Described as our most hated vegetable, one in five of us can’t bear to munch on Brussels sprouts – but you might want to rethink your decision. “This green veg isn’t for everyone, but eating them can aid in protecting your hearing,” says expert audiologists Ashish Shah of The Hearing Care Partnership. “They contain many nutrients, including – surprisingly – omega-3 fatty acids.
“Cooked Brussels sprouts contain 135mg of Omega-3 fatty acids per 78g serving, which can help to delay and in some cases even prevent, age-related hearing loss,” says Ashish. “The same serving size can provide 47mcg of folic acid, which can help to improve blood circulation which in turn, helps to keep the ear cells healthy.
“A serving of around four Brussels provides up to 23mg of magnesium, with studies showing that magnesium can aid in the relief of tinnitus and help with preventing hearing damage. “Finally, vitamin C is important for boosting immune function and can aid in reducing ear infections.
« A standard portion also provides up to 85 mg of vitamin C, so I’d think again if you were planning to skip yours with this Sunday’s roast. They’re also full of fibre to keep you regular, high in antioxidants, which can help keep inflammation at bay, and have cancer-fighting properties.
Watch out: Do go easy at the festive party though – as the sulphur in them can cause wind.
But which other divisive foods come with unexpected healthy benefits?
Offal
It might be a bit chewy and not look too yummy, but tucking into some tripe could have its upside. Celeb chef Gordon Ramsay is a fan of the offal – which usually comes from the lining of a cow’s stomach – and it’s low in fat, a good source of protein, high in fibre for good digestion and rich in calcium for your bones.
It also has selenium to fight the cell damage associated with ageing. The texture and taste of other offal, like liver, can also be off-putting, but liver is the best food source of vitamin A, which is great for your eye health.
Watch out: Limit your consumption to keep cholesterol levels at bay and avoid liver in pregnancy.
Black pudding
The classic mainstay of the traditional breakfast is one of its healthier elements – some experts have even called it a superfood.
There’s lots of protein in the blood-and-oatmeal sausage to keep you feeling fuller for longer. It’s low in carbs and high in easily absorbed iron to keep your energy levels up and contains the vital nutrients magnesium, zinc and calcium.
Watch out: Don’t eat it every day as it can contain high levels of saturated fat and salt.
Anchovies
These little fish topped a poll of foods Britons hate in 2020. But if you can’t stand them, you’re missing out. The high-protein fish are packed with brain boosting selenium as well as calcium, magnesium and vitamin D – a rare food source as we go into winter when levels of this can dip.
Oily fish, like anchovies and sardines, contain high levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids – these are good fats that have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.
Anchovies are also lower in harmful mercury than other seafoods.
Watch out: The fish can have high salt levels, especially if they come in brine.
Marmite
It’s the ultimate « love it or hate » it food, but if you can bear to give the yeast extract spread a try you could be in for a bonus.
A serving provides a good dose of thiamin (vitamin B1) which is associated with reducing fatigue and has been linked with increasing levels of good cholesterol.
It also has good levels of B12, important for bolstering your nervous system and energy levels, along with magnesium to help you sleep.
Researchers at York University even linked it to boosting levels of a brain chemical believed to protect against dementia.
Watch out: Marmite does contain high salt levels. Too much salt can raise blood pressure, linked to strokes and heart problems.
Cottage cheese
While cheese contains lots of calcium to boost your bones and teeth it often contains a lot of saturated fat, and too much is linked to cardiovascular disease.
The appearance of cottage cheese might not be as appetising as a slice of Cheddar, but the curd-based stuff naturally contains less fat than most other varieties of cheese, while remaining a good source of calcium and muscle-building protein. It has been linked to lowering blood sugar spikes after meals and as its low in calories can help with waist watching.
Watch out: Like all cheese it can also be relatively high in salt.
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