This Is Why Men Should Start Eating More Brussels Sprouts

Belgians in the 16th century likely did not set out to cultivate a vegetable that would rank on the "most hated vegetable" list, but this is the unfair fate of the Brussels sprout. The perception that Brussels sprouts are to be avoided is due to a number of factors — eating too many over-boiled versions as a kid, the bitter taste, and the big stink the little veggie emits due to inherent sulfur-containing compounds (via the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).

However, by eschewing Brussels sprouts, you are doing yourself a disservice. This member of the Brassica oleracea vegetable family, which also includes kale, broccoli, cabbage, and collard greens, tops the list when it comes to vitamins and nutrients. According to Healthline, Brussels sprouts contain a solid amount of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, which is important for supporting healthy blood cells (via the Mayo Clinic). All you need is half a cup of cooked Brussels sprouts to reap the benefits. They also contain antioxidants, which can reduce inflammation, promote heart health, and reduce your cancer risk. Their fiber promotes gut health and helps keep your blood sugar levels in check.

While Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice for anyone, men can derive benefits that support particular aspects of their health. Specifically, according to SFGate, men need vitamin K more than women, and Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of it. A half-cup of cooked Brussels sprouts provides 137% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin K (via Healthline). Vitamin K is a key player in blood clotting and a process called coagulation cascade, which is when a wound forms a scab on your skin and heals from the inside. In order to have enough vitamin K, men over the age of 19 need 120 micrograms a day, whereas women need 90 micrograms. According to Health Link BC, just 4 cooked Brussels sprouts will give you 118 micrograms of vitamin K.

There's no need to hold your nose when you down your sprouts. There are many ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts that will delight your taste buds. Mashed suggests several tasty recipes, including a pan-fried recipe that incorporates olive oil, garlic, and onions.

With the many ways to enjoy them and the multiple health benefits they provide, it's high time for the Brussels sprout to move from most-hated to the "most loved vegetable" list so more men — and women — will make it a frequent part of their daily diet.