Brussel sprouts (brassica oleracea var. gemmifera)

Table of Contents

Other names

Brussels Sprouts Powder
Brussels Sprouts Extract
Cruciferous Vegetable Blend (with Brussels Sprouts)

Synopsis

Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) are a nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetable in the Brassicaceae family, closely related to cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Native to Europe, particularly Belgium, where they gained popularity in the 16th century, Brussels sprouts are valued for their high fiber content, antioxidant compounds, and sulfur-rich phytochemicals that support detoxification, hormonal balance, and immune health.

Nutritional highlights include:

  • Vitamins C and K – support immunity, collagen production, and bone health
  • Folate and B vitamins – essential for energy metabolism and DNA synthesis
  • Glucosinolates – sulfur-containing compounds that convert into isothiocyanates and indole-3-carbinol, known to enhance liver detoxification and cellular defense
  • Fiber – promotes gut health and satiety
  • Antioxidants like kaempferol and alpha-lipoic acid – help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation

Brussels sprouts are consumed roasted, steamed, sautéed, or shredded raw in salads, and can also be found in dehydrated, freeze-dried, or powdered forms in functional foods and detox supplements.

Health benefits include:

  • Supporting detox pathways, especially in the liver
  • Balancing estrogen metabolism, making them useful in hormone-related conditions
  • Reducing the risk of certain cancers, particularly colon and breast, through enhanced phase II enzyme activity
  • Improving cardiovascular health by lowering oxidative LDL cholesterol
  • Enhancing gut and immune health due to fiber and bioactive compounds

Historical Use:

Though the vegetable we now call Brussels sprouts was cultivated in Belgium as early as the 13th century, it likely evolved from wild cabbage varieties used medicinally in ancient Rome and Greece. Historically, these vegetables were used to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote resilience during winter months due to their nutrient density.

Cruciferous vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, were long used in folk medicine to cleanse the blood, support bowel regularity, and combat scurvy, thanks to their high vitamin C content. In European herbal tradition, cabbage-type vegetables were often applied topically for inflammation and ulcers, while internally they were seen as digestive tonics.

Today, Brussels sprouts are recognized not only as a nutritional powerhouse vegetable but also as a key component in anti-inflammatory, detox, and hormone-balancing diets. Their combination of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and prebiotic fiber makes them a valuable food for preventive and therapeutic wellness.

Uses: Health Conditions

None

Body Systems

Glandular System (Science)
Immune System (Science)
Liver (Science)