9 Reasons Why You Should Love Brussels Sprouts.

Facts about Brussels sprouts.

Around 5,000 years ago, sprouts were prescribed by Chinese physicians as medication for bowel problems.

This vegetable was originally brought to Europe in the 5th century BCE. It was mainly cultivated in the 1200s, near Brussels. Hence, it’s name.

It is in the same cruciferous family as cabbages and broccoli.

There are over 50 varieties including red-leaved varieties. The smallest can be the size of marbles while the largest can be the size of golf balls.

Brussels sprouts crops are predated by 46 different pests and diseases while they’re growing. Some of you will be thinking, ‘Good for them. Rather them than me!’

About a billion are eaten every year and this industry is worth around £650,000,000!

There is a reason if you don’t like sprouts. Around 50% of us have a specific gene which makes them bitter and unpleasant.

In 1992, the heaviest sprout weighed a whopping 8.3kg!

In 2000, a U.S. couple managed to grow a sprout plant at 9ft 3inches/28 metres tall.

Linus Urbanec from Sweden holds the world record for the most eaten in 1 minute. He swallowed 31 on November 26, 2008.

They have even been used to light up a Christmas tree. I kid you not! In 2013, 1000 sprouts lit up an eight-foot Christmas tree on Southbank in London.

9 Reasons Why You Should Love Brussels Sprouts.

1. Support gut health. Sprouts have a high fibre content.

2. Support blood clotting and bone health. About 78g of cooked Brussels sprouts contain 137% of your daily requirement of Vitamin K. This is essential for coagulation, the formation of blood clots that stop bleeding. Vitamin K is also involved in bone growth and could protect against osteoporosis, (progressive bone loss). A 2017 study linked a low vitamin K intake to a higher risk of bone fractures.

3. Help with tissue repair and immune function. This is because of the sprouts’ high content of vitamin C.

4. Help to lower your risk of chronic disease. Sprouts contain high amounts of antioxidants, including vitamin C and ‘haempferol’. 1 study found that when participants ate about 300g of sprouts daily, any damage to their cells from oxidative stress that leads to chronic diseases was reduced by 28%. Haempferol in test-tube studies has shown it may reduce cancer cell growth, ease inflammation and improve heart health. Another study in 2008, suggested that sprouts could protect against ‘carcinogens’ or cancer-causing agents and again prevent oxidative damage to cells.

5. May help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Sprouts contain ‘alpha-lipoic acid’ another antioxidant which has been extensively researched for its potential effects on blood sugar and insulin. In one study, patients with diabetes who were given alpha-lipoic acid supplements experienced insulin sensitivity. The insulin worked more efficiently to lower blood sugar levels.

6. May reduce cognitive decline. Brussels sprouts are one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

7. May help to reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. Vitamin C is also essential for the production of collagen which helps to support skin strength and elasticity.

8. Can help with improving your mood and reducing symptoms of depression. Sprouts contain a high amount of vitamin B6 known to help with moods.

9. May help to protect your eyes. Sprouts contain ‘zeaxanthin’ an antioxidant that helps to protect your eyes from irritation, leading to dryness and even damage to your corneas.

How to eat Brussels Sprouts.

What contributes to them tasting horrible is when they’re over-cooked. They then smell disgusting and become mushy. No wonder you wouldn’t want to eat eat them!

They’re better roasted and can be topped with garlic butter, Hollandaise sauce, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, pistachios, pine nuts, mustard, brown sugar, chestnuts and peppers.

Personally, I like them! I’ve had ones when they were over-cooked, unfortunately, but when they’re not, they taste nice to me. I’ve had them with bacon when I wasn’t a vegetarian. Now, I like them with black pepper and a bit of butter. Yes, I will be eating them at Christmas.

Has this article changed your mind about sprouts if you hated them?

Sources: thefactsite.com, hitchcockfarms.com, justfunfacts.com, mirror.co.uk, mustardcreative.com, primaryfacts.com, healthline.com, health.com, bbcgoodfood.com, whfoods.com, medicalnewstoday.com, eatingwell.com, hollandandbarrat.com