Brussels Sprouts | a tasty way to help detoxify

For some reason, the faithful mini cabbage (aka Brussels sprout) has a bad rap. I suppose this is because so many of us have been tortured by boiled-to-mush dishes, served up by well-intentioned grandparents. Brussels sprouts have a slight bitter taste, though it's important to keep in mind that some of our most treasured treats are bitter (including chocolate and coffee).

Brussels sprouts are teeming with health benefits, from detoxification to cancer prevention to joint protection. It’s worth it to give them another chance to impress your palate and heal your body. In the end, it all comes down to how they’re prepared. By adding a sweet, honey & tahini dressing to these mini marvels, they’ll soon become a family favourite!

Try out my Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Tahini Dressing recipe.

5 reasons to eat more super Brussels Sprouts

1. Brussels Sprouts are anti-cancer.

Brussels sprouts are being researched as a true cancer-fighting superfood. They contain glucosinolates that prevent the development and spread of cancer cells that can lead to bladder, breast, colon, lung, prostate and ovarian cancer.¹

2. Brussels Sprouts are inflammation fighters.

Brussels sprouts have the power to reduce the inflammation in your body because of its high flavonoid content. Quercetin, one of the better-known flavonoids, has the power to work as an antihistamine, reducing allergic reactions.²

3. Brussels Sprouts are an excellent source of Vitamin C.

Can you believe that 1 cup of Brussels sprouts contains 100 mg of Vitamin C? That is almost twice the amount of Vitamin C found in an orange. Vitamin C is a key nutrient for building collagen in your joints and skin. Smokers lose Vitamin C with every cigarette smoked, making them more susceptible to aging rapidly!³

4. Brussels Sprouts are great for detoxification.

Brussels sprouts are powerful for detoxification. They work by increasing levels of glutathione-S-transferase, the enzyme that detoxifies environmental toxins, such as hormone-disturbing xenoestrogens which you are exposed to from plastics and pesticides. Autumn is a great time to do a clean sweep of your body before it goes into hibernation mode.⁴

5. Brussels Sprouts are a stomach protector.

The fibre and sulforaphane found in brassica plants, such as Brussels sprouts, has been shown to protect your tummy from ulcers! Sulforaphane reduces the amount of H.pylori bacteria that can cause chronic low-level inflammation of the stomach lining.⁵

References

1. D T Verhoeven, R A Goldbohm, G van Poppel, H Verhagen and P A van den Brandt: “Epidemiological studies on brassica vegetables and cancer risk.” DOI:Published September 1996
2. J. González-Gallego, S. Sánchez-Campos y M. J. Tuñón: “Anti-inflammatory properties of dietary flavonoids.” Nutrición Hospitalaria versión On-line ISSN 1699-5198versión impresa ISSN 0212-1611 Nutr. Hosp. vol.22 no.3 Madrid may./jun. 2007\
3. G Schectman, J C Byrd, and H W Gruchow: “The influence of smoking on vitamin C status in adults.” Published Online: October 07, 2011
4. Montserrat García-Closas, Karl T. Kelsey, Susan E. Hankinson, Donna Spiegelman, Kathryn Springer, Walter C. Willett, Frank E. Speizer, David J. Hunter: “Glutathione S -Transferase Mu and Theta Polymorphisms and Breast Cancer Susceptibility.” JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 91, Issue 22, 17 November 1999,
5. Walid H. Aldoori, Edward L. Giovannucci, Meir J. Stampfer, Eric B. Rimm, Alvin L. Wing, and Walter C. Willett: “Prospective Study of Diet and the Risk of Duodenal Ulcer in Men.” American Journal of Epidemiology: 1997 by The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, Vol. 145, No.1