Brussels sprouts: benefits and harms, composition, contraindications

The benefits of Brussels sprouts for human health are undeniable. The multicomponent chemical composition makes cabbage an indispensable food product, as well as a medicine. Regular use improves a person’s condition and 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

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

These miniature vegetables look like white cabbage.

The nutritional value

The content of chemical elements in cabbage that are beneficial to 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;
• fiber – 3.6 g;
• water – 85 g;
• dietary fiber – 4.2 g.

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

Biochemical composition

No less important to study is the content of vitamins, micro- and macroelements 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 is noticeable from the table that vegetables contain the most 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.

What are the benefits of Brussels sprouts?

You can feel the benefits of the vegetable with regular consumption. Beneficial substances accumulate and then have a beneficial effect on the body.The effect that Brussels sprouts have on humans:

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

Frequent flus and colds will subside when you include vegetables in your 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;
• balance hormonal levels;
• speed up metabolism.

Brussels sprouts are known to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. When included in your diet every day, your risk of getting cancer is reduced by 30%. This occurs under the influence of kaempferol, a substance that reduces inflammation in the female body and strengthens the heart.In addition, the unique substance lowers blood pressure.

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

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

Benefits of Brussels sprouts for men

Despite the low calorie content, the vegetable crop helps replenish the expended energy of men. It's all due to the protein that is part of the vegetable. An interesting fact is that it is Brussels sprouts that 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 involves chemical reagents and 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 nervous and emotional background. Therefore, Brussels sprouts are useful for office workers.

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

Brussels sprouts are harmful

Undoubtedly, the vegetable has more beneficial properties 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 increases 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. Brussels vegetable increases the production of gastric juice, which negatively affects its functioning.
4. Consuming large amounts of the product causes gas and diarrhea.
5. If you have cholecystitis, you should exclude the product from your diet, as vitamin C can aggravate the situation.

In any case, after one-time consumption of cabbage, it is necessary to observe the body’s response. If unpleasant sensations appear, it is better to immediately abandon the vegetable.

Blanched fruits retain more useful components than boiled ones.

Contraindications for eating Brussels sprouts

The presence of certain diseases requires a ban on eating vegetables:

• chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines in a state of exacerbation;
  
• increased acidity;
• acute cholecystitis;
• gout;
  
• endocrine system problems;
• allergy to the product;
• individual intolerance to one or more chemical components of Brussels vegetables.

Fans of this variety should consult with nutritionists before consuming it 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 they are not often consumed fresh. There are a large number of recipes for preparing vegetables, where they are fried, steamed, or boiled. Many housewives prefer to stew or bake it. Rules that guide the preparation:

1. The fruits go well with any vegetables, herbs, and spices; the main thing is not to overdo it with them, so as not to reduce the benefits and spoil the taste of cabbage.
2. With prolonged cooking, the heads of cabbage become soft, juicy and tasty, but less healthy. To preserve maximum nutrients, heat treatment should be carried out for no more than 30 minutes.
   
3. After defrosting, the fruits become flabby. To avoid this, blanch Brussels forks in hot water before freezing.

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

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

The use of Brussels sprouts in folk medicine

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

1. For diabetes mellitus. The glycemic index is 30 units - this is a fairly low indicator, so diabetics of any type are allowed to eat cabbage.It must be remembered that the product must be subjected to heat treatment; it is contraindicated in fresh form.
2. Fruits can prevent the appearance of pancreatitis, as well as alleviate the condition in remission. They are consumed in a puree form, having previously been 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. In case of acute disease, cabbage is not included in the diet.
3. When losing weight. When developing diets, nutritionists always try to include cabbage in the diet if the patient has no contraindications.
4. If you have pulmonary diseases (asthma, bronchitis, etc.), juice obtained from Brussels sprouts helps a lot. Its effect can be enhanced with additional components. For example, 100 ml of cabbage, 50 ml of carrot and 40 g of radish and celery juice are mixed and drunk 1 glass per day (30 minutes before meals). Reception can last until complete recovery, and in case of asthma until the exacerbation is relieved.
5. To improve recovery functions after operations, drink broth made from Brussels sprouts and chicken.
6. If you have cardiovascular diseases, use cabbage infusion. Grind 150-200 g of fruits, pour in 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave 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, you must consult a doctor. Self-medication is dangerous, even if the product does not cause allergies. There is a high probability of triggering the development of other diseases.

Brussels sprouts for pregnant women

During pregnancy and when feeding a child, it is better to consume cabbage in heat-treated form.

The Brussels variety has a positive effect on the body of all people, pregnant women are no exception. Women preparing to become mothers should definitely include cabbage in their diet. Its benefits are as follows:

1. Ascorbic acid significantly reduces blood pressure, normalizes stool, and prevents constipation and weight gain.
2. Magnesium normalizes the water balance, which is disrupted during pregnancy. 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 macroelement has its own invaluable effect on the body of the mother and the future baby. They start eating Brussels sprouts from early gestation.

Can a nursing mother eat Brussels sprouts?

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

The dosage must be strictly observed. When the mother overeats cabbage, the baby experiences colic and bloating.

Brussels sprouts can be eaten by nursing women only after boiling, stewing or baking. In its raw form, the product takes longer to digest and there is a risk of poisoning by pathogenic bacteria living on cabbage. Doctors also do not recommend consuming the vegetable fried. Fats are unfavorable for a 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 be harmful, so by following the rules of preparation and dosage, you can protect yourself and your household from unwanted health problems.

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