Brussels sprouts are a popular vegetable that is low in calories and packed with nutrients. One pound of cooked Brussels sprouts, without salt and drained, contains 191 calories. Despite their reputation for being an acquired taste, Brussels sprouts are an excellent addition to any diet.

Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. They are also low in carbs and can be a healthy side dish for any meal. In this article, we'll dive into the benefits of incorporating cooked Brussels sprouts into your diet.

Whether you love Brussels sprouts or have yet to acquire a taste for them, this article will provide you with valuable information about their nutritional value, cooking methods, and how they can be a healthy addition to your diet.

Calories in Cooked Brussels Sprouts

As mentioned, one pound of cooked Brussels sprouts contains 191 calories. This means that a half-cup serving, which is about 78 grams, contains only 28 calories. This makes Brussels sprouts an excellent food option for anyone watching their caloric intake. Despite their low calorie count, Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, as we'll explore in the following sections.

Brussels Sprouts: A Low-Calorie Vegetable

Brussels sprouts are a low-calorie vegetable that can help you meet your daily nutrient needs without exceeding your caloric requirements. In addition to their low calorie count, Brussels sprouts are also a great source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. Brussels sprouts are also a great source of many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. They also contain small amounts of other nutrients, such as iron and calcium.

Cooked Brussels Sprouts: A Vitamin C Powerhouse

One of the key nutritional benefits of cooked Brussels sprouts is their high vitamin C content. One cup of cooked Brussels sprouts contains more than 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays many important roles in your body, including supporting your immune system, promoting healthy skin, and helping your body absorb iron from plant-based foods.

The Fiber Content of Cooked Brussels Sprouts

Cooked Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of fiber, with one cup containing almost 4 grams of fiber. This makes them a great food option for promoting digestive health and helping you feel full for longer periods of time. Fiber is also important for helping to lower cholesterol levels and regulating blood sugar levels.

A Rich Source of Antioxidants

Brussels sprouts are also a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This is important for promoting overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. In addition to being a great source of vitamin C, Brussels sprouts also contain other powerful antioxidants, such as vitamin E and beta-carotene.

Brussels Sprouts: A Low-Carb Food

In addition to being low in calories, Brussels sprouts are also low in carbs, making them a great food option for anyone following a low-carb diet or looking to reduce their carb intake. One cup of cooked Brussels sprouts contains only 12 grams of carbs, with 4 grams of fiber. This means that the net carb count of cooked Brussels sprouts is only 8 grams per cup, making them an excellent food option for anyone looking to control their carb intake.

Cooked Brussels Sprouts: A Healthy Side Dish

In addition to being a nutritious vegetable, cooked Brussels sprouts can also make a great side dish for any meal. They can be served alongside your favorite protein source, such as chicken or fish, or as part of a vegetarian or vegan meal. To prepare cooked Brussels sprouts, you can steam, roast, or sauté them with a variety of seasonings and spices. This will help enhance their flavor and make them more enjoyable to eat.

Cooked Brussels Sprouts: A Good Source of Vitamin K

Cooked Brussels sprouts are also a great source of vitamin K, with one cup containing more than 100% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in blood clotting, bone health, and heart health. In addition to being a great source of vitamin K, Brussels sprouts also contain other important nutrients, such as vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Cooking Methods That Preserve the Nutrients in Brussels Sprouts

When cooking Brussels sprouts, it's important to choose cooking methods that preserve their nutritional value. Steaming, roasting, and sautéing are all great options for cooking Brussels sprouts without reducing their nutritional content. Boiling Brussels sprouts is not recommended, as it can lead to nutrient loss. If you do boil Brussels sprouts, be sure to save the cooking water and use it in soups or stews to help retain some of the lost nutrients.

The Benefits of Adding Cooked Brussels Sprouts to Your Diet

Adding cooked Brussels sprouts to your diet can provide a number of health benefits. They are a low-calorie, low-carb vegetable that is packed with nutrients, such as vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. They are also a great food option for promoting digestive health and helping you feel full for longer periods of time. By choosing cooking methods that preserve their nutritional content, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of this nutritious vegetable. So whether you love Brussels sprouts or have yet to acquire a taste for them, consider adding cooked Brussels sprouts to your diet for a healthy boost of nutrients.