Brussels sprouts: 5 reasons for the Christmas side dish

Brussels sprouts taste great as an accompaniment to meat, fish and vegetarian dishes – especially in the cold winter season, the delicious cabbage is a real all-rounder!

Brussels sprouts – healthy winter vegetable

Brussels sprouts are a healthy but low-calorie (43 kilocalories per 100 grams) side dish and provide an extra portion of  vitamin C , vitamin K and vitamin E as well as vitamins B1, B2 and B6 on the Christmas holidays, which are otherwise dominated by hearty and sweet dishes. The winter vegetables also contain  folate ,  potassium ,  zinc , calcium and  iron .

In contrast to other types of vegetables, the valuable vitamins are only released when they are heated – however, too long a cooking time can also destroy them. Brussels sprouts will keep in the fridge for about three to four days.

Five reasons Brussels sprouts can have a positive effect on the body.

1. Brussels sprouts: B vitamins help with stress

Various B vitamins have a positive effect on the nervous system and also support the immune system under stress. During the stressful Christmas season, Brussels sprouts can be a small but nice booster for your personal nerves.

2. Brussels sprouts have a positive effect on blood values

The winter vegetable impresses with its high content of  vitamin B6 , folic acid and iron, which support the formation of red blood cells. Brussels sprouts can also help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Responsible are the mustard oil glycosides, which also give the Brussels sprouts their slightly bitter taste.

3. Brussels sprouts strengthen the immune system

Just one serving of Brussels sprouts (150 grams) is enough to cover the daily vitamin C requirement. Due to its high amount of vitamins, zinc, potassium and calcium, Brussels sprouts support the immune system on cold winter days.

4. Brussels sprouts can prevent cancer

Like other types of cabbage, Brussels sprouts contain secondary plant substances. They have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and protect human cells.
Brussels sprouts should therefore help to delay and prevent cancer. A cancer-inhibiting effect is also ascribed to the chlorophyll and selenium it contains.

5. Brussels sprouts dehydrated

Brussels sprouts can drain the body and thus relieve the cardiovascular system. The reason for this is the potassium contained in Brussels sprouts.

Why kids don’t eat Brussels sprouts

Despite its healthy effects, children in particular often reject Brussels sprouts. The reason for this is the bitter taste of the vegetables – alarm bells are ringing, especially in children.

In the early Stone Age, the sense of taste was an important tool for distinguishing poisonous foods from edible ones. Bitter foods usually did not taste good and were often dangerous, while sweet foods were perceived as tasty and harmless.

For children, this mechanism was essential for survival. With increasing life experience, however, the sense of taste can change and be trained. Children therefore need several attempts before bitter foods find their way onto the plate. Some adults also prefer to avoid bitter foods such as Brussels sprouts, kale, romanesco and other vegetables.