Advertisement
Diet

Brussels sprouts: Packed with vitamin C and cancer-fighting nutrients

Brussels sprouts: Packed with vitamin C and cancer-fighting nutrients Julie Daniluk

For some reason, the faithful mini cabbage (aka Brussels sprout) has a bad rap. I suppose this is because people have been tortured by boiled-to-mush dishes served up by well-intentioned grandparents. Yes, they have a slight bitter taste, but it is important to keep in mind that some of our most treasured treats are bitter including chocolate and coffee. Brussels sprouts are teeming with health benefits from cancer prevention to joint protection and it's worth it to given them another chance to impress your palate and heal your body. In the end, it all comes down to how they're prepared. By adding a sweet dressing to these mini marvels, they may become a fall favourite!5 reasons to get these super sprouts onto your harvest table1. Brussels sprouts are being researched as a true cancer fighting superfood. They contain glucosinolates that prevent the development and spread of cancer cells that can lead to bladder, breast, colon, lung, prostate, and ovarian cancer.2. Brussels sprouts have the power to reduce the inflammation in your body with its high flavonoid content. Quercetin, one of the better-known flavonoids, has the power to work as an antihistamine, reducing allergic reactions.3. Can you believe that one cup of Brussels sprouts contains 100 mg of vitamin C? That is almost twice the amount of vitamin C found in an orange. Vitamin C is a key nutrient for building collagen in your joints and skin. Smokers lose vitamin C with every cigarette they smoke making them more susceptible to aging rapidly!4. Brussels sprouts are powerful detoxifiers They work by increasing levels of glutathione-S-transferase, the enzyme that detoxifies environmental toxins such as hormone-disturbing xenoestrogens we are exposed to from plastics and pesticides. Fall is a great time to do a clean sweep of your body before it goes into hibernation mode.5. The fibre and sulforaphane found in brassica plants such as Brussel sprouts has been shown to protect your tummy from ulcers! Sulforaphane reduces the amount of H. pylori bacteria that can cause a chronic low-level inflammation of the stomach lining.Honey Mustard Brussel SproutsIngredients4 cups Brussel sprouts1 medium sweet onion, peeled and chopped or sliced2 cups sliced parsnips1/2 cup water2 tablespoon of olive oil2 tablespoon honey1 tablespoon vanilla extract1 tablespoon yellow mustard1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp grey or pink sea saltInstructions1. Trim Brussel sprouts (or pluck them off the stem if you have the luck to find them fresh). Cut a small X in the stem end, so they cook evenly.2. Place sprouts, onion, parsnips and water in a medium pan. Cover and cook on medium-high heat for 10 minutes, or until tender. Pour any excess water out when done keeping sprouts in pan.3. Mix olive oil, honey, vanilla, mustard and balsamic into a sauce and drizzle on top of the cooked sprouts, parsnips and onions. Add salt and stir gently to blend. 4. Roast in oven at 350 degrees F for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

Nutritionist Julie Daniluk hosts the Healthy Gourmet, a reality cooking show that looks at the ongoing battle between taste and nutrition. Her soon to be published first book, Meals That Heal Inflammation, advises on allergy-free foods that both taste great and assist the body in the healing process.

For more amazing recipes visit Chatelaine.com's recipe section.

GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!

Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement