Over the years, Brussels sprouts and broccoli have developed a bad reputation as unappetizing health food. In spite of this, they are some of the most delicious vegetables out there, as long as they're cooked correctly.
Their reputation as health food, however, is entirely legitimate. They're some of the best vegetables for heart health. A recent study showed that consuming a lot of cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cabbage, is associated with lower levels of blood vessel disease, and therefore better heart health, in older women.
Previous studies showed that women who ate cruciferous vegetables were less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, but scientists weren’t sure why. Now we know that these women eating their daily serving of cruciferous veggies have a lower chance of having extensive build-up of calcium on their aorta, which is the body’s main artery.
Calcium deposits on the inner walls of blood vessels like the aorta can reduce the flow of blood, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. We’re not sure, but it’s possible this lower level of calcification is thanks to the high levels of vitamin K in cruciferous vegetables, which can inhibit calcification.
Reviewer: Laura W. Bowers, Purdue University
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D: Oh no, Yaël! I forgot my lunch.
Y: Want some of mine, Don?
D: That depends… what is it?
Y: Well, I’ve eaten most of it already, but I do have some Brussels sprouts and broccoli left. I’m guessing from your face that those aren’t your favorite vegetables.
D: Not exactly.
Y: Maybe I can convince you to try them—they’re some of the best vegetables for heart health. A recent study showed that consuming a lot of cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cabbage, is associated with lower levels of blood vessel disease, and therefore better heart health, in older women. Previous studies showed that women who ate cruciferous vegetables were less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, but scientists weren’t sure why. Now we know that these women eating their daily serving of cruciferous veggies have a lower chance of having extensive build-up of calcium on their aorta, which is the body’s main artery. Calcium deposits on the inner walls of blood vessels like the aorta can reduce the flow of blood, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. We’re not sure, but it’s possible this lower level of calcification is thanks to the high levels of vitamin K in cruciferous vegetables, which can inhibit calcification.
D: That sounds great… for older women.
Y: So you’re not convinced? What if I told you these Brussels sprouts and broccoli are doused in butter and garlic?
D: Does that subtract a lot of the health benefits?
Y: All I know is that it adds deliciousness.
D: Alright, I’ll try some.
