Gross. Yuck. Disgusting. I know. I know. That was my response until a few years ago when my wife made me try one. It was delicious! It's become my favorite vegetable. Now, I hear all your complaining but have you ever really eaten one; one that was cooked properly, or are you just mimicking everyone else? The recipe is so simple. We cut off the tip, slice them in half, and lay them out on a baking sheet. Next, we drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss them in the oven for 10 - 15 minutes at 350 degrees. They are done when they are fork tender.
Still not convinced? Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamin C and K. They have moderate amounts of thiamine, folic acid (B9), pyridoxine (B6), manganese, choline, copper, omega -3 fatty acids, and are a good source of fiber. As with broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts contain sulfur.
Vitamin C is essential for normal growth, development, and repair. It feeds your immune system and helps maintain the health of your
skin, teeth and gums. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin which plays an important part in blood clotting and bone health. Thiamine is needed in many body functions, including the flow of electrolytes in and out of nerve and muscle cells, digestion, and carbohydrate metabolism. Folic acid is vital for proper brain function as it is necessary for mental and emotional health. It aids in the production of DNA
and RNA and is therefore important when
cells and tissues are growing rapidly such as in infancy, adolescence,
and pregnancy. Folic acid also helps to
make healthy red blood cells. Pyridoxine aids in convert food into energy, makes neurotransmitters, red blood cells, and hormones.
Shall we continue? :-) Manganese is active in our metabolism. It is essential for bone health, the formation of connective tissue, absorption of calcium, proper
functioning of the thyroid gland and sex hormones. Manganese helps regulate blood
sugar level. Choline is utilized in the body by aiding
nerve signaling, muscle function, maintenance of cell membranes, and in early brain development. Choline is vital in keeping the liver healthy. The health benefits of copper include proper growth of the body as well as
improved health of connective tissues, hair, and eyes. Copper is
integral for preventing premature aging and increasing energy
production. Regulating heart rhythm, thyroid health, bone health, quick wound healing, red blood cell formation are other health
benefits of copper.
I want to push sulfur to the head of the class here. This is why: Sulfur is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body behind calcium, phosphorous, and potassium. Sulfur is needed for insulin production. It helps detoxifies our cells and keeps our blood vessels soft and pliable. Sulfur is one of the basic building blocks of a vibrant body. It helps makes vital amino acids used to create protein for cells, tissues, hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Collagen is found in our bones, muscles, skin, and tendons where it forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure. Collagen production in our body is dependent on sulfur. If you are taking MSM, glucosamine sulfate, or chondroitin sulfate supplements for joint pain, these all have a sulfur component to them.
There are many scientific studies that focus on the health benefits of Brussels sprouts in relationship to cancer.
Brussels sprouts' unique nutrient
makeup supports the body's detoxification process, its antioxidant system, and its anti-inflammatory controls. Among all types of cancer, prevention of bladder, breast, colon, lung, prostate, and ovarian cancer is most closely associated with intake of Brussels sprouts.
With all this going for it, won't you give Brussles sprouts one more try? Here are 11 recipes to tantalize your palate. http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular-ingredients/brussels-sprouts-recipes
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