Brussel sprouts have always been notorious and a vegetable of debate. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that people either like it or hate it; there is no in-between. However, people who like these green sprouts, often ask, “can I eat raw Brussel sprouts?” If you’ve had the same question, we are sharing the details with you!
Can I Eat Raw Brussel Sprouts?
Brussel Sprouts – Are They Good?
Brussel sprouts are known for their strange flavor and can be cooked with different techniques, including grilling, cooking, and roasting. They are incredibly filling and have a low-fat percentage which makes them suitable for people who need vitamins and minerals. That being said, Brussel sprouts are extremely healthy because they are enriched with vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and manganese. Not to forget, it has a low-calorie count, so people following a healthy diet can enjoy them.
In fact, Brussel sprouts are amazing for the immune system, bones, and heart. Even more, it provides omega-3s, and the availability of antioxidants makes it suitable for many people. They also have high fiber content that improves metabolism and optimizes the blood sugar level. That being said, these are some reasons why Brussel sprouts are great for health!
Can You Eat Them Raw?
To begin with, Brussel sprouts have a bitter taste which means swallowing them will be challenging. Even if you can manage the bitter flavor, it can even result in bloating and gas, as well as other problems. So, rather than consuming Brussel sprouts raw, you can simply add some olive oil and salt to alleviate the flavor. In addition, you can simply roast them in olive oil and salt to improve the overall flavor, and it will also ease digestion.
Keep in mind that if you want to eat them raw, it will result in nausea. So, while you can consume raw Brussel sprouts, it doesn’t have a good flavor and can result in minor health issues, including nausea, digestion issues, and more. On top of everything, if you have thyroid issues, it’s better that you avoid them altogether because it contains some thyroid inhibitors. For this reason, if you suffer from thyroid issues, make sure that you cook the sprouts.
Why You Must Avoid Consuming Raw Brussel Sprouts?
It’s quite evident that consuming raw Brussel sprouts is not encouraged, given the adverse impact. Not only do they have a bitter flavor, it also causes gasps in people, while the presence of raffinose makes them hard to digest for some people. That being said, it will be even more challenging for people with preexisting digestive issues. Last but not least, it can cause gas which can get extremely uncomfortable.
To summarize, the best idea is to cook the Brussel sprouts to ensure it’s safe to eat and the bitter taste is eliminated. Also, make sure that you add some salt as it cuts the bitter flavor and olive oil makes a great dressing. So, just roast or grill the Brussel sprouts to enjoy these crunchy treats!