Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a family of vegetable broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, namely the cruciferous family.

Brussels sprouts is useful for pregnant women and people with atherosclerosis and diabetes. Not recommended consumption of Brussels sprouts after surgery of the chest and stomach.

Rich in essential vitamins - A serving Brussels sprouts (half cup) provides us with 20 essential vitamins, including 48 milligrams of the important antioxidant vitamin C, vitamins of the B group and 604 international units (IU) of vitamin A.

Vitamin A helps our retinas to distinguish color, while the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin - are also found in Brussels sprouts - help filter light so that our retinas are not exposed to ultraviolet rays piercing. Therefore, Brussels sprouts is especially good for children adolescents and adults with deteriorating vision.

Half a cup of Brussels sprouts also contain 78 micrograms of vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin that is synthesized by plants and commonly found in green leafy vegetables. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and is often applied to the skin to accelerate cure or to reduce the swelling and cracking. Deficiency of vitamin K leads to several problems with the blood, including nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding and bleeding gums.

Brussels sprouts, along with its other cruciferous cousins, has proven to be very useful against some cancers, as they contain many different ingredients that may affect the prevention of disease.

Properties to fight cancer - According to the Linus Pauling Institute, Brussels sprouts are rich in glucosinolates, compounds that belong to the group of phytochemicals called isothiocyanates. Glucosinolates have been proven to stimulate apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and also help eliminate potential carcinogens in the body.

A study published in the 2003 edition of the British Journal Nutrition showed that boiling Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables for 9-15 minutes reduces the total content of glucosinolates by 18-59 percent. Therefore, the researchers recommend their preparation by steaming or frying to retain their properties against cancer.

High fiber - From 6 grams carbohydrates, found in half a cup of Brussels sprouts, two grams come from dietary fiber. Laxative properties of the fiber are well known, but also have been shown to reduce blood cholesterol, reduce risk of heart disease and even protect us from type 2 diabetes.

Brussels sprouts also contain zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, and useful amounts of protein.

Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables, disarm cancer causing chemicals and simultaneously enhance the enzymes that protect our body from poisoning.

Other studies have shown that Brussels sprouts prevent bladder cancer. Properties of Brussels sprouts against bladder cancer come from high levels of izototsianiti that are strong anti-carcinogens.

Many people say they do not like to eat Brussels sprouts. If you're not a fan of this amazing food, try to cut it into small pieces and sprinkle over salad.

It is no coincidence that Brussels sprouts, like other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Kale has a slightly unpleasant taste. These vegetables are full of so many antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that their effect on our tastebuds always been limited. Their action, however, the rest of our body is indispensable.