The Skinny
There is a nasty rumor going around that somewhere in Britain there is a mountain of brussels sprouts leftover from the Second World War that the Brits served boiled to extinction to their unsuspecting American cousins. WellWell can’t confirm this rumor, but its editors acknowledge this vegetable has suffered unimaginable damage to its reputation over the decades thanks to being boiled to near-death way too often. Not only has this cooking process undermined the ability of diners to recognize that sprouts taste great baked and sautéed, but it has also created a reluctance by too many to benefit from their nutritional value. WellWell is here to help correct this oversight by laying out what a tasty dish of sprouts can provide.
The Slate
Blood Sugar Levels
Beyond their snazzy list of health benefits, Brussels sprouts also help keep blood sugar levels in check. In fact, research has shown that consumption of cruciferous vegetables, including brussels sprouts, lowers the risk of diabetes. One reason for this is that sprouts contain alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that is believed to have positive impacts on blood sugar and insulin.
Strengthen Your Bones 
Brussels sprouts are bone builders thanks to the vitamin K they contain. One study underscored the point by noting that eating foods high in vitamin K daily lowered the risk of fractures.
Reduces Inflammation
Another benefit of Brussels sprouts is their ability to help lower the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. This is attributed to the anti-inflammatory compound they contain. These compounds help protect cells from DNA damage, while also battling back age-related problems and inflammatory conditions such as type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.
Gut Check
Since they are rich in sulfur, brussels sprouts are likely to aid gut health, while improving the ability of individuals to fight against infections and perhaps conditions like colorectal cancer. Sulfur supports the body’s ability to produce a powerful antioxidant, glutathione, which helps protect cells from inflammatory damage and aids the body’s detoxification processes.
Full of Folates
Munch your sprouts and there is probably little to no need to consume folic acid supplements. Consider munching raw sprouts especially. Want to learn more? Read how folic acid can be great as a brain booster.
Boost Immune System
There is a lot to love about brussels sprouts. Yet one of their most ingratiating characteristics is that they are high in vitamin C. Just a single cup of brussels sprouts contains more of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Lots of benefits to this, including its ability to boost immune systems because vitamin C helps generate the production of white blood cells, while also serving as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress and lessening the risk of chronic diseases.
Eyes Up
What’s your take on sprouts? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
