Nutritional value of Brussels sprouts
Nutritional value of Brussels sprouts
Sprouts or Brussels sprouts are a cultivar of Brassica oleracea. The edible part is made up of the axillary shoots of the plant, the sprouts or Brussels sprouts.
This cultivar is known as Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera DC.
Features –
In Brussels sprouts the axillary sprouts, globular in shape, grow at the base of the main leaves and are made up of imbricated leaflets (one covering one or two below, like artichokes). The habit of this plant is reminiscent of Tuscan black cabbage and the cultivation is very similar.
To obtain uniform Brussels sprouts, the tip of the stem is cut as soon as they begin to develop.
Sprouts or Brussels sprouts are eaten steamed and then they can be eaten with oil or spread with a little butter. Sometimes lemon is added.
Although they are called Brussels sprouts, it seems that they originated in Italy and were then imported to Belgium by the Roman legionaries
Nutritional factsheet –
Brussels sprouts contain a good amount of minerals, including phosphorus and iron; proteins; fibers; and vitamins, in particular vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamins of group B.
Brussels sprouts contain thiamine and folic acid, of which they are quite rich.
Brussels sprouts contain good amounts of antioxidants, including thiocyanates, indoles, zeaxanthin, sulforaphane and isothiocyanates. 100 grams of raw Brussels sprouts contain 37 kcal / 155 kj, boiled 59 kcal / 246 kj. Furthermore, for every 100 g of this product, we have:
– Water 77 g;
– Carbohydrates 4.2 g, (6.60 g boiled);
– Sugars 3.3 g (5.3 g boiled);
– 4.2 g protein (6.70 g boiled);
– Fats 0.5 g (0.8 g boiled);
– Cholesterol 0 g;
– Total fiber 5 g;
– Sodium 4 mg;
– Potassium 450 mg;
– Iron 1.1 mg;
– Calcium 51 mg;
– Phosphorus 50 mg;
– Vitamin B1 0.8 mg;
– Vitamin B2 0.14 mg;
– Vitamin B3 0.7 mg;
– Vitamin A 220 µg (300 µg boiled);
– Vitamin C 81 mg (52 g boiled).
Property –
Brussels sprouts, due to their content in salts, fibers, proteins, vitamins, etc. they have a beneficial effect on female hormonal metabolism and are recognized as anti-anemic and detoxifying properties.
Brussels sprouts are considered to be real stimulants of brain activity and concentration; it seems that this property derives from the combination of thiamine and folic acid, of which they are quite rich.
Brussels sprouts, due to their antioxidant content, are considered a useful food in the prevention of cancers, especially those of the prostate, breast and colon. Zeaxanthin also protects the retina of the eyes. Vitamin K contained in Brussels sprouts is very useful for good bone health.
Ultimately, Brussels sprouts protect against dysfunctions and pathologies of the prostate, colon, eyes, bones, brain.
In ancient times, the cooking water of Brussels sprouts was used as a remedy to soothe a hangover.