Brussels sprouts: benefits and harms, composition, contraindications

The health benefits of Brussels sprouts are undeniable. The multicomponent chemical composition makes cabbage an indispensable food product, as well as a medicine. Regular use improves the condition of a person, causes a surge of strength. It is included in diets for weight loss and maintaining health. But the vegetable has not only positive qualities that you need to know about before including it in your diet.

Chemical composition of Brussels sprouts

Outwardly, the vegetable resembles a large stalk on which leaves grow, and many small forks develop in their sinuses, the diameter of which is about 5 cm. These fruits are the value of the cabbage variety.

These miniature vegetables look like white cabbage.

The nutritional value

The content of chemical elements of cabbage, useful for the human body, is many times higher than their amount in ordinary white cabbage or kohlrabi. The value of the product is 43 kcal per 100 g:

• proteins – 3,8 g;
• fats – 0,3 g;
• carbohydrates – 3,1 g;
• Cellulose – 3,6 g;
• water – 85 g;
• dietary fiber – 4,2 g.

Brussels sprouts rank first in terms of the amount of proteins, among other brethren, ”so it can be actively consumed by athletes and people suffering from obesity. The present fiber improves the functioning of the digestive tract.

Biochemical composition

No less important to study is the content of vitamins, micro and macro elements in Brussels sprouts. The number of chemical components is presented in the table:

Each of them is important in itself, as it performs certain functions in the body. It can be seen from the table that most vegetables contain vitamins K and C. The first is responsible for blood clotting and bone strength, the other strengthens the immune system, promotes the absorption of iron and accelerates the process of tissue repair.

Benefits of Brussels sprouts

It is possible to feel the benefits of a vegetable with regular use. Useful substances accumulate, and then have a beneficial effect on the body. The effect that Brussels sprouts have on a person:

1. The presence of amino acids and glucose normalize the work of the heart. Cholesterol and plaque formation are reduced, the risk of atherosclerosis is minimized, as cabbage components protect and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
2. Lutein and vitamin A have a beneficial effect on vision. They prevent the development of the process of retinal degeneration.
3. Vitamin K is not only responsible for blood circulation and hematopoiesis, but also provides nerve protection, which activates brain activity.
4. Ascorbic acid is a natural antioxidant. Without it, people do not adapt well during the off-season.

Frequent flus and colds will recede when vegetables are included in the diet.

Brussels sprouts strengthen and heal a person, in addition, it helps to cope with female and male diseases.

Benefits of Brussels sprouts for women

The richness of ascorbic acid and protein plays an invaluable role for the female body. These components help:

• in the regulation of reproductive function;
• align the hormonal background;
• speed up metabolism.

Brussels sprouts are known to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. With daily inclusion in the diet, the likelihood of getting cancer is reduced by 30%. This happens under the influence of kaempferol, a substance that reduces inflammation in the female body and strengthens the heart. In addition, a unique substance lowers blood pressure.

Fiber is important for women, which is responsible for the regularity of daily emptying, which is especially necessary for older people. It supports the normal functioning of the digestive tract, and also helps to lower blood sugar levels, preventing the onset of diabetes.

When adding other vegetables, the benefits of Brussels sprouts only increase.

Benefits of Brussels sprouts for men

Despite the low calorie content, the vegetable crop contributes to the replenishment of the expended energy of men. It’s all the fault of the protein that is part of the vegetable. An interesting fact is that Brussels sprouts are included in the diet of athletes involved in heavy sports. Therefore, cabbage puree is recommended to be consumed after training.

For men whose work is associated with chemical reagents, heavy metals, the product is also indicated, as it removes toxins and harmful substances from the body. Cabbage dishes can reduce mental stress and normalize the nervous, emotional background. Therefore, Brussels sprouts are useful for office workers.

Cabbage normalizes the production of testosterone, has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system, increases libido, and reduces the risk of impotence. Brussels sprouts are needed in the presence of diabetes, stomach and intestinal ulcers.

Harm of Brussels sprouts

Undoubtedly, there are more useful properties in a vegetable than side effects, but you should still use the product carefully so as not to harm yourself. In what situations is the harm from cabbage obvious:

1. The combined use of anticoagulants and cabbage causes thrombotic complications. Vitamin K enhances blood clotting, thereby reducing the effectiveness of medications.
2. If the body clearly reacts to any product of the cruciferous family, causing allergic reactions, then you should not eat cabbage.
3. The Brussels vegetable enhances the production of gastric juice, which negatively affects its work.
4. Eating large amounts of the product causes gas and diarrhea.
5. Exclude the product from the diet should be with cholecystitis, as vitamin C can aggravate the situation.

In any case, after a single consumption of cabbage, it is necessary to observe the response of the body. If discomfort appears, it is better to immediately abandon the vegetable.

Blanched fruits retain more useful components than boiled ones.

Brussels sprouts contraindications

The presence of certain diseases provides for a ban on the use of vegetables:

• chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines in a state of exacerbation;

  

• increased acidity;
• acute cholecystitis;
• gout;

  

• problems of the endocrine system;
• allergy to the product;
• individual intolerance to one or more chemical components of the Brussels vegetable.

Fans of this variety should consult with nutritionists before use to find out the benefits and harms.

Rules for eating Brussels sprouts

The taste of Brussels sprouts is significantly different from the usual white cabbage, so it is not often consumed fresh. There are a large number of recipes for cooking a vegetable, where it is fried, steamed, boiled. Many housewives prefer to stew or bake it. Rules that guide the preparation:

1. The fruits go well with any vegetables, seasonings, spices, the main thing is not to overdo it, so as not to reduce the benefits and not spoil the taste of cabbage.
2. With prolonged cooking, heads of cabbage become soft, juicy and tasty, but less useful. To preserve the maximum of nutrients, it is necessary to carry out heat treatment for no more than 30 minutes.

   

3. After thawing, the fruits become flabby. To avoid this, Brussels forks are blanched in hot water before freezing.

When added fresh to salads, the product emits a slight bitterness, so it is better to put it in boiling water for a couple of minutes before cooking. In this form, Brussels sprouts will benefit all family members.

Nutritionists have deduced the optimal level of daily consumption – 300 g, above which the vegetable can cause side effects.

The use of Brussels sprouts in traditional medicine

The richness of chemical elements determines the use of vegetables in certain diseases. Decoctions and infusions are prepared from Brussels sprouts:

1. With diabetes. The glycemic index is 30 units – this is a rather low indicator, so cabbage is allowed to be eaten by diabetics of any type. It must be remembered that the product must be subjected to heat treatment, it is contraindicated fresh.
2. Fruits can prevent the occurrence of pancreatitis, as well as alleviate the condition in remission. They are consumed in a puree state, previously boiled. On the first day, eat two spoons. If there are no side effects, then the amount is increased to 100 g. It must be remembered that spices and seasonings cannot be used. With an exacerbated course of the disease, cabbage is not included in the diet.
3. When losing weight. When developing diets, nutritionists try to always include cabbage in the diet, if the patient has no contraindications.
4. In the presence of pulmonary diseases (asthma, bronchitis, etc.), the juice obtained from Brussels sprouts helps well. Strengthen its action can be additional components. For example, 100 ml of cabbage, 50 ml of carrot and 40 g of radish and celery juice are mixed, drink 1 glass a day (30 minutes before meals). Reception can last until complete recovery, and with asthma until the exacerbation is relieved.
5. To increase recovery functions after operations, they drink broth made from Brussels sprouts and chicken.
6. In the presence of cardiovascular diseases, use cabbage infusion. Grind 150-200 g of fruits, pour 0,5 liters of boiling water and incubate for 20 minutes. The liquid is cooled and filtered, consumed together with diuretics daily, but not more than 1 time per day.

When starting a course of treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Self-medication is dangerous, even if the product does not cause allergies. There is a high probability of provoking the development of other diseases.

Brussels sprouts for pregnant women

During pregnancy and when feeding a child, it is better to use cabbage in a thermally processed form.

The Brussels variety has a positive effect on the body of all people, pregnant women are no exception. For women preparing to become mothers, cabbage must be included in the diet. Its benefits are as follows:

1. Ascorbic acid significantly lowers blood pressure, normalizes stools, prevents constipation and weight gain.
2. Magnesium normalizes the water balance, which is disturbed when carrying a child. Thanks to the mineral, a woman is protected from edema.
3. The main element that a pregnant woman needs throughout the entire gestation period is folic acid. It is she who is responsible for the normal intrauterine development of the embryo.

Each micro- and macro-element has its own invaluable effect on the body of mommy and future crumbs. Brussels sprouts should be consumed early in the gestation period.

Can a breastfeeding mother eat Brussels sprouts?

The situation is slightly different with Brussels sprouts when breastfeeding (gs). Despite the fact that the cabbage chemical composition will help a woman recover quickly after childbirth, it should be used with caution and only starting from the age of two months.

It is required to strictly observe the dosage. When mom overeats cabbage, the baby has colic and bloating.

Nursing women should eat Brussels sprouts only after boiling, stewing or baking. In its raw form, the product is digested longer and there is a possibility of poisoning by pathogenic bacteria living on cabbage. When fried, doctors also advise against consuming the vegetable. Fats are unfavorable for the baby’s fragile gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusion

The benefits of Brussels sprouts have been proven by many facts. Its rich chemical composition has a beneficial effect on the body of men, women and children. Many pediatricians advise vegetables to be one of the first to be included in the diet of infants. Any product can harm, therefore, following the rules of preparation, dosages, you can protect yourself and your household from unwanted health problems.