Ewwww...Brussels Sprouts!!!!!

So....for YEARS, Jessica has been trying to get me to love brussels sprouts. She brings them to family functions, even hands out bags of them at taco night! The saying is true, if your first time eating a food is not a success, typically, you tend to not like that food or give it a second chance. Needless to say, Jessica prepared for me a half done batch of them, and from that point forward, i HATED THEM. Well, recently, i gave them a second chance. I noticed how cool they looked in the produce department at trader joes, so i purchased a bundle.



After boiling them for 15 minutes and then sauteing them in a pan with olive oil for a few minutes, these little treats are pretty tasty! And so it began....the conversation to add brussels sprouts to our ingredients list!

Bare Blendz has made it a special mission to include this yummy round veggie on our Signature Combination's Menu. Although many people frown at the very idea of these little "sprouts", there are potentially many benefits to eating them. We have creatively made a flavor combination that will be undeniable to your baby! Recently tested and loved, we cannot wait to introduce to you our Brussels Sprout & Apple Puree!

The brussels sprout (Brassica oleracea) belongs to the family Brassicaceae. Like other members of the family, they are rich in the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin A, fibre, phytochemicals and vegetable protein. Vegetables such as the humble brussel sprout have been associated with preventing a number of cancers and preventing cardiovascular disease.

Health Benefits
Vegetables such as brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates, which has been shown to prevent a number of different cancers. A study published in “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention” showed that eating cruciferous vegetables is associated with a lower risk of lung cancer. Further studies, have shown that other cancers may be reduced or even prevented with a consumption of cruciferous vegetables including brussels sprouts.

A study conducted in the United States and published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology” showed that a higher intake of both vegetables and fruit delayed the risk of death from both cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Storage and Cooking
Brussels sprouts should be firm compact and bright green. Work by Warwick University showed that storage at ambient temperature or in a domestic fridge showed no reduction in glucosinolate levels, the anticancer chemical.

Further work by Warwick University showed that after boiling for thirty minutes the loss of glucosinolate, the anticancer chemical, is as high as 58 percent for brussel sprouts. Even boiling brussel sprouts for only five minutes resulted in between a 20-30 percent loss, of the anticancer chemical. However, other cooking methods such as steaming, microwaving and stir frying showed no significant loss of glucosiolate.

Adverse effects
Care needs to be taken by individuals with thyroid problems as cruciferous vegetables such as brussels sprouts can prevent the formation of thyroid hormones. The thyroid enlarges to try and produce the hormone and can lead to the formation of a goitre.

Similarly to other cruciferous vegetables, brussels sprouts contain vitamin K, which has a role in blood clotting. Therefore, individuals prescribed anticoagulants need to take care.

Diet Recommendation
The American Institute for cancer research recommend that three-quarters of the diet should be filled with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans. No single food will protect or reduce the risk of cancer or other diseases and it may in fact be a combination of foods that protect individuals against diseases.



Read more at Suite101: The Health Benefits of Brussel Sprouts