I Hate Brussel Sprouts!
I have no doubt that I am not the only one who hates Brussels Sprouts however a little research has shown me that there is much to appreciate about them. If you have avoided these 'little cabbages', as I have, there is a lot of evidence to show that we are missing out on the many benefits Brussels Sprouts have to offer. My journey from "I hate Brussels Sprouts" to the truth about Brussels Sprouts is of interest to anyone who is seeking a healthy lifestyle.
Sprouting An Attitude
I hate Brussels Sprouts. I have no idea who Brussels is or why he or she thought his or her sprouts would be a welcome addition to the food chain but, in my humble estimation Brussels sprouted one of the most obnoxious 'edibles' visited on mankind. Brussels Sprouts may look cute but they taste vile and they may be small but no amount of camouflage can hide their big, nasty taste.
When I was a child I was corrected when I used the word hate in the same sentence with Brussels Sprouts. I was told that "hate isn't a nice word" and was counseled to change my phrasing to "I don't like Brussels Sprouts." That did not work for me, I don't like spilling something on a clean blouse; I don't like opera music all that much; and I don't like running out of toilet paper but Brussels Sprouts, I hate.
When I have cast around in the theatre of my mind for something to like about Brussels Sprouts the only attribute that I have found I can admire is that Brussels Sprouts have integrity. Regardless of how unpopular they may be; the nasty faces that are made in their presence and the unkind things that get said about them, Brussels Sprouts go right on being Brussels Sprouts regardless. Most of us, when we are bombarded with negative images and opinions about us try to change who we are just so that others will like us. Not Brussels Sprouts, those little guys will just go on being what they are no matter what you or I may visit upon them.
Sprout Integrity
There are foods that I love and foods that I like and only two foods that I hate, BS and Haggis! Where love is the degree of closeness and warmth one has to a who or a what, hate is the degree of distance or coldness one has to a who or a what. Brussels Sprouts and Haggis leave me cold and I have resolved the issue by keeping my distance from them. But my admiration for the integrity of the Brussels Sprout led me to doing a little research. The result of that research has me feeling a warmer towards them to the point that I am seriously considering getting a little closer to a sprout or two. Love requires truth and I found out some truths about Brussels Sprouts that may have other sprout haters reevaluating their relationship to this little green vegetable.
The Truth
In fact, what I found out about Brussels Sprouts warmed me to them considerably.
- They are full of Vitamin K - essential for the functioning of several proteins involved in blood clotting.
- They are full of Vitamin C - required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. And, along with other benefits it plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and they are known to have a beneficial affect on one's mood.
- They contain glucosinolates that help prevent the development of colon cancer. (Having a young daughter who has had colon this warms me up to Brussels Sprouts considerably.) They literally cause cancer cells to commit suicide!
- They have phytonidrients that aid the body's natural immune system
- They reduce DNA damage
- They contain large amounts of vitamin A and beta-carotene which not only help the body fight infection it also promotes supple, glowing skin.
- Cardiovascular benefits
- Protect the body against Rheumatoid Arthritis
You see where I'm going with this? Do you understand why I am warming up to these little green vegatables? Three to five servings (one cup per serving) on a weekly basis and Brussels Sprouts more than make up for their taste! I may abhor the taste of Brussels Sprouts but I definitely warming up to their benefits and am very close to finding a few good recipes.
What Say You?
How Do You Feel About Brussels Sprouts?
The Sprout Tribe Is Forming!
Hubalicious Brussels Sprouts
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Sprouting Morality
The moral of my tale of Brussels Sprouts is........
Hate Keeps Us Separate From The Truth
And The Truth Brings Us Closer To Love!
I Think I'll Go Check Out Parsnips!
Comments
AUTHORWell, IzzyM and trish1048 you make a good case and I will be giving them another go this fall, I'm building up to it. And I agree IzzyM, fresh peas straight from the pod are the best.
I love them. I'm not quite sure when I decided that I do, because as a child I don't recall them ever being served.
I simply boil mine till they are soft enough to cut with a fork or knife. Then I drain them well, put them on my plate with melted butter and salt and pepper. Delish! In my opinion :)
Very nice hub, I enjoyed it.
PS: you may find yourself five or so years from now sitting down with a dish, and asking yourself, why did I give these little guys such a bum rap? They really aren't bad. LOL
As a founder member of the Brussels Sprouts Appreciation Society I've just got to add that I cannot for the life of me imagine anyone hating Brussels Sprouts. They've always been my favorite vegetable - much better than carrots or onions or any of that lot. Doesn't quite compare with fresh peas straight from the pod, but a close second :)
- AUTHOR
My youngest daughter for years begged me to make Brussels Sprouts for her because she thought they were cute. When I told her she wouldn't like them she insisted that when it came to Brussels Sprouts she drew from her father's side of the gene pool, regarding my dislike of them as some genetic shortcoming. Maybe I should have drenched them in butter because the first bite came out as fast as it went in. Turnip greens I have never had - I wonder what human ailment turnip greens could remedy. Perhaps they hold properties that restore integrity to politicians - now that would heal a lot of ills! Thanks for stopping by to read and to comment.
very very cute hub!! I had a good first experience with the little boogers so I guess I don't mind them too much... They were drenched in real butter etc... the lady knew what she was doing.. I don't do that with mine though.
There is only one veggie I know I am not fond of... Turnip greens... I used to hate those as a kid, any greens but turnip greens... yeagh!!!
- AUTHOR
Thank you. I love that in my desire to raise awareness it is vital that I focus first on raisingme and that even in the smallest of things there is a lesson to be learned to that end. Even though Brussels Sprouts are loathed by many they do not take it on board. Instead they go on being full of life as well as being full of life giving properties. I'm still not up to giving Haggis a go but I do like bashed neeps and I'm willing to try a little bubble and squeak!
Excellent hub my friend! I love the way you weave your descriptive prose to raise awareness by using humor and basic common sense. Bravo!
- AUTHOR
It is rather amazing how we like that which is good but not necessarily that which is good for us. Maybe the expression should be 'I'll just have to bite the Brussels Sprout' rather than 'bit the bullet'.
It's like cleaning the refrigerator - it's just one of those things you 'have' to do - eat your brussels sprouts! I am not a huge fan but occasionally have them 'just because I know they're good for me'....silly reason I suppose but it works!
- AUTHOR
I am in the process of mending 'the error of my ways' - I'm just starting with Brussels Sprouts and I'll go from there. I figure if I can raise my Brussels Sprouts consciousness it will be the proverbial 'walk in the park' from there! I appreciate the comments. Thank You!
Brussel Sprouts are something of an aquired taste but well worth the effort. Over here in the UK they get quite a bad press and are the butt of many jokes but are as you said actually delicious and extremely good for you.
Winter fare for us, and an essential veg to go with Turkey and all the trimmings on Christmas day.
Even as leftovers they can find new life as one of the key ingredients of 'Bubble and Squeak.'
If you can't manage them whole I defy anyone not to like Bubble and Squeaky as part of a hearty full English breafast.
Brussel Sprouts, Yum! Don'understand how anyone could not love them. Just goes to show how individual we are.
Take some motherly advice, eat them anyway your body will love you for it.
good hub!...never would have thought of getting a message out through brussel sprouts!
sent you another message...might have gotten caught up in 'junk' again...different address from me.
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