11 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts (2024)

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11 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts (1)

ByCarrie Madormo, RN

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated: Jul. 23, 2023

    From glowing skin to better gut health, the health benefits of Brussels sprouts make this vegetable worth eating.

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    11 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts (2)

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    Lower Your Risk for Heart Disease

    This quintessential fall side dish is so much more than an excuse to eat more bacon. Brussels sprouts are loaded with healthy nutrients like vitamin C. Studies have linked a diet rich in vitamin C from fruits and vegetables to a lower risk for chronic cardiovascular disease.

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    Pack Antioxidants

    Brussels sprouts are rich in antioxidants, compounds that contribute to healthier cells and a lower risk of cancer. Try chopping fresh Brussels sprouts for a salad or roasting them with garlic and a savory mustard sauce for an easy and delicious weeknight side dish.

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    Provide Plant-Based Protein

    One cup of Brussels sprouts provides 4 grams of healthy, plant-based protein. This is especially helpful if you follow a vegan or vegetarian meal plan and need more sources of natural protein in your diet. Try roasting Brussels sprouts in olive oil or adding interesting flavors like pomegranate and hazelnut.

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    Strengthen Your Bones

    Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin K, which may improve your bone strength and prevent injuries. A 2017 study found that eating a diet rich in vitamin K everyday was associated with a lower risk of fractures. Give your bones a dose of vitamin K and calcium with these delicious Brussels sprouts au gratin. Your taste buds will thank you, too!

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    Improve Gut Health

    These tasty little veggies are packed with fiber, which can improve your gut health in several different ways. From preventing constipation to lowering your risk of colorectal cancer, a diet rich in fiber is essential for a healthy gut and body.

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    Reduce Inflammation

    Eating a well-balanced diet full of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts can reduce unwanted inflammation in your body. Over time, inflammation can lead to chronic disease, so giving your cells a hit of healthy veggies, like in this roasted green vegetable medley, can help protect them.

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    Help Prevent Birth Defects

    If you’re planning on growing your family, it’s time to add some Brussels sprouts recipes to your diet. Brussels sprouts are a natural source of folate, an essential nutrient for preventing certain birth defects. In addition to taking prenatal vitamins, eating foods with folate can help to prevent defects in your baby’s brain and spine.

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    Support Eye Health

    Like carrots and sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts are rich in carotenoids, nutrients that can be converted to vitamin A in your body. Eating foods with carotenoids is associated with improved eye health and preventing eye damage caused by blue light (looking at you, phone screen.)

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    Control Diabetes

    Lower your risk for diabetes when you start cooking with cruciferous vegetables every day. A 2016 study found that people who regularly eat those crunchy veggies have a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Add roasted Brussels sprouts as a side dish or make it the main event with flavorful ginger halibut.

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    Make Skin Glow

    Say buh-bye to tired, dull-looking skin when you start adding Brussels sprouts into your diet. Because it’s full of vitamin C, this yummy veggie contributes to collagen production, keeping your skin firm and glowing. Spice up your next meal time with shredded ginger Brussels sprouts for that youthful glow.

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    Supply Healthy Fats

    If you’re not a fish fan, you may have a challenging time getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Fortunately, Brussels sprouts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is converted to omega-3’s in your body. These nutrients have been proven to improve cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease.

    Author

    Carrie Madormo, RN

    Carrie is a nurse and health writer who has worked with Taste of Home for six years. As a former health coach, she’s written across a range of health publications and digital outlets and strives to translate the latest health and nutrition research into easy-to-understand information and actionable articles.

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    11 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts (13)

    11 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts (2024)

    FAQs

    11 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts? ›

    Brussels sprout is taken by mouth as an antioxidant; for constipation, scurvy, and wound healing; and to prevent prostate problems, bladder cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, lung cancer, birth defects due to low folic acid levels, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, osteoporosis, pancreatic cancer, and prostate ...

    What organ is brussel sprouts good for? ›

    Eating a lot of Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate. Crunchy veggies like Brussels sprouts may also help you stave off other health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

    How many Brussels sprouts should you eat a day? ›

    A ½ cup of Brussels sprouts is a good source of Vitamin K (137% RDI) and Vitamin C (81% RDI) Kids, Ages 5-12 Teens and Adults, Ages 13 and up Males 2½-5 cups per day 42 - 6½ cups per day Females 2½-5 cups per day 3½-5 cups per day *If you are active, eat the higher number of cups per day.

    What is the healthiest way to eat Brussels sprouts? ›

    Roasting Brussels sprouts caramelizes their natural sugar and mellows out bitter notes, providing rich flavor and a crispier texture. Brussels sprouts are a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K, notes the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

    What is one major side effect of eating Brussels sprouts? ›

    Although a healthy vegetable, consuming too many Brussels sprouts can be unsuitable for people on anticoagulants since it contains vitamin K, which results in blood clotting. Another issue with consuming Brussels sprouts excessively is that it can lead to gas and bloating.

    Do Brussels sprouts clean your liver? ›

    Brussel Sprouts

    They stimulate detox enzymes found in the liver and may also be protective to cells. This enzyme action helps remove toxins from the blood and support the liver. Brussels sprouts also contain antioxidants that prevent cell damage.

    Which is healthier broccoli or brussel sprouts? ›

    While broccoli may have a higher count of calories, fat, and carbs, it is richer in calcium, iron, and pantothenic acid (a B vitamin that does wonders for healthy hair), and has a bit more potassium. Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, are lower in sodium.

    Which is healthier, cabbage or Brussels sprouts? ›

    There are also nutritional differences - cabbage has fewer calories than Brussels sprouts, but also fewer nutrients, with sprouts containing higher concentrations of vitamins A and C, Folic Acid, Potassium, Magnesium and Phosphorus.

    Are Brussel sprouts healthier, raw or cooked? ›

    When Brussels sprouts are cooked, they may undergo some nutrient changes. Levels of the antioxidant vitamins E and K increase during cooking, but levels of some water-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin C, decrease.

    Why do you soak Brussels sprouts before cooking? ›

    Not only can soaking make the centers more malleable, but the water that's absorbed into them will create a steaming action, whether you choose to roast, saute, or make your Brussels sprouts in your air fryer. The steam can help to ensure the cooking is even throughout the Brussels sprout.

    How long do Brussels sprouts last in the fridge? ›

    Brussels sprouts last for about one week in the fridge or 1 year in the freezer. If freezing, be sure to blanch the Brussels sprouts first. Rotten Brussels sprouts will have brown or yellow spots or be soft to the touch.

    Why do I feel so good after eating brussel sprouts? ›

    Brussels sprouts are high in antioxidants, compounds that promote overall health and help prevent damage to cells ( 5 , 6). Eating Brussels sprouts as part of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help supply the antioxidants your body needs to promote good health.

    Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? ›

    Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? Go for it. “If you enjoy sprouts and can tolerate them, absolutely! They're lower in calories and contain a myriad of important nutrients” says Snyder.

    Are brussel sprouts inflammatory? ›

    Brussels sprouts are a source of fiber and may reduce inflammation. This cruciferous vegetable offers nutrients, including antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

    Are brussel sprouts good for kidneys and liver? ›

    Other kidney-friendly cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts.

    What plant organ is brussel sprouts? ›

    Brussels sprouts are the axillary buds growing in the leaf axils along the stem of the plant. They are grown for the fresh market and quick freezing, they can be sold loose, pre-packed or on the stem and the tops can also be sold rather like a small cabbage.

    Are brussel sprouts good for your digestive system? ›

    Eating Brussels sprouts along with other good sources of fiber — like other vegetables, fruits, and whole grains — can help you meet your fiber needs. Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, which can promote regularity, support digestive health, and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

    Are brussel sprouts better for you than broccoli? ›

    While broccoli may have a higher count of calories, fat, and carbs, it is richer in calcium, iron, and pantothenic acid (a B vitamin that does wonders for healthy hair), and has a bit more potassium. Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, are lower in sodium.

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