This tiny cabbage has unexpected health benefits.

Brussels sprouts (also known as miniature cabbages) look similar to traditional cabbages but are tiny in size. They are packed with nutrients and offer great health benefits.

Mini cabbages bring many unexpected health benefits - Illustration photo

Many surprising uses

According to doctors at the Clinical Nutrition Center of K Hospital, brussels sprouts are a type of cabbage originating from the Mediterranean, introduced to Vietnam in recent years under the name of miniature cabbage.

Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, carotenoids, have antioxidant effects, prevent cancer, are good for the brain, are anti-inflammatory, and support fertility, so they are increasingly popular and added to the menu of many families.

Several laboratory studies have shown that carotenoids in Brussels sprouts act as antioxidants and boost the body's antioxidant defenses, thereby reducing the damage caused by free radicals to DNA that can lead to cancer.

They also increase enzymes that metabolize carcinogens and stimulate apoptosis (self-destruction) of abnormal cells. In population studies, higher blood levels of total carotenoids and beta-carotene have been associated with a reduced risk of cancer.

In addition, vitamin C in Brussels sprouts is also a powerful antioxidant. In laboratory studies, it has been shown to protect cell DNA.

Cell studies have also shown that vitamin C inhibits the formation of carcinogens and supports the immune system. Human studies have shown that high dietary vitamin C intake is associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer in smokers and colon cancer.

Brussels sprouts provide a large amount of folate, which plays a role in cell growth and division, making neurotransmitters in the brain, producing healthy red blood cells, and preventing anemia.

In particular, folate supplementation during pregnancy helps prevent the risk of neural tube birth defects.

Brussels sprouts are also rich in fiber. 100g of Brussels sprouts contain up to 3.8g of fiber. Fiber plays an important role in preventing and treating diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, constipation, etc.

Notably, baby cabbage contains a large amount of vitamin K. 100g of brussels sprouts contains about 194mcg of vitamin K, meeting about 242% of the needs of adults.

Doctors also note that patients using vitamin K anticoagulants should consult a doctor or nutritionist before use.

How to prepare brussels sprouts to be good for health?

Brussels sprouts can be prepared like other common vegetables such as cabbage, bok choy... However, if cooked thoroughly, the flavor of Brussels sprouts will become too strong.

It's best to cut them in half and steam them for 8-10 minutes or sauté them in a flavorful oil like olive oil for 10-12 minutes to retain the flavor and nutrients optimally.

To ensure food safety when using brussels sprouts and cabbage in general, health experts recommend washing cabbage before processing, washing hands with soap, and thoroughly cleaning the surfaces of cooking utensils in the kitchen.

You should limit the consumption of dishes made from cabbage that have been left overnight or stored in the refrigerator for a long time to avoid health risks.

Read more Back to Topics

NGOC CHAU

Source: https://archive.vietnam.vn/loai-bap-cai-co-kich-thuoc-ti-hon-nhung-mang-lai-loi-ich-suc-khoe-khong-ngo/