Health Benefits Of Brussels Sprouts

Alleviates Inflammation

While inflammation is a healthy and normal immune response, chronic inflammation may be a common factor in many diseases like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Chronic inflammation can affect many internal systems and organs, including the lining of blood vessels. This inflammation is often associated with free radical damage and oxidative stress to cells, which slowly causes damage. Certain foods contain compounds that help fight inflammation. Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts have known anti-inflammatory properties and studies have shown a diet high in cruciferous vegetables is associated with lower blood levels of inflammatory markers. Brussels sprouts also contain antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals responsible for inflammation. One of the most powerful antioxidants in Brussels sprouts is kaempferol, which alleviates inflammation. A diet high in foods with kaempferol has been associated with a lower risk of diabetes, certain types of cancer, and arthritis.

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Slows Cognitive Decline

A growing body of research indicates the antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin E in foods like Brussels sprouts, walnuts, and blueberries can reduce inflammation and slow cognitive decline. Eating foods high in vitamin A like Brussels sprouts slows cognitive decline because vitamin A is converted into retinoic acid, which works with the central nervous system and interacts with brain receptors. It's believed retinoic acid helps boost the number of brain neurons and connections. Brussels sprouts are also rich in omega fatty acids and tryptophan, which are important for healthy brain function and may help with DNA repair in cells. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Aberdeen created a 'supercharged' vitamin A inspired by the vitamin content of Brussels sprouts that will eventually be used in human trials for Alzheimer's disease.

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