Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

Brussel sprouts are small leafy green buds resemble like miniature cabbages in appearance. The buds are exceptionally rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which work wonders to get rid of many health troubles. In fact, a renewed interest is growing about health benefits these sprouts have to offer.

Health benefits of brussel sprouts

• The sprouts are one of the nutritious vegetables that should be considered in weight reduction programs.100 g Brussel sprouts provide just 45 calories, however, contain 3.38 g of protein, 3.80 g of dietary fiber (10% of RDA) and zero cholesterol. 
  
• In fact, brussels sprouts are storehouse of several flavonoid anti-oxidants like thiocyanates, indoles, lutein, zeaxanthin, sulforaphane and isothiocyanates. Together, these phytochemicals offers protection from prostate, colon, prostate and endometrial cancers.
  
• Di-indolyl-methane (DIM), a metabolite of indole-3-carbinol has been found to be an effective immune modulator, anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent through its action of potentiating "Interferon-γ" receptors.
  
• In addition, brussel sprouts contain glucoside, sinigrin. Early laboratory studies suggest that sinigrin helps protect from colon cancers by destroying pre-cancerous cells.
  
• Brussel sprouts are an excellent source of vitamin C; 100 g sprouts provide about 142% of RDA.  Along with other antioxidant vitamins, vitamin A and E; it protects body by trapping harmful free radicals.
  
• Zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid in sprouts, is selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide anti-oxidant and protective light-filtering functions from UV rays. Thus, it helps prevent retinal damage, "age related macular degeneration disease" (ARMD), in the elderly.
  
• Sprouts are good source of another anti-oxidant vitamin A, provides about 754 IU per 100g.  Vitamin A is required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is essential for acuity of vision. Foods rich in this vitamin offer protection against lung and oral cavity cancers.
  
• It is one of the excellent vegetable sources for vitamin-K; 100 g provides about 177 mcg or about 147% of RDA. Vitamin K has potential role bone health by promoting osteotrophic (bone formation and strengthening) activity. Adequate vitamin-K levels in the diet helps limiting neuronal damage in the brain; helps prevent or at least delay onset of Alzheimer's disease.
  
• The sprouts are notably good in many B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin, pantothenic acid, etc that are essential for substrate metabolism in the body.
  
• They are also rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. 100 g fresh sprouts provide 25 mg (1.5% of RDA) sodium and 389 mg (8% of RDA) potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by countering effects of sodium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is required for cellular oxidation and red blood cell formation.
  

Brussels sprouts are incredibly nutritious vegetable that offers protection from vitamin A deficiency, bone loss, iron deficiency anemia, and believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases and, colon and prostate cancers.