Some Qualities of Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts belong to the cruciferous family of vegetables. Scientists verify the family members fight cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and stomach. The family includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale.

The American Institute for Cancer Research announced, laboratory studies suggests cruciferous vegetables help regulate a complex system of bodily enzymes that defend against cancer. Components of these vegetables show the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells in various cell, tissue and animal models, including tumors of the breast, endometrium, lung, colon, liver, colon and cervix.

Brussels sprouts, a cool season plant although available year round, presents its best crops during autumn to early spring. But throughout the year, Brussels sprouts:

• decrease the extent of DNA damage,

• induce colon cancer cells to commit suicide,

• lower bladder cancer risk in men, smokers, and individuals 64 years and older.

Health benefits
When Brussels sprouts (and other cruciferous veggies) are chopped or chewed, a sulfur compound (sulforphane), forms and boosts the body's detoxification enzymes thus clearing potentially carcinogenic substances from the body more quickly.

A regular diet of cooked Brussels sprouts decreases the extent of DNA damage lesions decreases - another cancer preventative measure.

An article in Journal of Nutrition suggests that sulforphane stops cancer cell growth in breast cancer even in the late stage of the cancer.

Defense Against Infections and Support for Immune System
One cup of Brussels sprouts, containing about 60 calories, ports:
• 1,122 IU of Vitamin A,
• 669 IU of beta carotene,
• more 1½ of the RDA of Vitamin C.

Vitamin A and beta carotene play an important role in the defense against infections and aids development of supple skin.

Vitamin C plays an important role in immune protection.

Structural Repair
Reduce development of pre-cancerous cells
• 41% to 52% in the colon
• 27% to 67% in the liver

It drastically diminishes the size of precancerous lesions in the liver 55% to 91% of size.

Other Benefits
• fight rheumatoid arthritis
• cardiovascular health

Safety
Brussels sprouts contains goitrogens, naturally-occurring substances in certain foods that can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. If you have thyroid problems consult your medical professional about this matter. For more on this subject, please see What are goitrogens and in which foods are they found?

A recipe that's quick yet yields a tasty preparation.