Brussels sprouts have a reputation as a good-for-you veggie.

And if you really, really like them, these are some of the health perks you may experience.

Caitlin Bensel

For years, the joke was on Brussels sprouts.

a recipe photo of Brussels Sprouts

Photo:Caitlin Bensel

They tasted like vegetables.

And kids everywhere would do anything to avoid them.

Thats great news, given this antioxidant-packed veggie also has many health benefits to offer.

Just 5% of the U.S. adult population regularly eats the recommended amount of fiber daily.

(Your goal:28 to 34 grams of fiberper day.)

Isothiocyanates may combat inflammation and help lower cholesterol, and in turn, reduce your risk of heart disease.

The humble Brussels sprout is a great source of fiber and essential nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Go for it.

If you enjoy sprouts and can tolerate them, absolutely!

Theyre lower in calories and contain a myriad of important nutrients says Snyder.

Brussels sprouts are also a good source of essential nutrients like vitamins C, K and folate.

They can be tougher on your GI system.

They also contain a complex sugar called raffinose which humans can’t break down.

American Society for Nutrition.Most Americans are not getting enough fiber in our diets.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Brussels sprouts, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt.

Sikorska-Zimny K, Beneduce L.The Metabolism of glucosinolates by gut microbiota.Nutrients.

2021;13(8):2750.

A systematic review and meta-analysis.Phytotherapy Research.

2022; 27(3):624. doi.org/10.3390/molecules27030624