Vegetables
Brussels sprouts are hearty with a strong, nutty flavour. You can purchase a fresh Brussels sprout stalk, which hosts small heads neatly aligned side by side in rows, or you can buy a bag of loose sprouts, fresh or frozen. Enjoy them raw and shredded in a salad or roasted to perfection.
A lot of people believe Brussels sprouts to be spelt and pronounced “brussel sprouts” however, it is always spelt with a capitalised “B” as it is named after the Belgian city of Brussels, hence the “S” on the end of Brussels as well.
Brussels sprouts are low in carbohydrates with lots of filling fibre. While it's no surprise that Brussels sprouts are a healthy food, they aren't always prepared in the healthiest way. Many Brussels sprouts recipes call for ingredients like bacon, butter, or maple syrup, quickly racking up the saturated fat and sugar content. Be mindful of your preparation to get the maximum benefits from this nutritional powerhouse.
Brussels Sprouts Nutrition Facts
The following nutrition information is provided by the USDA for 1 cup (156g) of Brussels sprouts cooked with no added fat or sodium.
Calories: 56
Fat: 0.8g
Sodium: 16mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fibre: 4.1g
Sugars: 2.7g
Protein: 4g
Carbs
Of the 11 grams of carbohydrates in a 1 cup of cooked Brussels sprouts, a little over 4 grams are from fibre. Fibre is an indigestible carbohydrate that helps keep you full, reduces cholesterol, regulates bowels, and helps stabilise blood sugar.
Brussels sprouts have a very low glycemic index and are a great choice for those on a low-carb diet or anyone who is watching their blood sugar.
Fats
Brussels sprouts contain negligible amounts of fat with a greater percentage coming from unsaturated fats than saturated fats.
Protein
With about 4 grams of protein per 1 cup cooked, Brussels sprouts are a decent source of plant-based protein, especially if you have multiple servings. Brussels sprouts are not a complete source of all the essential amino acids, however, so it is important to eat a variety of protein sources rather than relying on Brussels sprouts alone.
Vitamins and Minerals
Brussels sprouts are a source of the B-vitamins necessary for cellular energy production, including vitamin B6, thiamine, and folate. Brussels sprouts contain 24% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A, which is great for your eyes and internal organs. They also contain manganese, which helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol.
Health Benefits
Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin K. They're rich in fibre and beneficial phytonutrients which offer a host of health benefits.
Aids Healing
Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamin K. If you cut yourself, vitamin K helps your blood clot to prevent excessive bleeding. Furthermore, vitamin C promotes tissue repair by promoting collagen.
Promotes Immunity
Vitamin C has long been studied for its role in preventing colds. Despite its reputation as a cold-fighter, the true immune system benefits of Brussels sprouts more likely come from its numerous phytochemicals. Bioactive compounds in cruciferous vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, reduce inflammation, induce immune functions, and stimulate natural detoxification.
Supports Strong Bones
The vitamin K in Brussels sprouts also plays an important role in bone formation. There are multiple vitamin K-dependent proteins involved in bone mineralisation, turnover, and calcification. Brussels sprout's protein content also helps support muscle and bone strength.
Reduces Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
The fibre in Brussels sprouts and other vegetables has long been associated with appetite control and maintaining a healthy weight. Plant-based eating plans have been shown to reduce circulating levels of the appetite hormone, leptin. Although leptin sends fullness cues to the brain, high leptin levels can cause resistance to leptin's message. Including Brussels sprouts as part of a high-vegetable menu reduces this effect and protects against metabolic syndrome.
Prevents Cancer
Brussels sprouts are one of the cruciferous vegetables shown to have anti-cancer properties. There is some evidence that this may in part be due to the activation of certain enzymes in the liver that binds to carcinogens. Research seems particularly promising in the prevention of breast and ovarian cancer. Dose-dependent associations have been observed between the intake of cooked cruciferous vegetables and the development of ovarian cancer.
Allergies
People with an intolerance to histamine-rich foods may experience allergy-like symptoms after eating Brussels sprouts. There is potential for cross-reactivity in people with allergies to cabbage, peaches, or mustard.
Adverse Effects
Brassica vegetables (crucifers) such as Brussels sprouts can cause gastrointestinal issues in some people, especially when eaten raw. Cooking Brussels sprouts makes them easier to digest. Brussels sprouts are not recommended for people following a low-FODMAP diet to manage gastrointestinal symptoms.
Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts are goitrogenic, which means they might interfere with iodine uptake, disrupting the thyroid gland's production of hormones necessary for regulating metabolism. There is a weak association between thyroid cancer, goitres, and the intake of cruciferous vegetables in some populations, particularly in women with iodine deficiencies. There is not sufficient evidence to warrant a dietary restriction of Brussels sprouts though.
If you take the medication Coumadin (warfarin) as a blood thinner, your doctor may advise you to eat a consistent amount of green leafy vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, to keep your clotting levels stable. Be sure to discuss your eating habits with your doctor when taking blood thinners.
When It's Best
You can usually find Brussels sprouts year-round, but peak season falls in the autumn and winter months. Brussels sprouts are best when harvested after a frost. They should be 1–1.5 inches in diameter and hard, green, and compact.
Frozen Brussels sprouts are an equally nutritious alternative to fresh. Canned and pickled Brussels sprouts are also available for use in certain dishes (and even cocktails in place of olives). These preserved varieties are likely to be higher in sodium with a slightly diminished nutritional value. Rinse before eating to reduce some of the excess sodium.
Storage and Food Safety
Whole, uncut Brussels sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five weeks, but after a couple of days, the quality starts to decrease. For longer-term storage, blanch and freeze Brussels sprouts for up to one year. Before cutting fresh Brussels sprouts, wash your hands well and remove the damaged outer leaves. Rinse Brussels sprouts under running water and dry with a clean paper towel.
How to Prepare
Brussels sprouts can be steamed, roasted, stir-fried, or shredded to use in slaws and salads. Cook them simply with a small amount of salt, pepper, and olive oil, or fancy them up by adding heart-healthy nuts and spices.
If using frozen sprouts, let them defrost before cooking.
Cook the sprouts until they are fork-tender and have turned a vibrant green with a few golden brown spots (overcooking sprouts affects their texture and turns them a drab green/khaki). This takes about five minutes when pan-frying.
To reduce cooking time, you can blanch your Brussels sprouts first. Place them in boiling salted water for about 30 seconds and then transfer them to an ice bath to slow down the cooking process. When you are ready to prepare them, cook them as you wish and serve immediately.
Turn the sprouts every so often to prevent them from burning.
