Brussels Sprout – Erakina

Brussels sprouts are healthy vegetables that are high in nutrients. It is a sort of mini cabbage that is cooked as a nutritious main course or side dish. Brussels sprouts resemble baby cabbage belonging to the family of Brassicaceae. Doctors and dieticians recommend Brussels sprout as a part of the diet for high minerals, vitamins, and fiber contents. The vegetable earned its name from the Belgian capital, Brussels. Brussels sprouts are widely produced across Belgium since the 16th century. Growing Brussels sprout is quite easy and you can grow the healthy vegetable in your backyard as well. Temperatures are not a factor as the vegetable can withstand chilly winters as well. Studies suggest that Brussels sprouts owing to their high content in antioxidants can cure certain sorts of cancer like colorectal cancer. But overconsumption of such vegetables may lead to indigestion and intestinal issues. 

An effective immunity booster

Scientific classification of Brussels Sprout

Family: Brassicaceae

Species: Brassica oleracea

Cultivator group: Gemmifera Group

Nutritional components of Brussels Sprout

Brussels sprouts are recommended by doctors and dieticians around the world. It is because of the high nutritional value of the vegetables and have low calories. You name any healthy consumable components and you will have it in Brussels sprouts. A half-cup of Brussels sprout weighing around 78 grams contain the following components:

• Calories: 28 grams
• Carbohydrate: 6 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin A: 12% of the RDI
• Vitamin C: 81% of the RDI. It helps in iron absorption, tissue repair, and strengthens immunity.  
• Vitamin K: 137% of the RDI. Strengthens bone and accelerates blood clotting. 
• Manganese: 9% of the RDI
• Folate: 12% of the RDI

Each of the nutrients present in Brussels sprouts is effective for your health. Brussels sprouts are high in antioxidants and fibrous content, improving your gut health. Besides the above components, Brussels sprout possesses a certain amount of Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, and Thiamine. 

Brussels sprout high in Vitamins

• Vitamin K and Brussels sprout

A half-cup of cooked Brussels sprout contains around 137% of the daily requirement of Vitamin K. It is crucial to stop bleeding accelerating clotting of blood. Consumption of Brussels sprout ensures healthy bones. So if you are suffering from osteoporosis, having the vegetable will strengthen your core muscles. Vitamin K in Brussels sprout comes with a lot of health benefits. Even pharmaceutical companies promote Vitamin K supplements out of Brussels sprout to reduce the risk of fracture, especially for the females going through menopause. 

A cure for cancer 

• Vitamin C and Brussels sprout

A half-cup or 78 grams of cooked Brussels sprout contains 81% Vitamin C. Having Brussels sprout as a part of your diet enriches the antioxidant level of your body. It also helps to grow and repair the body tissues enhancing the immunity part. The antioxidant part in the healthy vegetable cures chronic ailments like the common cold. Brussels sprout is one of the best sources of Vitamin C that is available around us. A couple of servings of Brussels sprout in a week fulfills our Vitamin C requirements. 

Brussels sprout can fight cancer

If you want a healthy body, Brussels sprout is a must for your diet. A 2008 study show that Brussels sprout can help fight certain kinds of cancer. The healthy vegetable can protect you from cancer-causing agents preventing cell damage. Brussels sprout tends to neutralize the compounds owing to oxidative stress. The latter contributes to deadly diseases like colorectal or other types of cancer. 

Brussels sprout is a healthy vegetable 

Brussels sprout for a healthy body

The high level of fiber and antioxidant level makes Brussels sprout a healthy vegetable to be a part of your platter. The fibrous element helps your body to digest the material smoothly and addresses issues like constipation. So if you are suffering from stool inconsistency, the healthy vegetable ought to be an important dietary constituent of your platter. 

The bottom line on Brussels sprout

Brussels sprout has a host of health benefits. You can grow the leafy, healthy vegetable abundantly in your backyard. One or two servings of the vegetable help you to strengthen your bones, improve immunity, and prevent deadly diseases like cancer. But the vegetable contains certain indigestible fibers (raffinose) that the human stomach may find difficult to digest. Hence Brussels sprout can enhance gas among certain people that can create uneasiness and may even consult a doctor for suitable remedies.  

By Shuvendu Modak

08.02.22