If you’re wondering wether it is worth investing in better health and fitness then you’ll want to read this article for some extra motivation. Many of us know we need to improve our health and fitness but need that extra motivational reasons to get on with their plan to improve their health and fitness, wether it be through just weight loss or also improving our fitness aswell.
6 Celebrities Who Have Improved Their Lives Through Health and Fitness
Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock) –
Born May 02, 1972, Dwayne found himself excelling in sports at high school. Later became bodybuilder & Pro Wrestler before turning to acting and starring in Hollywood Blockbuster Movies.
His movies include “The Mummy Returns“, “Tooth Fairy“, “Rampage“, “San Andreas“, “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle“, “Jumanji: The Next Level“, and many more including “Red Notice” released in 2021. (Source : Wikipedia )
Following his rise to fame as an actor and businessman Dwayne Johnson’s Net worth is estimated at $320 Million with an annual salary of $89.4 Million (June 02 2018 – June 02 2019) [Source : Sportskeeda ]
Arnold Schwartzenegger.
Where would Hollywood Legend Arnold Schwartzenegger be with his heatlh and fitness?
Broke, Austrian born bodybuilder moved to the US, achieved Mr Universe status and became the Hollywood legend from blockbusters like “Conan the Barbarian“, “Commando“, “Terminator“, “Predator” et al and now Politics!, Time magazine named Schwarzenegger one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2004 and 2007 (Wikipedia)
Sean Connery.
Yet another “Unknown bodybuilder” until spotted accepted the role of Bond Legend 007! Like many has experienced stratospheric success from his health and fitness, physique and focus on getting the right results.
Movies Include : “Highlander“, “Dr.No”, “Never Say Never Again“, “The Name of the Rose”, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”,”The Hunt for Red October”, “The Rock” and “Entrapment” with Katherine Zeta Jones. [Source: Wikipedia ]
And it’s not just sports people who are making a success of their lives through engaging in health and fitness. Rebel Wilson and Dawn French are 2 great examples of successful people who have gained more fame through losing weight….
Rebel Wilson’sReasons to Lose Weight.
Born 2 March 1980, Rebel Wilson is an Australian actress, comedian, writer, singer, and producer. In 2012, Rebel appeared in the comedy films : “What to Expect when You’re Expecting“, “Struck By Lightning” and “Bachelorette”. [Source: Wikipedia ]
International movie fame includes her role as “Fat Amy” in the musical comedy “Pitch Perfect” and has since gone on to lose a substantial amount of weight.
“The Pitch Perfectstar lost almost 80 pounds, reached her goal weight, and is now focusing on “maintenance” according to Womens Health.
“Rebel explained that she follows a high-protein diet. In an interview with People, the actress shared that she used to eat 3,000 calories every day”.
“Before I was probably eating 3,000 calories most days, and because they were normally carbs, I would still be hungry,” she said. “So, I’ve really changed to eating a high-protein diet, which is challenging because I didn’t used to eat a lot of meat. I eat fish, salmon, and chicken breast.”
Many actors and actresses have found that losing weight and getting that toned, fit and healthy body brings new opportunities into their careers which also include high end modelling, TV and radio presenting, product promotions which can result in $Millions in commissions, higher profile social media accounts with “influencer” potential for additional marketing and income potential.
Amanda Holden.
Not that Amanda Holden needed to a reason to lose weight. While the lovely actress and presenter Amanda Holden, has no weight issues, she does regularly work out to maintain her physique.
Amanda’s career started as a contestant on TV show “Blind Date” in 1991. Her career lept forward with her role in “Wild at Heart” and more recently as a Judge on “Britains Got Talent“. Amanda is currently also presenter on Heart FM radio.
IN 2022 Amanda’s net worth was $7 Million.
Just 1 more example of how healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle can reward you personally AND professionally.
Now, while Dawn actually built her career while being overweight, she had one Great advantage – her MASSIVE personality and cheery demeanor which gave her massive presence on stage.
She is a bubbly character loved by many and has since gone on to lose 7 Stone increasing her popularity even further.
In a press interview, the star revealed she based her new diet on low-calorie meals and started exercising regularly. [Daily Express]
Just 6 examples of how focus on a sport and health can lead to great health and public greatness – be it in industry, commerce or entertainment! While Dwayne, Arnie, Sean and Amanda had no reasons to lose weight, they are proof of what can become of you if you live a fit and healthy life.
Unlike sportspeople, overweight and obese people are prone to victimisation from their peers & employers receiving lower wages and loss of promotion. If you’re looking for work, the situation is much harder as employers make ‘excuses’ NOT to employ you. While this ‘victimisation’ is frowned upon and prohibited, it still happens. The Big Question is ….“What are you going to do about it?”
You owe it to yourself and your family to be the best you can – for their sake, if not yours.
Health and fitness can be achieved relatively easily with the right approach and program. Wether you need to lose 10lb, 60lbs or 100lbs, weight loss and a healthier future is yours for the taking – you just need to take action for a better you. If you need any motivation – here are 12 reasons to lose weight.
There are many weight loss plans and programs on the market – not all of them are truly viable for most people.
How to Lose Weight Quickly and Safely?Here’s 5 Top Tips for Fast and Effective Weight Loss..
Diet. First and foremost you need you reset your diet. Reduce your carbohydrate intake by 75-90%. Carbs are the biggest cause of weight gain – especially wheat and sugars.
Eat More Citrus Fruits and Low Sugar Fruits and Vegetables
Avoid Packaged Foods
Stop drinking Soda’s – they’re loaded with sugar and sugar based products.
Avoid pre-packaged so called Health Food Snacks – Protein bars etc are loaded with sugars and their derivatives in a guise to keep you consuming them as “Healthy”.
Engage in H.I.I.T Workout 3 times a week
Recommended Program…
The Fat Burning Kitchen By Fat Loss Expert Mike Geary
8Keto Diet Benefits – How the Keto Diet Benefits Your Health, Not Just Weight Loss!
Discover the transformative power of the keto diet with these 8 keto diet benefits. One of the most sought-after advantages is weight loss, as the diet’s focus on reducing carbohydrates and embracing healthier fats leads to a naturally slimmer you.
If you’ve been considering the keto diet to lose weight and / or improve your health, keep reading – I have taken my studies into the keto diet to its first beginnings as a natural treatment for epilepsy, the nutritional science behind the ketogenic diet, through its many transformative developments and the benefits it has provided to its users.
The keto diet can bring many benefits to your health in addition to weight loss…….
Scientifically proven, the keto diet produces up to three times more weight loss than a high-carb, low-fat alternative.
Beyond shedding pounds, this dietary approach has been shown to reverse Type 2 Diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, according to research in the “Annals of Internal Medicine.”
Dive into a realm where dietary fats boost overall health, energize your body efficiently, and elevate brain health and cognitive function. Embrace a lifestyle that not only reduces heart disease risk but also challenges conventional beliefs about saturated fat and cholesterol. Uncover the myriad of benefits of the Custom Keto Diet, a holistic approach to health and wellness.
#1: Help You Lose 7-10lbs per Week Naturally (and Keep it Off!)
The keto diet helps you lose weight fast. Many keto dieters report losing 7-10lbs in their 1st week. Many more go on to sustain that loss with the healthy eating and low-carb nature of the diet. The diet helps you lose weight in 6 ways…
Reduce Excess Carbohydrate Intake
Excess carbohydrates are stored around the body in our fat cells – mainly in the abdominal area causing belly fat. Reducing your excess carbohydrate intake reduces the volume of fat stored. Additionally, a high carb / low micronutrient diet has been shown to increase water retention. The keto diet reduces this water retention leading to an initial loss of weight.
Next comes the real transformative process of reducing the stored belly fat with a sustained drop in carbohydrate intake. Now you are using your fat reserves to fuel your daily activities without replacing the stored fat. The increased intake of healthy fats and micronutrients should now begin to take effect on the secondary stage of your transformation in energising your body with an efficient metabolism and regenerative effects of mitochondrial uncoupling boosted by the ketosis.
Inflammation is one of the biggest causes of actual obesity. You may be overeating but it is the inflammatory nature of the foods you are ingesting aswell as environmental pollutants that causes the inflammation. Diets rich in inflammatory nutrients give rise to obesity. These inflammatory nutrients in our diets include wheat based products, sugars and toxins created through our own metabolism.
Inflammation is also caused through chemicals used in food manufacturing processes and by ingesting environmental pollution – both the air and water we breathe contain toxins and pollutants (primarily man made). Microplastics are now in many sources of sea food caused through plastics and other hydrocarbon based compounds used in various manufacturing processes.
Healing Fats and Micronutrients
There are certain food sources that contain naturally occurring anti-inflammatory nutrients. By increasing your intake of these nutrients, you can reduce the inflammation caused from the toxins and pollution, resulting in a cleaner, more efficient metabolism. This will have a natural weight loss effect while also resulting in better overall health reducing your dependency on medications to control the inflammation and health destroying effects of these toxins.
These “healing nutrients” (specifically certain saturated fats, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytonutrients) heal the body on a cellular level permitting the physiological processes to improve, flush out the toxins, reduce the inflammation and increase your energy levels. Increased energy levels enable us to burn fat more efficiently gaining even more energy enabling you to enjoy a richer, more fulfilling life.
With the necessary micronutrients you can naturally begin to lose the excess weight (or more specifically – fat loss) leading to a naturally slimmer You.
Intermittent Fasting on Keto
Intermittent fasting (I.F) has been shown (and proven scientifically and in real life) to help burn fat fast causing weight loss in a safe and sustainable manner. I.F is essentially taking a longer break from eating than normal.
eg, you have your last meal at 6pm and fast until 9am the following day. This gives you a break (fast) of 15 hrs. After 12 hrs your body will be looking for new sources of energy. By denying fresh intake for a further 3 hrs, you are encouraging your body to use more stored fat and use ketones form your liver as fuel to prevent starvation and to keep the brain and essential bodily functions working.
Intermittent fasting can then be an essential ally in fat burning and weight management. I.F is not difficult – I do it every day occasionally up to an 18 hr fasting window…..
“Due to our unique lifestyle (disabled & wheelchair bound partner with a 7 yr old daughter) our meal times have changed to primarily late evenings. Now our main meal is typically 9:30pm onwards in which case I normally fast until 1pm or even 5pm due to workload. This gives me a fasting period of between 15 and 19 hrs without undue health issues. While this may result in a temporary physical and digestive exhaustion – it is easily recovered from with a healthy balanced meal rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and a small portion of natural carbs”.
By focusing on living as opposed to eating we can pre-occupy our minds and eat when we need to – not when we want to.
Reduce Water Retention
Diets rich in carbohydrates without the necessary micronutrients can cause water retention in the skin and subcutaneous layers giving rise to “puffiness” of the muscular areas.
By removing these excess carbohydrates, many keto dieters report losing 7 lbs of weightin their first 7 days on the diet due to the loss of water retention, reduction of fat storage (low carb intake) and an increase in beneficial macro and micronutrients that enhance fat burning. This is part of the healing processes within the keto diet.
Increased Energy
By reducing the excess carbohydrates and increasing the beneficial nutrients, your body can consume and process the nutrients effectively and efficiently. With increased energy process efficiency comes a revitalised energy supply enabling your to engage more actively in life – enjoying time with the family, having an adventure, participate in sports, enjoy more travel…..
Many more life experiences can be achieved with a healthier body!
With an improved energy process, you can become more energised. An active, energised lifestyle will then encourage your body to burn more fat as energy. As you burn more fat and lose weight, your body mass becomes less of a burden on your physiology (including your heart and cardiovascular systems) enabling you to increase activities further. It is an accumulative process.
Randomized controlled trials found that the keto diet produces up to three times as much weight loss as a high-carb, low-fat diet.
The keto diet is excellent for losing fat and keeping it off. A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials concluded that:
“Individuals assigned to a VLCKD [very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet] achieve a greater weight loss than those assigned to an LFD [low-fat diet] in the long term; hence, a VLCKD may be an alternative tool against obesity.”[1]
More interestingly, further research into “ketogenics” and longevity reveal some very interesting facts and additional benefits in weight loss. Studies reveal that incorporating Intermittent Fasting (I.F) into your daily meal routine can increase fat burning. Incorporating I.F into a ketogenic diet can increase the rate at which you burn excess fat.
Unlocking the Keto Code (Dr Stephen R. Gundry)
In his book Unlocking the Keto Code, Dr Stephen Gundry recalls Many research and medical trials (many performed himself on his own patients). In-depth research revealing that ketones are not just the “fuel of ketosis“, but the catalyst of a much greater benefit – Mitochondrial Uncoupling.
“Mitochondrial Uncoupling” is the “vital molecular process that regulates energy creation/consumption and supports health, wellness and longevity”.
In other words, if you want to lean down but are sick and tired of failing your weight loss attempts, the keto diet may be the key to a slim figure and a healthier life.
#2: Boost Brain Function
When going keto, most people experience an improvement in their brain function and mental clarity. Lets face facts here – the ketogenic diet was born out of trials to help children escape the starvation and physical trauma of epilepsy and seizures way back in the 1930’s at the Mayo Clinic. It was developed from dietary trials in a bid to help improve mental stability and has continued to do so in other forms of mental illness.
The high fat/low carb keto diet supports your brain in various ways and for various reasons. A major reason is that ketosis enhances mitochondrial functioning. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to depression – people using ketogenic diets are less likely to suffer from depression [1]. Further, people with depression are reported to have higher levels of oxidative stress in their cells (including brain cells)[1]. By introducing higher levels of specific anti-oxidants, a ketogenic diet can reduce this oxidative stress helping to reverse the effects of toxins and oxidants reverting the body’s cells to a healthier state [1] .
Building Blocks for the Brain
Saturated fat is the fundamental building block of brain cells[12,13,14]. In his book “Unlocking the Keto Code“, Dr Stephen Gundry states the brain is made of 60-70% fats while the National Institute of Health (N.I.H) states 50-60% [7,14]. These fats are primarily Omega-3 (35% brain weight [7]) and Omega-6 (D.H.A and A.L.A). Dr Gundry goes on to state “Omega fats are excellent construction material providing the building blocks for new brain cells“. Omega-3 fatty acids including D.H.A ( a form of Omega-3 ) helps with nerve growth while also protecting the brain from traumatic injury [10].
Numerous studies reveal Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats increase learning, memory, cognitive function and well-being and blood flow in the brain [7,8,9]. In a systematic review on the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids on the brain by the Cochrane Library [11], 1319 individuals were studied. Those who took krill oil supplement showed a marked increase in cognitive function than those on M.C.T’s (medium chain triglycerides).
However, M.C.T’s are needed to aid in neuron function
Researchers believe ketosis stimulates the formation of new mitochondria in your brain, especially in your hippocampus.This aids your mental clarity, memory, and energy levels.
#3: Help Manage or Even Reverse Diabetes
Many studies show minimizing carb intake benefits people with diabetes. In fact, the keto diet was the standard diabetes treatment before the discovery of injectable insulin.
Keto Diet Benefits – Reduced Dependency on Insulin through reduced carbohydrate intake.
Consider the following:
Research published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that when type 2 diabetics went low-carb for two weeks, they improved insulin sensitivity by up to 75%. Diabetics require regular insulin injections / tablets to compensate for the carbohydrates consumed. Elevated levels of insulin (aka the fat storing hormone) causes weight gain. The Ketogenic diet naturally reduces carbohydrate intake and increases the volume of beneficial nutrients including Magnesium. Magnesium aids in the synthesis of fatty acids, the transmission of nerve impulses, plays an important role in carbohydrate and glucose metabolism. Studies have revealed that low magnesium intake impairs insulin secretion and lower insulin sensitivity which inherently increases the risk of diabetes. By reducing the carbohydrate intake with the keto diet, diabetics can :
improve insulin sensitivity / insulin response and
reduce the volume of insulin required to manage the condition.
Additionally, by reducing the volume of insulin required, you are automatically reducing the weight gain through the reduced volume of insulin injected or tablets taken. Its a double win for diabetics.
“As a partner to a T1 diabetic, I see the weight gain results of insulin injections -esp the fast acting insulin taken at meal times to compensate for the carbohydrates consumed. Healthcare professionals know the effects of insulin injections yet still prescribe elevated levels of insulin in a pitiful response to weight gain and insulin resistance (Insulin resistance typically develops through excess insulin injections without addressing the real cause issue). This weight gain and the resulting disabling effects of obesity and the numerous additional mobility restrictions causes depressive statesas reported by WebMD [1]”
Another study involving 21 individuals with type 2 diabetes found that seven of them could stop their diabetes medication within 16 weeks of going keto.
#4: Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
While saturated fat and cholesterol are often alleged to clog arteries, these compounds do not cause heart disease.
Keto Diet Benefits Include Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases and other Heart Problems.
That’s good news for keto dieters because this eating style loads up on high-fat foods such as eggs, nuts, and bacon. Not forgetting you can enjoy delicious steaks, avocados, full-fat single and double/heavy cream and rich hi-cacao (cocoa) % chocolate.
In fact, the keto diet reduces heart disease risk for four main reasons:
Stimulates Weight Loss (Excess weight is one of the primary causes of heart disease).
Elevates Levels of the “good” HDL cholesterol
Decreases Blood Triglyeride Levels
Reduces Blood Pressure
#5: Boost Mental Well-being
The keto diet benefits various mental disorders and conditions. The actual origins of the keto diet are in the care of children suffering from epilepsy during the 1930’s. Further research and medical studies shows…..
The Keto Diet has an Anti-Depressant Effect
Through the development of ketogenic diets in helping patients with epilepsy, growing research revealed it had many benefits to mental health. Fats (the predominant source of fuel in ketogenic diets) have been shown to improve neurological connections and consequently improve mental health. There are numerous pathways to improve mental health through a ketogenic diet:
Increasing Beneficial Nutritional Substances. By increasing the volume of beneficial nutrition that play essential roles in managing stress, mood and anxiety, the ketogenic diet can naturally reduce symptoms of depression [1]. The effect of the nutrients in the ketogenic diet can reduce depressive symptoms[2] with the fats boosting mental health and the micronutirients improving clearance of toxins, including ammonia from metabolism. Increased intake of specific fatty acids on the ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce the risk of neurological abnormalities such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease and mental depression [ 10]. The nutrients in a K.Diet can also have beneficial effects on the gut microbiome [2]. Magnesium in the diet has been shown to increase beneficial bacteria, improving gut health which also has a translatable benefit on brain health in reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. Research has also shown that a low magnesium diet alters the types of bacteria in the gut and also alters anxiety based behaviour.
Improving Mitochondrial Function. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to depression[1]. In his book “Unlocking the Keto Code“, Dr Steven Gundry reveals (through various studies) the beneficial effects of fats (esp MCT’s and Omega-3 and 6 essential fatty acids) on mitochondrial activity and the resulting benefits to the brain which is composed of 60-70% fat (pages 90-91). This research reveals that Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are excellent building blocks for new brain cells. These fats also help neurons function optimally and prompts mitochondrial uncoupling. Mitochondrial uncoupling generates heat and CO2. Heat allows the brain to function moreefficiently while the CO2 causes local dilation of veins permitting an increase in blood flow. Due to it’s beneficial effects, the ketogenic diet has been used to treat a wide variety of diseases including brain tumours, migraine and autism spectrum disorders [3].
Reducing Oxidative Stress. Research reveals people with depression have high levels of oxidative stress [1,2]. By introducing more beneficial nutrients into your diet, you can naturally increase the ingestion of antioxidants (chemical compounds found in plants and our bodies that reduce oxidation of cells) into your system thereby reducing the oxidation of cells [2] and the inherent internal stresses caused by poor eating choices.
Insulin Function. Consuming too much sugar may cause your body to become sugar resistant resulting in an increase in weight, heart disease and depression [1]. A Ketogenic diet with its low carb intake (sugar is a form of carbohydrate) can regulate your insulin levels and thus have a translated benefit in the reduction of depressive moods.
While the above will have significant benefits on mental health and reduce mood swings, the ketogenic diet goes further. Numerous studies reveal specific fats in the keto diet (esp Omega-3) pro-actively enhance cognition, neuronal preservation and protection against neurodegeneration[7] Further studies including a retrospective study of 31 mental health inpatients reveal “significant and substantial improvements in depression and psychosis symptoms and metabolic health” [4]. Poor cognitive abilities are caused by neurodegeneration typically caused through diets rich in carbs[12]. By reducing the carbohydrate intake and increasing the dietary fats intake, the ketogenic diet can alleviate and reverse neurodegeneration.
The Keto Diet Can be Therapeutic for Various Neurological Diseases.
Numerous research studies covering mental health issues over several decades has revealed that a low carb ketogenic diet can improve (and reverse) numerous mental health disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, infantile spasms (West syndrome), and epilepsy. Additionally, ketogenic diets have been used to treat a wider variety of diseases including mitochondriopathies, alternating hemiplegia of childhood (A.H.C), brain tumours, migraine, and autism spectrum disorder (A.S.D) [3].
Keto Diet Benefits Include Increased Neurotransmissions in the Brain due to the specific fats in the Keto Diet. Not all fats can pass through the body / brain barrier and benefit the brain.
Indeed, the ketogenic diet was actually developed as a therapeutic diet for children suffering from epilepsy in the 1930’s by Doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Through various tests and developments 50% of the children gained complete seizure control.
Keto Diets Improve Behaviour of Children with Autism.
The volume of medical research journals that have published trials around keto and autism is countless. The evidence exists, and most if not all of the evidence supports a ketogenic diet to help people with autism [3].
Keto Diets may Stabilise Mood in Bipolar Disorder Patients.
Keto Diets Have Cured at Least 1 Case of Schizophrenia
Reducing the Risk of Dementia
Dementia (caused by long term neurological degeneration) can be reduced significantly. In a study by the Mayo Clinic it was found that individuals who favoured a carbohydrate rich diet had an 89% higher chance of developing dementia than those on a higher fat diet. Of the individuals assessed, those on the highest fat diets experienced a 44% reduction in the risk of dementia [12]. Another study published in the Journal of Alzheimers Disease [
#6: Prevent and Fight Some Types of Cancer
Most cancer cells rely on glucose as fuel, which is why keto diets may help prevent and fight the disease. For instance, when in-vitro cancer cells only receive ketones and fat for energy, they often die.
Various studies have also shown the keto diet helps fight brain cancer through improved brain health from beneficial nutrients that support mental health.
#7: Improve Gut Health and Bowel Disorders
Many bowel diseases are the result of gut pathogens and infections, both of which rely on glucose for energy. By minimizing your carb intake (and consequently your glucose intake), you stave off these infections and pathogens. That’s how going on the keto diet can improve gut health and treat bowel disease.
In a recent study between 2 completely different unconnected Doctors with groups of patients suffering from 2 different health issues, it was discovered that a diet rich in fats helped cure immunity and digestive health issues while also helping both groups of patients lose the excess weight.
#8 : Healthy Weight Management
Impressive, don’t you agree?
And if you’re ready to reap the benefits, you can get your customized keto meal plan for the price of just three movie tickets.
But first, why not take the 7 Day Custom Keto Diet Trial…..
Autumn and winter are typically the seasons our minds turns to the likes of Brussels Sprouts and other wintery veg. Good old mother nature has a pleasant boost for our health just waiting to be picked, prepared and enjoyed through autumn, winter and spring. But what are Brussel Sprouts and how can they help us in our quest for healthy life boosting nutrition and potentially -weight loss? In this healthy eating article we take a close look at brussel sprouts and provide you with Brussel Sprouts Benefits, Brussel Sprouts Nutrition Facts (including carbs and calories), Brussel Sprouts recipes including Brussel Sprouts with bacon recipe, roasted brussel sprouts, and a downloadable pdf for you to read and absorb at your leisure.
Those little veggies that look like mini-cabbages are packed with vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals that work wonders for your body – in both weight loss and health. Not only are they highly nutritious, but they’re also extremely versatile and can be prepared in a number of different ways (see brussel sprouts recipes and downloadable free pdf below).
You may remember Brussels sprouts as those small, round peculiar veggies that ended up on your plate as a child. Like most children, you probably didn’t want to eat them or cringed at the way they smelled while cooking.
Despite these little drawbacks, they were put on your plate for good reason: they’re actually one of the world’s healthiest foods, making them a diet necessity.
Not just for Christmas or special occasions, Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, proteins and anti-oxidants for overall well-being. They are especially beneficial for both short term and permanent weight loss when consumed as part of a healthy eating diet.
Our overall health requires us to consume a variety of fat burning vegetables – especially green and cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables contain phytochemicals that help in the cleansing of the body’s various systems.
“Cruciferous veggies are a diverse group that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, collards, watercress and radishes”
Not only are they highly nutritious, but they’re also extremely versatile and can be prepared in a number of different ways – as you will soon learn.
What Are Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts don’t just look like mini-cabbages; they’re actually members of the Gemmifera group of cabbages.
Brussels Sprouts (Raw). Image : Adobe / Norman Chan
Ancestors of the modern Brussels sprout were probably cultivated in ancient Rome. The sprouts we know and love today were probably originated from 13th Century Belgium. A small, leafy vegetable, Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins:-
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Thiamin (B1)
Pantothenic Acid (B5)
Pyridoxine (B6)
Folate (B9)
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
And then there are the minerals – Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium Manganese, Selenium, Sodium and Zinc.
There are many more nutrients in the humble Brussels Sprout including :
Antioxidants for cellular cleansing and preventing / curing inflammation,
Amino acids and their numerous benefits (boosting metabolism, energy creation, boosts neuro transmitters to improve immunity and brain function),
Choline for sleep, absorption of fat and choline helps to reduce inflammation
Phytosterols. These have also been shown to reduce inflammation and lower LDL Cholesterol.
Brussel Sprouts Nutrition Facts
No matter how they come, Brussels sprouts can offer you an excellent source of nutrients. Packed with good things from nature, these vegetables are perfectly crafted for maintaining good health and wellness. But did you know sprouts can not only improve your health, wellness, and weight loss but they can also improve your fertility?
Rich in vitamin C and K, sprouts also contain good amounts of B vitamins – B1(Thiamin), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and Vit B9 (folic acid).
Did you know..
…100g Brussel Sprouts (raw) provides 94% Daily Value for Vitamin C?
As you already know Vitamin C is vital for your immune system, but did you know that Vit C is necessary for the protection of cells from damage and inflammation?
Inflammation is the main issue behind weight gain and obesity and many other health problems.
Vitamin C also helps to produce collagen for firm, young looking skin … (saving money on expensive topical creams).
The supporting minerals and amino acids support the creation and repair of collagen and elastin for firmer, younger looking skin.
Brussels sprouts are also a good source of protein and dietary fibre and contain absolutely no cholesterol.
Vitamins in Brussels Sprouts (per 100g raw)
Vitamin
Amount
Daily Value
Vitamin A
754 IU
15.00%
Vitamin A (RAE)
38:00mcg
——–
Thiamin (B1)
0.139mg
12.00%
Riboflavin (B2)
0.090mg
7.00%
Niacin (B3)
0.754mg
5.00%
Pantothenic Acid (B5)
0.309mg
6.00%
Pyridoxine (B6)
0.219mg
17.00%
Folate (B9)
61mcg
——–
Vitamin C
85mg
94.00%
Vitamin E
0.88mg
4.00%
Vitamin K
177mcg
148%
Table Shows Vitamins per 100g Raw Brussels Sprouts. Daily Values US Gov. recommended minimum
Foods rich with vitamin A have been known to offer protection against some cancers such as oral cavity and lung cancer. The extent of cancer protection in Brussels sprouts is still widely researched. Promising findings hint that sprouts help fight cancer-causing agents and cleanse the body of many toxins. Vitamin A also helps improve the skin and improves eye health.
Brussels sprouts are one of the best sources of vitamin K. Vitamin K is known to improve bone health. Vit K has also been shown to prevent diseases and disorders of the bones such as osteoporosis.
Minerals in Brussel Sprouts
In addition to these nutrients, Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of the following minerals:-
iron
manganese
calcium
potassium
copper
phosphorous
Brussel Sprouts Benefits
Being rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, Brussels sprouts help to treat many health problems. They are simply a highly nutritious addition to any diet.
As already mentioned, Brussels sprouts help with a number of health problems – they provide the body with the support it needs to build strong bones, remove toxins (cleansing or detoxing) and cancer-causing radicals and agents.
The nutrients in Brussel Sprouts also regulate metabolism, promote strong muscles, oxygenate the blood, and do much, much more.
Love them or loathe them, Brussel Sprouts are a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable. Scientific research has discovered a multitude of health benefits to eating Brussel Sprouts. These superfoods are a do-it-all veggie that promotes optimal health and well-being.
Brussels sprouts are also a great source of vitamin A – an antioxidant required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes….
Like cabbages, they may cause an overactive bowel if eaten to excess. Eaten 2 or 3 times per week Brussels Sprouts will provide a highly beneficial source of essential nutrients.
Sprouts for Weight Loss
You may (or may not) be aware that green leafy vegetables are an excellent aid to fat loss and many aspects of your health. Being a type of cabbage, Brussel sprouts are also highly beneficial in weight loss.
Brussels Sprouts should be included as part of any Healthy Weight Loss plan. Image : Adobe / Kurhan
With Vitamins A and C being antioxidants, Brussels sprouts also help to increase your metabolism. As the antioxidants cleanse and repair the cells, they also remove the toxins in your fat cells.
With cleaner, healthier fat cells, the transfer of energy becomes more efficient resulting in improved metabolism. This cleansing also reduces cellular inflammation – one of the primary results of an unbalanced diet and causes of obesity.
Brussel Sprouts are a rich source of amino acids which in themselves contain many benefits including :
Promote Muscle Building (Muscles are a high energy consuming tissue and require substantial volumes of fat / energy to build and maintain)
Energy Production
Boosts Collagen and Elastin for skin condition and elasticity and returning to ‘normal’ after weight loss
Appetite Regulation
Metabolism of Fats
Detoxification / Cleansing
Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Improves Sleep – Wake Cycles
Enhance Exercise Performance
And those are just the benefits of the amino acids inside sprouts. The Vitamins (esp Folate (B9) and Vitamin C also contribute to the burning of fat and weight reduction. Folate contributes to energy production as well as maintaining RNA and DNA quality and cell growth. Folates have also been shown to fight depression, confusion, and anemia.
Thinking Clearly – Cognitive Benefits of Brussel Sprouts
During the natural process of metabolism and catabolism of amino acids ( source : https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/ammonia) Ammonia is deposited within the brain. Ammonia (NH3) is a highly toxic colourless gas composed of Nitrogen and Hydrogen and is produced naturally in our environment and ecosystems including the human body.
Excess levels of ammonia in the brain can cause confusion and loss of cognitive abilities (focus).This is in addition to other serious health complications around the body including coma….
Ammonia Toxicity.
“Ammonia is highly toxic. Normally blood ammonium concentration is < 50 µmol /L, and an increase to only 100 µmol /L can lead to disturbance of consciousness. A blood ammonium concentration of 200 µmol /L is associated with coma and convulsions.”
An additional benefit of eating greens (and sprouts) is in their ability to cleanse the brain of this toxin allowing the brain to function clearly.
This clarity of thought goes hand in hand with the clearer vision you will gain from the Vitamin A.
Now, I know this is a lot to take in and you may not even believe that just one veggie can be this beneficial to your overall health and well being, so here’s a list of the whole body health benefits for you…
Whole Body Health Benefitsof Brussels Sprouts
As you may understand by now, consuming Brussels sprouts on a regular basis can improve many of the body’s functions :
Improved Cognitive Abilities
Increase Energy
Boosts Weight Loss
Reduces Inflammation
Joint Pain reduction
Improved Appetite Control
Hormone Regulation
Improved Skin and Hair Condition
Increased Eye Health
Increases Fertility
Boosts Immune System
Reduces LDL Cholesterol
& Prevent Coronary Heart Disease
Brussel Sprouts : Created By Nature, Made for You!
Though Brussel sprouts may have gained a bad reputation when you were a child, you can now look at them with new eyes. These little vegetables are wholly good for you with benefits for your whole body and well-being.
When eaten in moderation, these beauties will keep you regular, have you feeling great, with increased energy and vitality and inspire you to create a healthy diet around them and their health benefits.
Sprouting Fat Loss (Updated Version Coming Very Soon)
Mom always said “Eat Your Sprouts” and she was right. The humble Brussel Sprout is filled to the brim with beneficial nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, Choline and Phytochemicals.
Choline aids in the absorption of fat, maintains the structure of cellular membranes and reduces chronic inflammation (one of the primary causes of weight gain and obesity)
Phytochemicals. Brussel Sprouts (having NO Cholesterol) are a rich source of Phytochemicals which which reduce LDL Cholesterol levels. Phytosterols have also been shown to reduce inflammation.
Proteins andAmino Acids. Whilst providing 7% Daily Value of Protein, Brussel Sprouts are also a rich source of 11 amino acids each with their own health benefits including stimulation of muscle growth, production of serotonin, construction and maintenance of collagen and elastin, boosting metabolism, regulation of blood sugar levels, detoxing / cleansing, stimulate wound healing, builds white blood cell activity and many, many more benefits.
How To Cook Brussel Sprouts
Adding Brussels sprouts to your diet is incredibly easy because they can be cooked in many tasty ways – boiled, baked / roasted, sauteed, grated / shredded, stir fried. Cooked sprouts can also be served with Chestnuts, Almonds, Cashew Nuts and Bacon (see ebook for more recipes).
Boiled Brussels Sprouts
Bring a 2 pint saucepan with 1pint water to the boil and season with sea salt.
Prepare sprouts by removing outer leaves and base stem
Place in boiling & simmer for 20 mins
Drain and serve with freshly cracked black pepper and 20g of butter (optional but delicious)!
Brussels Sprouts with Cashews. Image Source : Adobe / nata_vkusidey
For More information on the nutrition, health benefits and 7 Delicious ways to Cook Brussel Sprouts…..
Download Your FREE pdf Guide: “Sprouting Fat Loss” and Discover
MoreBrussel Sprouts Benefits and Recipes to Try
Sprouting Fat Loss Reveals :
Brussel Sprouts Nutrition
How Sprouts Can Make You Look Younger
How Sprouts Can Increase Your Fertility
Brussel Sprouts Benefits (including Cancer prevention)
Anti-Inflammatory Propertiesof Brussel Sprouts
Weight Loss Benefits
7 Different Brussel Sprouts Recipes
Sprouting Fat Loss is currently being updated with new, up-to-date nutritional information and nutritional benefits. Please bookmark this page and come back soon.
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