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History- Brussels sprouts are thought to be native to a region of Belgium near their namesake, Brussels, and are now cultivated throughout Europe and the United States. Brussels sprouts are related to cabbages, and in fact, look just like miniature versions of cabbage. They grow in bunches of 20 to 40 on the stem of a plant that grows from two to three feet tall, and are available year round.

Health Benefits- Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, both of which play important roles in defending the body against infection and promoting healthy, supple skin. Vitamin C and vitamin A are two antioxidants which also neutralize free radicals in the body and help prevent cholesterol build-up and heart disease. Brussels sprouts are also an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for the functioning of proteins involved in blood clotting. They are also a very good source of manganese, a trace mineral essential to the body’s enzyme’s systems, working to keep bones healthy and helping synthesize fatty acids and proteins to produce energy. Brussels sprouts also contain both soluble and insoluble fiber that promotes colon health and help normalize cholesterol levels. They provide a source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate the body’s water levels and blood pressure, and B-vitamins including folate, inadequate amounts of which during pregnancy has been linked to neural tube defects. Folate is also essential for a healthy cardiovascular system. Brussels sprouts are a good source of iron needed for blood cell formation, calcium and phosphorous, both of which are needed for healthy bones and teeth. In addition to omega-3 fatty acids which protect the heart and can improve mood, Brussels sprouts also provide a source of protein for muscle building and repair. Brussels sprouts also contain magnesium, which has been shown to help maintain relaxed, normal muscle function and stabilize blood sugar and blood pressure, suggesting it may be effective in managing cardiovascular disease and disorders involving airway constriction and hypertension. In addition to riboflavin (vitamin B2), Brussels sprouts also contain vitamin E, an antioxidant necessary for heart health and which also provides benefits to skin and hair, and copper. They also contain disease-fighting phytochemicals including sulforaphane, shown to enhance the liver’s production of enzymes that detoxify cancer-causing chemicals and other harmful substances in the body.