Are you a fan of brussels sprouts? Those small, green vegetables that look like mini cabbages? If you are excellent – consider this your permission to eat more of them! If not, this is your invitation to join the brussels sprout fan club, because these small, green, cruciferous vegetables pack a real nutritional punch.
Why You Should Start Eating More Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, technically called Brussels sprouts, are named so because of their history of cultivation in Brussels, Belgium. They belong to the cruciferous vegetable family, which also includes kale, cauliflower, broccoli, collard greens, bok choy, and cabbage. Though they may be a bit bitter by themselves, when prepared appropriately they can be an incredibly tasty addition to any meal. What’s better, is that they are highly nutritious. These are just a few reasons why you should start eating these sprouts more often. (1)
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1. Supports Healing
Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin K. Vitamin K is the vitamin that helps your blood clot when you injure yourself and prevents excessive bleeding. (2) They also have high amounts of vitamin C, the antioxidant that promotes tissue repair. Vitamin C does this by increasing the production of collagen in the skin so that your skin will heal more quickly and smoothly. (3)
2. Builds Strong Bones
Yet again, thanks to the high levels of vitamin K, Brussels sprouts support strong bones and bone health. Vitamin K has a very important role in the formation of our bones. There are several vitamin K-dependent proteins involved in bone mineralization, turnover, and calcification.
3. May Support a Healthy Diet Associated With Lower Cancer Risk
Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates, which are broken down into biologically active compounds such as sulforaphane. Laboratory and animal studies suggest these compounds may help support the body’s natural defenses against cellular damage and influence processes involved in cancer development, although more human research is needed to confirm these effects.
Brussels sprouts are also an excellent source of dietary fiber. According to experts, there is probable evidence that foods containing fiber help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. While no single food has been proven to prevent cancer, regularly eating vegetables such as Brussels sprouts as part of a balanced, plant-rich diet is associated with better overall health and may contribute to a lower risk of certain cancers and other chronic diseases over time. (4).
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4. Promotes Immune Health
Beyond just high levels of vitamin C, brussels sprouts contain plenty of important phytochemicals. These are bioactive compounds that help kick-start your immune system, reduce inflammation, and stimulate natural detoxification. All of these functions will help keep you healthy when the cold and flu season kicks in. (5)
5. Weight Management
Brussels sprouts are a low-calorie addition to any meal. Their high levels of fiber also help to assist in satiety, meaning that they will fill you up without consuming too many calories. Plant-focused diets have also been shown to reduce the amount of the hormone leptin circulating in the body. Leptin is the hormone responsible for sending fullness cues to the brain, and having too-high levels can cause message confusion so you eat more. (6)
6. Lowers Diabetes Risk
In 2016, researchers published a study that showed that people who eat higher amounts of cruciferous vegetables had a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is largely due to their antioxidant content. These antioxidants also help to protect against cancer and heart disease. (7)
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7. Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can cause a wide range of health problems and chronic illnesses. The phytonutrients in brussels sprouts reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and more. (8) A 2014 study showed that people who ate more cruciferous vegetables had lower levels of inflammatory markers in both their blood and urine. (9)
The Bottom Line
Brussels sprouts are an excellent addition to your regular veggie routine. You can prepare them in a variety of ways, such as finely sliced in salads, roasted in the oven, and more. The important aspect that all the studies mentioned is that you need to be eating them regularly in order to see the benefits. So go to the store, stock up, and start eating more brussels sprouts.
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Sources
- “5 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts.” Health. Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD. August 15, 2022.
- “Vitamin K.” NIH
- “Brussels Sprouts Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.” Very Well Fit. Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN. August 11, 2021.
- “The Cancer Research.” AICR. January 22, 2020
- Wydawnictwa
- “Association between different types of plant-based diets and leptin levels in healthy volunteers.” OJS. Patrycja Gogga, et al. 2019
- “Consumption of citrus and cruciferous vegetables with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus based on a meta-analysis of prospective study.” Primary Care. Xiujuan Jia, et al. August 1, 2016.
- “The Beginner’s Guide to Cruciferous Vegetables.” Eat Right. Esther Ellis, MS, RDN, LDN. August 13, 2020.
- “Cruciferous Vegetable Intake Is Inversely Correlated with Circulating Levels of Proinflammatory Markers in Women.” Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Yu Jiang, MD, MPH, et al. May 1, 2014.
Correction (July 20, 2026): This article has been updated to more accurately reflect the current scientific evidence regarding Brussels sprouts and cancer prevention. A previous version overstated the evidence by suggesting that Brussels sprouts had been shown to help prevent certain types of cancer. The section has been revised to clarify that while Brussels sprouts contain fiber, antioxidants, and sulfur-containing compounds that are being studied for their potential health benefits, no single food has been proven to prevent cancer. The updated text emphasizes that Brussels sprouts may contribute to a healthy, plant-rich diet associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, through dietary fiber, rather than acting as a standalone preventive food.