring that nutrients pass through properly while preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. 4. Helps in Digestive Enzyme Production Cabbage contains a significant amount of vitamin U (also known as S-methylmethionine), which can help boost the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes aid in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, which is vital for optimal digestive health. 5. Supports Detoxification Cabbage, particularly the variety known as sauerkraut, supports detoxification through its high content of glucosinolate compounds. These compounds help activate detoxifying enzymes in the liver, which supports the overall health of the digestive system by helping the body eliminate waste more efficiently. Role of Glutamine in Gut Health from Cabbage: Cabbage as a Glutamine Source: While glutamine is found in various foods, including meat, fish, and dairy, cabbage is one of the plant-based sources that can contribute to its intake. Glutamine in cabbage supports gut cells and helps to maintain a healthy mucosal layer in the intestines. This, in turn, protects the gut from irritants and helps heal the gut lining after it has been damaged by inflammation or stress. Intestinal Health: Glutamine is the preferred fuel for intestinal cells (enterocytes), which helps maintain the integrity of the gut barrier. This function is critical for individuals suffering from gut disorders like IBS, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, as glutamine helps reduce gut permeability and improve overall digestive function. Conclusion Including cabbage in your diet, whether raw, cooked, or fermented, offers numerous benefits for gut health. It provides dietary fiber, antioxidants, and glutamine, which help support healthy digestion, reduce inflammation, repair the gut lining, and maintain optimal gut barrier function. This makes cabbage a powerful ally for anyone looking to improve their digestive health naturally. Would you like more information on how to incorporate cabbage into your diet for gut health, or perhaps explore additional glutamine-rich foods? Try this Recipe:Mung Bean Coleslaw 10% Off BodiClenz – Ultimate Herbal DETOX Drink $152.10 – $259.00 View Info 10% Off Ultimate Herbal DETOX Body Cleanse Program $195.75 – $197.10 View Info Digezaid Digestive Support 120 Capsules $59.00 View Info 10% Off BodiTune Detox n Slim 500g or 1kg Pot $116.10 – $197.10 View Info No products found

Using Heat To Encourage Detoxification

Super Hot Winter Detox

The balance between our inner and outer environments play a major role when considering health from the holisitc standpoint, and can be why we become more susceptible to certain ailments at different times of year.
Let’s explore some of the key reasons to use heat as part of a mid-winter detox.