Brussel sprouts belong to the cruciferous family. Along with other herbs such as garlic, turmeric, and flaxseed, Brussel sprouts can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. For culinary purposes, Brussel sprouts can be cooked as vegetables or added into different salads and cooked dishes. However, not many people see it as their favorite vegetables.  In fact, children seem to dislike them. But there are a plenty of Brussel sprouts benefits for health, skin and hair that you should know before skipping this healthy herb. Protein in Brussel sprouts is much higher than protein of other herbs and vegetables. Moreover, Brussel sprouts are rich in essential minerals and vital vitamins. So, there are a lot of good reasons for you to incorporate Brussel sprouts into your daily diet. Now, in this article on AllRemedies, I would like to share with you amazing Brussel sprouts benefits for health, skin and hair. I hope that after reading this article, you will be able to include this herb in your daily diet for good health, glowing skin and shiny strong hair.

Brussel Sprouts Benefits For Health, Skin And Hair – The Reasons Why You Should Eat Brussel Sprouts

Here are the Brussel sprouts benefits for health, skin and hair you should know.

1. Protect DNA

DNA protection should rank on the top of a list of Brussel sprouts benefits for health. A recent study showed that eating 1.25 cups of Brussel sprouts daily can help to protect and enhance the stability of your DNA in white blood cells. More interestingly, certain beneficial and active compounds in Brussel sprouts have the ability to block the enzymes named sulphotransferase. Scientists found out the close link between the activity of sulphotransferase and DNA damage.

2. Lower Cholesterol

Brussel sprouts benefits also include lowering the cholesterol levels. It is important for you to eat foods that are low in cholesterol to keep the cholesterol levels under the control. Not cholesterols are bad and good cholesterol plays the important role in building cells, making hormones, producing vitamin D and good substances that aid in digesting foods. However, high levels of cholesterol, as well as excessive LDL cholesterol in your body, may block the arteries and lead to serious health problems such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Brussel sprouts are one of the foods that are lower in cholesterol. Moreover, eating sprouts daily also helps you to normalize and lower the levels of cholesterols in your body. This is because Brussel sprouts are high in fiber. The fiber content in Brussel sprouts is enough for over 15% of the daily recommended fiber consumption. When you digest fiber, the fiber binds together with bile acids. During the process of digestion, the bile acids can be removed from your body easily. As a result, the cholesterol level in your body can decrease. In order to boost the cholesterol-lowering ability, you should steam Brussel sprout before eating.

Read more: List of 22 foods high in cholesterol to avoid

3. Prevent Cardiovascular Problems

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There are many cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. These diseases can lead to death in people. Fortunately, recent studies have found out that cruciferous vegetables such as Brussel sprout have the ability to lower the risk of developing heart problems. Scientists and researchers have conducted a lot of studies to figure out the effectiveness of Brussel sprout in preventing cardiovascular problems and a possible explanation for this. It turns out that Brussel sprouts contain anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can affect the blood vessels as well as circulation in your body negatively and as a result, it leads to cardiovascular diseases. Many studies showed that glucoraphanin found in abundance in Brussel sprout can become the isothiocyanate (ITC) sulforaphane when you digest sprout. In your body, this ITC not only gives the anti-inflammatory effects in your cardiovascular system but also prevent the blood vessel damage.

Moreover, Brussel sprouts benefits include cardiovascular prevention because this vegetable has the cholesterol-lowering ability. Brussel sprouts are rich in fiber that can bind together with bile acids and after that, they are flushed out of from your body system through a bowel movement. After that, our liver needs to use cholesterol to replace the removed bile acids.  As a result, the levels of cholesterol in our body may reduce. Recent studies suggested that sprouts should be steamed in order to enhance the cholesterol-lowering ability of Brussel sprouts. Brussel sprouts are proven to be as effective as cholestyramine, a prescribed medication used for lowering cholesterol. Therefore, it is recommended adding Brussel sprout to you daily diet.

Learn more: A list of 38 best foods high in fiber

4. Support Your Digestive System

We cannot deny that Brussel sprouts are rich in vital vitamins as well as other essential nutrients, especially dietary fiber.  Eating enough fiber is good for your digestion. However, not many people can eat sprouts. Sprouts are had to digest in some people, which can cause gas. If you can digest sprouts but still want to get Brussel sprouts benefits, you can take a supplement. Taking sprouts supplements can help you to eliminate the problem of gas while boosting the proper digestion. If you experience digestive problems, you can use Brussel sprouts as an effective treatment. However, if the Brussel sprouts do not improve your digestive problems, you should make an appointment with your doctor immediately.

Sprouts are good for the digestive system because they are rich in potassium, protein, folate, vitamin A and vitamin C. Moreover, antioxidant properties of sprouts also help to protect your cells.

The Harvard School of Public Health showed that an average person needs to consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily. One cup of Brussel sprouts may contain over 13% of daily fiber recommend consumption. Fiber can add bulk to your stool and make your stool softer, preventing constipation.

However, for some people, their digestive system takes a lot of time to digest fiber in sprouts. Moreover, our body do not have enzymes to digest and break down the raffinose, a sugar in Brussel sprouts. Eating Brussel sprouts may cause floating and gas.

Brussel sprouts are a healthy food that can be added to your diet. However, if you are experiencing gas and bloating, you should stop eating sprouts because it can worsen the condition. When you start adding sprouts to your diet, you should limit the amount intake daily until your body gets used to it. After that, you can increase the intake gradually. In order to eliminate the digestive problems caused by sprouts, you should take supplements containing the enzyme alpha-galactosidase that can break down the sugar called raffinose in sprouts. Alternatively, you can take simethicone supplements to decrease the gas in your intestine.

5. Provide A Great Source Of Vitamin K

Brussel sprouts have a great source of vitamin K that plays the important role in ensuring the bones are healthy. Moreover, your body needs vitamin K to make sure that the blood clot process in your body happens properly. The vitamin K deficiency is rare because the herbs and leafy greens can provide your body enough vitamin K and even the bacteria in your intestine can provide vitamin K. However, taking antibiotics can affect the bacteria and lead to the mild vitamin K deficiency.  If your diet is low in vitamin K or you have vitamin K deficiency, it can easily result in calcification in your body. Lack of vitamin K also causes excessive bleeding. Other serious health problems associated with vitamin K deficiency include gallbladder, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, liver disease, blood thinners, serious burns and long-term hemodialysis. Therefore, it is important for you to increase vitamin K intake by eating vitamin K-rich food such as green tea, beef liver, broccoli, turnip greens, spinach, kale, dark green lettuce and asparagus. Moreover, Brussel sprouts are also rich in vitamin K. which we should know if  you want to look for Brussel sprouts benefits. It is said that consuming one cup of Brussel sprouts can provide you enough daily vitamin K intake consumption. Studies showed that freezing foods may lead to vitamin K loss in foods while heating does not affect vitamin K quality. Therefore, in order to get optimum vitamin K and Brussel sprouts benefits, you should steam and eat these sprouts immediately after you buy it.

6. Detoxify Your Body

Researches and studies on the Brussel sprouts benefits are extensive and complicated. Many studies have found out that glucosinolates in Brussel sprouts can boost the detoxification in our cells. Brussel sprouts contain a great source of glucosinolates.

Moreover, the detox system of our body only works properly and effectively when it is supplied enough sulfur. Sulfur is responsible for Brussel sprouts benefits in detoxifying your body. Sulfur-containing nutrients are found abundance in Brussel sprouts. These sulfur-containing nutrients are responsible for the distinctive taste and smell of Brussel sprouts. Overcooking these sprouts can lead to too much sulfur aroma. Sulfur-containing nutrients may participate in phase 2 of body detoxification. However, in phase 1 of body detoxification, the detox system requires the strong antioxidant supports. Interestingly, Brussel sprouts can provide these benefits. These sprouts contain a great source of vitamin C that is known for antioxidant effects. Moreover, besides vitamin C and manganese, Brussel sprouts are also rich in antioxidant phytonutrients such as a plenty of antioxidant flavonoids. Moreover, various active compounds found in Brussel sprouts are good for protecting the DNA in our body cells from the damages and changes caused by many environmental toxins.

7. Contain High Level Of Antioxidant Effects

If you like eating Brussel sprouts, it can become the important food in your daily diet. This is because it contains a plenty of vitamin antioxidants such as vitamin A and vitamin C. Essential mineral manganese found abundant in Brussel sprouts are also proven to have antioxidant effects. Brussel sprouts have flavonoid antioxidants such as quercitin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol. A study conducted in France found that antioxidant polyphenols in Brussel sprouts are more effective and more powerful antioxidants than other cruciferous vegetables. The antioxidant effects of sprouts are much better than broccoli. Moreover, some antioxidant compounds in Brussel sprouts cannot be found available in most foods. These compounds include a sulfur-containing compound named D3T. More researchers and studies are being conducted to determine whether D3T is important and beneficial for the antioxidant system of our body.

The antioxidant nutrients in Brussel sprout not only support the phase 1 of the detoxification process in our body but also reduce the risk of oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen-containing molecules. Chronic oxidative stress and tissue damage caused by these molecules can lead to most certain cancers.

8. Fight Against Inflammation

When we talk about Brussel sprouts benefits, we cannot ignore its anti-inflammatory effects. Eating Brussel sprouts regularly can protect your body from inflammation. Do you know that chronic inflammation is one of the main triggering factors for many cancer types? Chronic inflammation is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle of the human such as overuse of over-the-counter or prescribed medications, lack of exercise, excessive stress, sleep deprivation, and unhealthy diet.

Thanks to its various nutrient benefits, Brussel sprouts are effective in keeping your body from excessive, chronic inflammation. Scientists and researchers found out that high glucosinolate content of sprouts is contributed to these Brussel sprouts benefits. Inflammation process is needed for healing the injury, wound and many health ailments. However, the unbalance of inflammation and anti-inflammation system of your body may put the risk in your health. Glucosinolate in Brussel sprouts has the ability to regulate this system and keep unwanted inflammation at bay. In addition to glucosinolate, glucobrassicin can also benefit the anti-inflammatory system. When we consume sprouts, glucobrassicin in Brussel sprouts can be converted into indole-3-carbinol (I3C), an isothiocyanate molecule that contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin K that found abundant in Brussel sprouts is proven to be an important anti-inflammatory component. Vitamin K can act as a natural regulator for anti-inflammatory and inflammatory system. Therefore, it is important for us to increase the vitamin K intake through the diet or supplement in order to prevent excessive and chronic inflammation. Eating Brussel sprouts regularly not only provides you enough vitamin K but also helps you fight against the unwanted inflammation in your body.

Another vital anti-inflammatory nutrient in Brussel sprouts is omega 3 fatty acids. It is not what we often think. We assumed that all vegetables including Brussel sprouts are low in total fat. But in fact, 100 calories of Brussel sprouts can give your body 480 milligrams of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are responsible for blocking the molecules causing inflammation in your body.

9. Contain A Great Source Of Vitamin C

Rich in vitamin C, Brussel sprouts should be incorporated into your daily diet. If you want to get your daily recommended consumption for vitamin C, you just need to 100 gram of boiled or steamed Brussel sprouts. Many recent studies showed that the vitamin C content in Brussel sprouts is much higher than in other fruits such as oranges. Your body needs vitamin C to make sure that the immune system function well and high blood pressure can be prevented.

Read also: 19 best natural home remedies for high blood pressure control 

10. Improve Crohn's disease

Most patients who get diagnosed with Crohn’s disease need surgery to improve their life quality but in some cases, a medical surgery is necessary.

A doctor may suggest an ostomy for patients with Crohn’s disease. After an ostomy, patients can find the significant relief and their life can be better. However, it is important for patients with ostomy know necessary self-care tips including the diet. According to Harriet E. Pilert, an ostomy nurse working at Mercy Medical Center, patients who have an ostomy surgery due to Crohn’s disease need to have a special diet. It is recommended eating Brussel sprouts to protect your health and get enough nutrients. Moreover, patients with Crohn’s disease should not eat fiber- rich foods because their body cannot digest the fiber. Foods with skin are also avoided because it can lead to a blockage. Drinking more than 8 glasses of water daily can help you to prevent this problem.

11. Boost Hair Growth

Eating sprouts regularly help to boost the hair growth. Studies found out that vitamin C is contributed to this one of Brussel sprout benefits. Vitamin C contains antioxidant properties that can help to destroy the harmful free radicals that make the hair brittle, weak, and thin. Moreover, eating Brussel sprouts regularly can prevent a lot of hair disorders such as hirsutism, alopecia, and so on.

12. Boost The Blood Flow And Blood Circulation

Brussel sprouts have the ability to boost the blood circulation in your body; as a result, it can fasten the healing process. For hair, sprouts can strengthen the hair by repairing the capillaries. By increasing the blood circulation to your follicles and your scalp, sprouts can stimulate the hair growth.

13. Contain A Great Source Of Iron

Rich in iron, Brussel sprouts can prevent hair fall and hair breakage. This is because iron plays the important role in carrying oxygen to the hair roots, scalp and stresses. Iron benefits not only your hair but also your body. Iron is also responsible for carrying oxygen to blood cells in the human body. Iron deficiency can lead to many mild and serious health problems, including anemia of chronic disease, anemia in pregnancy, cough, predialysis anemia and so on. Our body needs iron to ensure the proper body growth and robust health. Iron is also an important nutrient that boosts the metabolism and produces red blood cells. Therefore, you should increase iron intake for good health. You can eat iron-rich foods including Brussel sprouts or take iron supplements. However, if you want to take these supplements, you should consult your doctor first.

Keep reading: Top 25 natural home remedies for cough in adults

14. Rich In Zinc

In addition to vitamin C, iron and antioxidants, Brussel sprouts also contain a great source of zinc. For hair, zinc is responsible for producing sebum in the scalp. Sebum keeps the hair from dryness by hydrating the roots, scalp and hair strands. Moreover, zinc also boosts the regeneration of your scalp cells, keeping the healthy scalp. For health, zinc plays the important role in maintaining good digestive and immune system, reducing stress, controlling diabetes, boosting metabolism, and fasting the healing of wounds and acnes. Zinc deficiency can result in low blood pressure, growth retardation, loss of appetite, retard bone growth, depression, weight loss, rough skin, hair loss, diarrhea, and fatigue, and so on. We can increase zinc intake by eating zinc-rich foods including Brussel sprouts or taking supplements. When you choose to take zinc supplements, you need the doctor’s instruction.

15. Treat Dandruff

In addition to boosting hair growth, Brussel sprouts benefits also include reducing dandruff. Dandruff is a common hair problem. It is called by dead skin cells on the scalp. Dandruff may make sufferers lose their confidence. People with dandruff often spend a lot of money on the hair care products. However, most of the hair products are expensive and contain harmful chemicals that can have some unwanted side effects. Fortunately, the healthy diet can help you to control dandruff problem. This is also one of Brussel sprouts benefits. Brussel sprouts contain a great source of selenium that can kill Malassezia, a fungus causing dandruff on the scalp. Eating sprouts regularly helps to fight against the dandruff problem and get rid of the debris. As a result, the hair can be stronger and longer. Moreover, thanks to its antifungal properties, Brussel sprouts can help to prevent and treat the itchy scalp caused by dandruff.

16. Maintain Healthy Hair

If you want to have a strong straight and shiny hair, you should include Brussel sprouts in your daily diet. It is said that regular consumption of Brussel sprouts can add elasticity, shine, and luster to the hair. This is because Brussel sprouts contain omega 3 fatty acids that are a vital nutrient for healthy hair. Omega 3 fatty acids are good for nourishing the hair follicles and thus, making hair healthy and strong. It is the reason why omega 3 fatty acids are often listed on the labels of many hair care products. Omega 3 fatty acids can help to fight against many hair problems such as dry hair, flaky scalp, brittle hair and hair loss. In order to have a healthy hair, you can not only apply hair care remedies topically but also eat a healthy diet. Eating Brussel sprouts can benefit your hair. People who have dull and lifeless hair are recommended eating Brussel sprouts regularly.

Moreover, Brussel sprouts can help to prevent hair loss by balancing the hormone and retaining the vitality of the hair. An imbalance in hormone may lead to hair loss in women.

17. Increase The Level Of Biotin

Biotin is a vital nutrient for skin, hair and nails. Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss issue, hair breakage, and brittle damaged hair. Increasing biotin intake can help your hair grow longer and prevent many hair problems. In order to have a healthy hair, glowing skin, and strong nails, you can take biotin supplements that are available in health stores. However, the safest and the best money-saving way is consuming biotin-rich foods. It is the reason why Brussel sprouts are considered as a health food for skin, hair and nails.

18. Make Skin Glowing

In order to have glowing skin, you need not only skin care routine but also a healthy diet. Eating healthy plays the important role in nourishing the skin inside. Lack of nutrients can lead to the dull and lifeless skin. Eating healthy make your skin look better and give your skin glowing appearance. Brussel sprouts are a great source of many essential minerals, vital vitamins and nutrients. These nutrients can benefit your skin. One serving of Brussel sprouts can give you a plenty of nutritional benefits. It can provide vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin K as well as essential minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and potassium.

19. Prevent Skin Cancer

Free radicals caused by the excessive exposure to environmental pollution and sunlight can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Fortunately, you can keep skin cancer at bay by including Brussel sprouts in your daily diet. The antioxidants in these sprouts are effective in killing these free radicals and protecting your skin from skin cancer and sun damage.

20. Keep The Skin Hydrated

Brussel sprouts are also rich in vitamin B that helps to form the healthy new skin cells. Therefore, Brussel sprouts benefits also include hydrating the skin. For glowing and smooth skin, you just need to consume one serving of Brussel sprout daily.

21. Aid In Cell Regeneration

Other reasons why you should incorporate Brussel sprouts into your diet are that Brussel sprouts help to fasten the healing and boosting rejuvenation of the skin. Eating sprouts can heal the wound and damaged tissue faster. It removes skin pigmentation and discoloration such as age spots and freckles and thus, gives you a flawless and clear skin.

22. Boost Collagen Production

Vitamin C found abundant in sprouts is effective in collagen production. Eating sprouts gives the youth to your skin by increasing elasticity. This vitamin C plays the important role in supporting and binding the organs and body tissues together. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to sagging skin and wrinkles. It is recommended consuming Brussel sprouts regularly in order to rejuvenate the skin inside and prevent the pre-aging signs like wrinkles and sagging skin.

23. Fight Acne Problems

Brussel sprouts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids that can alleviate inflammation and prevent acnes as well as other skin problems.  Brussel sprouts can be considered as a healthy food that helps to prevent and treat various skin conditions such as scaling, pruritus, and erythema. Therefore, it is recommended consuming Brussel sprouts for if you want to have glowing, smooth skin without inflammation conditions such as psoriasis and acne.

24. Benefit Pregnant Women

Protein in Brussel sprouts can benefit pregnant woman and her unborn child. Therefore, Brussel sprouts should be considered as a healthy food for pregnant diet. When consuming Brussel sprouts, pregnant women should be careful. If Brussel sprouts are not cleaned properly, it can increase the risk of bacteria such as e-coli and salmonella that can lead to some health problems like nausea, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramping and other serious ailments in pregnant women. If pregnant women want to take Brussel sprouts benefits, they should cook this vegetable.

Brussel sprouts should be washed carefully in order to remove the pesticide and fungus residue. In order prepare Brussel sprouts for cooking, you should cut off the surplus stem and discard its leaves. It is important to know that smelly, stale and dull looking sprouts should not be eaten. Pregnant women should opt for cooked sprouts however normal people should avoid cooking, frying and roasting in order to get the optimum Brussel sprouts benefits. Exposure to heat can make Brussel sprouts lose the nutritive value.

You can purchase packaged sprout grains. You can eat sprout grains alone or add them into pudding, risotto, or sandwiches.

You can steam Brussel sprouts easily with a sufficient amount of water. It will prevent the nutrition loss and support the digestion.

These are 24 Brussel sprouts benefits for health, skin and hair. I hope that you will find helpful information in this article. Do you like Brussel sprouts? Do you find it is good for your health, skin and hair? Share with me your experience by leaving your comments bellow. I will appreciate that. Thank you for reading.