Brussels sprout is a member of the Gemmifera Group of cabbages (Brassica oleracea), grown for its edible buds. It is closely related to kale, cauliflower and mustard greens. These cruciferous vegetables resemble mini cabbages and are typically cooked to make a nutritious side dish or main course. Brussels sprout boasts high levels of many nutrients and has been linked to several health benefits. Joseph Uwiragiye, the head of the nutrition department at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), says Brussels sprouts are high in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. He says this vegetable comes with added health benefits, including the potential to reduce the risk of cancer, decrease inflammation and improve blood sugar control Also, he says, they are especially rich in vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and bone health. Brussels sprout is also high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps promote iron absorption and is involved in tissue repair and immune function. What’s more, the nutritionist says, is that they have a high fibre content which has been proved to help support regularity and gut health. In addition, Uwiragiye says, Brussels sprouts contain small amounts of vitamin B6, potassium, iron, thiamine, magnesium and phosphorus. He goes on to add that when it comes to antioxidants, Brussels sprouts have impressive antioxidant content stands compared to some other vegetables. Antioxidants have been known to be compounds that reduce oxidative stress in the cells and help lower the risk of chronic disease. “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 in general,” he adds. According to nutritionists, Brussels sprouts are rich in fibre. Just a half-cup (78 grams) of cooked Brussels sprouts contains two grams of fibre, fulfilling up to eight per cent of one’s daily fibre needs. Fibre is an important part of health, and including a good amount of it in your diet comes with many health benefits. Studies show that dietary fibre can relieve constipation by increasing stool frequency and softening stool consistency to ease the passage. Fibre also promotes digestive health by helping feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Increased fibre intake has been associated with other health benefits too, such as a reduced risk of heart disease and improved blood sugar control. Uwiragiye says eating Brussels sprouts, along with other good sources of fibre like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can easily help you meet your all your fibre needs. Also, Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamin K, which is plays a vital role in the body. In fact, just a half-cup (78 grams) of cooked Brussels sprouts provide 137 per cent of your daily vitamin K requirement. Uwiragiye says the same vitamin K is essential for coagulation, the formation of blood clots that stop bleeding. On top of these, vitamin K may also play a role in bone growth and could help protect against osteoporosis, a condition characterised by progressive bone loss.
