11 health benefits of Brussels sprouts

This quintessential 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.

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 savoury mustard sauce for an easy and delicious weeknight side dish.

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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 flavours like pomegranate and hazelnut.

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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.

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

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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 a roasted green vegetable medley, can help protect them.

Try these 10 proven ways to fight inflammation.

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.

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 your phone screen.)

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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.

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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.