'Once a year' vegetable has anti-cancer compounds and can guard against type 2 diabetes

It's the love-it-or-hate-it vegetable that most people only see once a year with their Christmas dinner.

But you should be eating the humble Brussels sprout a lot more because it has anti-cancer compounds and can guard against type 2 diabetes. And those are just two health benefits of the vegetable. The sprout also supports gut health and is rich in protective anti-oxidants, which guard against inflammation. Here are more health benefits of the Brussels sprout:

1. High in nutrients

Brussels sprouts are low in calories but high in vitamins, and minerals. They are especially rich in vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and bone health, and vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps promote iron absorption and is involved in tissue repair and immune function. They also contain smaller amounts of vitamin B6, potassium, iron, thiamine, magnesium, and phosphorus.

READ MORE: Special coffee featured on Dragons' Den 'increases energy and focus' and is 20% off

READ MORE: I'm A Celeb's GK Barry favourite breakfast superfood could help you stay in shape

2. High in anti-oxidants

Antioxidants reduce the impact of oxidation, and as a result, lower inflammation and our risk of chronic disease.

3. High in fibre

Fibre is important for your health. It aids digestion and is good for your gut microbiome. Increased fibre intake has been associated with reduced risk of heart disease.

4. Contains anti-cancer compounds

Of course, no single food can prevent cancer, but there is evidence that eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of getting cancer. Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates, which help us detoxify and remove carcinogens from the body.

5. May guard against type 2 diabetes

Studies have linked the consumption of brassica vegetables like the Brussels sprout with a reduced risk of type-2 diabetes, possibly because they are rich in fibre (see above) which helps stabilise blood sugar levels.

6. Supports gut health

Scientists now see gut health as a foundation of good overall health. Among the many things a healthy gut does is guard against infection and inflammation, as well as against conditions like colorectal cancer.

So, thing twice before turning away Brussels sprout at the Christmas dinner table — and think about introducing them into our diet the whole year round!