If you’re not eating enough cruciferous veggies because you’re not particularly fond of them, I recommend starting with Brussels sprouts. Just take a bag of frozen Brussels sprouts, add some water (very little) and olive oil and leave them in the oven for 20 minutes. The result will be tasty and silky almost. I often have them for breakfast, which says something. In fact, they’re refreshing and in time you will see you might actually crave them (which can almost never be said about broccoli).
Why all this talk about the health benefits of cruciferous vegetables? Well, like all veggies, they contain lots of vitamins and minerals. They also contain glucosinolates, which are phytonutrients with cancer-prevention properties. It’s important to eat a varied diet because all these nutrients vary from veggie to veggie, and no matter how many vitamin supplements you take, you won’t be getting these phytonutrients. You will also not be getting the unique combination of compounds which each veggie brings to the table (pun intended), and which brings all sorts of health benefits besides cancer protection (which everyone is after) and vitamins and minerals. Brussels sprouts, for instance, also protect your DNA by virtue of containing some compounds which block certain enzymes.
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Comments
The fact that you're throwing them in boiling water first is good, because, at least in my experience, they tend to have small particles of dirt :)
That is how I cook them for Christmas Dinner . Quickly into Boiling water, drained and quickly stir fried. A smidgeon of fresh black pepper.
Your idea, too, of chopping them in half and stir-frying them, is excellent.
I haven't had them for breakfast yet but what a good idea. I am a great advocate of eating anything green regarding vegetables.
I think in England in the past they were boiled to death and it put many people off Sprouts but now the cooking styles are better .
I chop them in half and plunge them into boiling water for just two minutes , no longer ; Then I quickly toss them in hot oil for two minutes and serve. I do however like texture to my vegetables and therefore not too soft. It also keeps the vitamin C content better down this way.
A great post and idea.
I imagine they have similar health benefits on account of being all cruciferous vegetables containing sulphoraphane. But I imagine the amounts vary and there are also phytonutrients specific to each cruciferous vegetable. Now that you mention it, I do intend to grow Brussels sprouts: they are such an interesting plant!
Question: Brussels sprouts are exactly the same species as cabbage, cauliflower, kale, etc,[Brassica oleracaea] though a different variety of it. It therefore seems to me that all members of this species are equally healthy to eat? A tip though, if you are growing them, dress the soil with lime before you plant. You will see the benefits.
The bread is from a sliced loaf. It's wholewheat. I'd like to make and eat more bread but I gain weight if I do. And that drink is coffee. I like it with milk and honey. Disguises the fact that it's not made very well :). I use an ibric and the results are not that great.
Mira, Thank you! Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower for breakfast: no problem! Your combo certainly is attractive, nutritious, and tasty. Is the bread under the beautiful bell peppers a roll or ends from a smaller sized homemade bread loaf? Is that coffee or tea?
When I have eggs for breakfast (as opposed to plain oatmeal or something else), I always accompany the eggs with a very small portion of veggies: bell peppers, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and so on. As you say, it's a wonderful way to add some extra veggies to your diet. I often keep some carrots and bell peppers in the fridge for this purpose, to have them with eggs or with bread and olive oil. This diet has served me well weight-wise. I managed to lose a few kilos.
I had never thought of having veggies with breakfast until recently and surprisingly they go really well with eggs. It's a great way to get some extra veggies into your day. I haven't had brussels sprouts with breakfast yet but I am keen to try them.