101 Best Superfood Series

You may have heard the term "Super food" being tossed around in some health blogs. But what exactly is a Super food? Super foods are whole foods that are not processed, so they retain more of their balanced combination of nutrients that nature gave them. These nutrients include a mix of the essentials- fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and other familiar nutrients that our bodies require to function properly and maintain good health. Super foods also include various natural plant substances called phytonutrients that play an important role in reducing health ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer. The best way to capture all of these benefits is to eat a variety of whole foods. This series will help you choose which super foods you should be including in your diet. Lets get to it...

Today's Super food is Brussels Sprouts. Brussels sprouts are somewhat of a miniature cabbage that shares many of the health benefits of their larger cousins. In season, you can often purchase brussels sprouts as they grow, clustered around a single long stalk. Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutritional value. In just 1/2 cup of these hearty heads, you get a decent amount of protein and fiber, but low calories, minimal sodium, and no fat. Plus, like cabbage and other cruciferous veggies, brussels sprouts come loaded with a package of potent phytonutrients that may help protect your body against cancer.

Brussels sprouts are also rich in Vitamin C, which plays a vital role in helping your body ward off infections, and are also a good source of potassium, iron, and Vitamin A. Fresh brussles sprouts shine in fall and winter. Look for pronounced green color and tight, compact, firm heads. The fewer the yellowed, wiled or loose leaves the better. Smaller sprouts are more tender and flavorful. Pick ones of similar size so they cook evenly. Stored in the refrigerator in a loosely closed plastic bag, they should last a week or two.

Rinse brussels sprouts under running water, then pull off loose or wilted leaves and trim the stem ends a little. You could cut an "X" in the bottoms to help them cook evenly. Steaming is better than boiling to preserve nutrients and minimize odor. Cook just until tender. Another way to prepare brussels sprouts is to cut in half lengthwise, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in the oven at 400 degrees F until crisp and tender. Roasted brussels sprouts are delicious served with just a squeeze of lemon.

Well there you have it for now. Thanks for reading and I hope you go out and enjoy some delicious and health brussels sprouts. Thanks for stopping by and I will see you again soon.