Not many people would be asked about a favorite food and come back with the answer Brussel sprouts, but the truth is that Brussel sprouts are one of the healthiest foods around and should be consumed often. Brussel sprouts can offer special cholesterol lowering benefits if you cook them a certain way due to fiber content, but Brussel sprouts offer so much more. Read on to find why you should start treating yourself to these green delicacies instead of dreading this childhood least favorite veggie.
Brussel sprouts are fiber filled. When steamed the fiber related components bind together better with the bile acids in your digestive tract. Over time this can lower cholesterol. Raw Brussel sprouts can do the same, but not as effectively. If you can stand to consume about one and a fourth cups of Brussel sprouts daily, science has shown that the DNA inside your white blood cells is more stable. This is an important protector for the cells that fight for good health inside the body. Brussel sprouts also have an extremely high glucosinolate content. This is common in cruciferous vegetables, but Brussel sprouts have the highest content overall. Glucosinolates are important phytonutrients for health because they are the chemical starting points for cancer protective substances in the body. Additionally, Brussel sprouts have been shown not to effect thyroid function like some other foods. That being said, Brussel sprouts should become a common part of your weekly meals. Since they are not a typical family favorite, a recipe is included below to make the veggie a bit more palatable. Happy eating!
Why you Should be Eating More Brussel Sprouts
Recipe for Tasty Steamed Sprouts:
1: Begin by washing or soaking your Brussel sprouts in lukewarm water for about ten minutes. This will dislodge any dirt and make sure any chemicals are cleaned off.
2: Next make sure to remove and yellow or brown spots from your sprouts. Then cut them into smaller, uniform sized pieces. This will prevent over cooking and that awful smell often associated with the vegetable.
3. Next, fill a pot with an inch or two of water and bring the water to a rapid boil.
4. Place the Brussel sprouts in a steaming basket over the boiling water. Do not let the sprouts touch the water.
5. Cover the pot with a small gap for steam to escape. This will keep the bright green color.
6. Steam the Brussel sprouts until a knife can easily be stuck in the stem side. This should only take 5 to 10 minutes depending on the size.
7. Once cooked, serve with a bit of butter, lemon, or even orange juice. Some even like a bit of salt and pepper with mustard as a dipping sauce. They will be a fast favorite.
