Brussels sprouts: The one vegetable no parent ever pushed onto a child. We all know it just tastes bad! But the health benefits to Brussels sprouts cannot be overlooked. These little green vegetables can give back so much to our bodies that it’s definitely worth the horrible taste in your mouth.

If you’re still unsure about cooking Brussels sprouts, we also have the best ways to cook Brussels sprouts. And they actually taste good! So take a look at the benefits and then decide on how you want to cook these super-sprouts for dinner tonight!

Brussels sprouts encourage better digestion.

This vegetable is extremely high in fiber. In fact, you could meet half of your daily required fiber intake with just 200 calories of Brussels sprouts. All of that added fiber in your day will keep your bowel movements regular and your gut healthy.

Brussels sprouts have anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-inflammatory foods are great for healing arthritis pain and are recommended in the diets of anyone suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Another great benefit to this anti-inflammatory vegetable might be a lower risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. One study on 1000 men and women in China who ate Brussels sprouts along with other cruciferous vegetables had lower mortality rates than those who ate fewer Brussel sprouts.

Brussels sprouts improve your stomach.

Glucoraphanin, a compound found in Brussels sprouts, helps protect your stomach’s lining from H. pylori, and ulcer-causing bacterium. The bacteria could even lead to stomach cancer – Brussels sprouts are starting to look good now, aren’t they? And I’m not even done the list of benefits!

Brussels sprouts help you lose weight.

Fiber doesn’t only help with better digestion it also helps to keep you feeling full longer. So you’ll be eating less throughout the day. This vegetable also helps regulate blood sugars to keep those midday cravings at bay.

Brussels sprouts are low in calories, which will help to lose weight. They are also packed with nutrients, with more than your daily recommended dose of vitamin C and K1. These tiny green balls are also a magnificent source of potassium, B vitamins, and manganese.

Brussels sprouts are a must have for babies.

Being a good source of folate, pregnant women can benefit the most from eating Brussels sprouts. Folate encourages proper neurological development of the fetus, as well as prevents birth defects such as cleft palate.

Convinced? So am I! Brussels sprouts are awesome so we should find a way to include them in our weekly dinner meals.

Delicious (seriously) Brussels Sprouts Recipes

These recipes will help bring out the natural flavours of Brussels sprouts that are usually masked by being overcooked or boiled. Don’t let horrible tasting Brussels sprouts ruin your dinner, or your health! Try out these 3 recipes to fall in love with Brussels sprouts. Your tongue, and body, will be thanking you.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

This is a great way to bring out the natural caramelized sweetness of Brussels sprouts.

You’ll need:

1 pound Brussels sprouts

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp organic balsamic vinegar

1 tsp organic honey

1 tsp salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Cut Brussels sprouts in half.

On a baking sheet, toss all ingredients together.

Roast for 30 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes.

Leave to cool and sprinkle parmesan over the vegetables to taste.

Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios and Bacon

Bacon makes everything taste better, especially Brussels sprouts! The pistachios bring a nutty sweetness to your plate.

Ingredients:

1/3 pound of bacon

1 tbsp bacon grease

1 pound of Brussels sprouts

At least 20 organic pistachios (or to taste)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Slice bacon into short pieces – about an inch long and a quarter-inch wide.

Cook bacon until crispy. Set aside.

Cut Brussels sprouts in half.

On a baking sheet, toss together Brussels sprouts and bacon grease.

Roast for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.

Shell pistachios and remove skin by gently rubbing with your fingertips.

Toss all together and enjoy!

Roasted Vegetable Orbs

This dish will certainly bring some color to your table (and your taste buds!).

Ingredients:

2 organic beets

½ pound of Brussels sprouts

½ pound of organic carrots

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Wash beets and pierce all over with a fork.

Wrap beets in tin foil and roast for 1 hour.

Peel and slice roasted beets into bite-sized chunks.

Now set your oven to 450 degrees.

Cut ½ pound of Brussels sprouts.

Cut ½ pound of organic carrots in two inch long slices.

Toss sprouts and carrots on a baking sheet with olive oil and salt.

Roast for 30 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes.

Add beets to the pan and continue cooking for 5 minutes.

Now go enjoy your Brussels sprouts!

Sources:

http://www.stethnews.com/0638/health-benefits-of-eating-brussels-sprouts/

http://www.organicauthority.com/eco-chic-table/5-new-ways-to-cook-brussels-sprouts.html