Keisha Blair
Brussel Sprouts contain a number of wonderful health benefits. According to the World’s Healthiest Foods, brussel sprouts can do the following:
- Brussels sprouts can provide you with some special cholesterol-lowering benefits if you use a steaming method when cooking them. The fiber-related components in Brussels sprouts do a better job of binding together with bile acids in your digestive tract when they’ve been steamed. When this binding process takes place, it’s easier for bile acids to be excreted, and the result is a lowering of your cholesterol levels. Raw Brussels sprouts still have cholesterol-lowering ability — just not as much as steamed Brussels sprouts.
- Brussels sprouts may have unique health benefits in the area of DNA protection. A recent study has shown improved stability of DNA inside of our white blood cells after daily consumption of Brussels sprouts in the amount of 1.25 cups.
- The cancer protection we get from Brussels sprouts is largely related to four specific glucosinolates found in this cruciferous vegetable: glucoraphanin, glucobrassicin, sinigrin, and gluconasturtiian. Research has shown that Brussels sprouts offer these cancer-preventive components in special combination.
Maple syrup also packs a nutritional punch. It can boost your immune system, age-proof your skin, calm tummy troubles, and more.
Pair this recipe as a side dish with other DASH Diet recipes featured here on Aspire-Canada such as the Shrimp in Shallot Rum Cream, the Shrimp Scampi with Rum or the Jerk Spiced Shrimp recipe.
Recipe Ingredients:
2 Cups Brussels sprouts
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 Teaspoons maple syrup
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half vertically. Remove the stems and outer leaves.
3. In a large bowl, toss the sprouts with the olive oil and maple syrup.
4. Spread the sprouts on a large baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Serve warm.