Hair Growth and Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts: A Surprising Ally for Hair Growth

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In my ongoing quest to grow long, healthy hair, I have been researching foods known to support hair growth. One vegetable that consistently stands out is the Brussels sprouts a small but nutrient-dense powerhouse..

These leafy green vegetables, often described as miniature cabbages, are rich in hair-supportive vitamins A, C, E, and K, along with folic acid, iron, and zinc. Together, these nutrients help support collagen production, healthy cell turnover, and proper circulation to the scalp.

Brussels sprouts are also high in dietary fiber and contain sinigrin, a sulfur-containing compound believed to play a role in protecting against colon cancer.

This combination of vitamins, minerals, and protective compounds makes Brussels sprouts a smart addition to a diet focused on overall wellness and hair health.

How Brussels Sprouts Can Boost Hair Health Naturally

Long associated with Brussels, Belgium, historians believe these hair-growth–supporting vegetables were likely cultivated in ancient Rome and may date back as far as the 13th century.

Brussels sprouts are a cultivar of the same species that includes cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi. They are cruciferous vegetables, belonging to the Brassicaceae family (formerly known as Cruciferae).

While Brussels sprouts contain compounds such as goitrin, which can act as goitrogens and potentially interfere with thyroid hormone production in certain situations, typical dietary amounts do not appear to affect thyroid function in humans.

Nutritional And Medicinal Value Of Brussels Sprouts

Listed below are the nutritional and medicinal value of Brussels sprouts, raw (edible parts only).

* USDA Nutrient Database

Brussel Sprouts

It should be noted that Brussels sprouts have the following values:

Energy 179 kJ (43 kcal)

Sugars 2.2 g-

Fat 0.30 g

Vitamins and Minerals in Brussels Sprouts That Support Hair Growth

Vitamin C

Brussels sprouts contain an excellent source of vitamin C which has been proven to be important in helping to promote healthy hair growth.

Not only does vitamin C, an antioxidant, strengthen the immune system, it assists in metabolizing B vitamins and amino acids into the body.

Properly balanced B vitamins and amino acids have been proven key in triggering and maintaining optimal healthy hair growth.

Vitamin C Deficiency And Hair

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The antioxidant properties of vitamin C may help protect against free radical damage which can result in hair becoming dry, weak, brittle or thinning.

Free radical damage may also slow the natural hair growth cycle.  The vitamin C in Brussel sprouts may help to prevent free radical damage.

Some scientists believe a diet enriched with the proper levels of vitamin C (500 to 1,000 mg at least two times daily) may help to prevent or combat alopecia, hirsutism or even male pattern baldness.

Vitamin A

Brussels sprouts also contain Vitamin A which is important for scalp health.  Vitamin A is known to stimulate hair follicles as well as encourage the scalp to produce much needed root and hair hydration.

Vitamin A deficiencies may lead to dry scalp, roots and strands which can contribute to hair loss.  When the scalp, roots and strands receive proper levels of Vitamin A it will encourage healthy hair growth.

Vitamin E

Brussel Sprouts

Brussels sprouts also are rich in Vitamin E which helps generate new blood vessels and increase circulation to the scalp and roots.

When the scalp and roots are receiving proper circulation it helps trigger new hair growth which encouraging hair health.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin outside the B-complex group, supports healthy hair and may help stimulate hair growth.

It aids the body in producing proteins essential for strong roots, resilient strands, and a healthy scalp. Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of this important nutrient.

Iron

Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of iron, a vital nutrient for healthy hair growth. Iron helps carry oxygen to the scalp, roots, and strands—essential for hair to grow at its full potential.

When the body is deficient in iron, oxygen delivery to the hair is compromised. Hair deprived of proper oxygen may weaken, fall out, or stop growing altogether. Studies have shown that individuals with iron deficiencies can experience a variety of hair loss conditions, and existing hair loss may be worsened if iron levels remain low.

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Zinc

Brussels sprouts contain zinc, an essential nutrient for healthy hair growth and maintenance. Adequate zinc levels support sebum production, helping keep the scalp, roots, and strands properly hydrated.

Zinc also plays a key role in cell regeneration and protein synthesis. A chronic deficiency can slow hair growth and, in more severe cases, contribute to hair loss.

Cooking And Preparation

The most common way to prepare Brussels sprouts begins by removing the buds from the stalk. Any excess stem is trimmed away, and the outer leaves loosened by this process are peeled and discarded.

Brussels sprouts can be boiled, steamed, stir-fried, or roasted, though boiling can significantly reduce their anticancer compounds.

For even cooking, buds of similar size are usually selected. Some cooks make a small cut or cross at the base of each stem to help heat penetrate more evenly. Overcooking can cause Brussels sprouts to turn gray, become soft, and develop an unusually strong flavor.

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Hair-Boosting Brussels Sprout Recipes You’ll Love

Brussels sprouts, like other cruciferous vegetables, contain sulforaphane, a compound believed to have potent anticancer properties. While boiling can reduce the levels of these beneficial compounds, steaming or stir-frying preserves most of them.

There are several delicious ways to prepare Brussels sprouts. One popular method is to sauté thinly sliced sprouts in butter until tender, then toss them with cooked fettuccine, sliced prosciutto, and freshly grated Parmesan.

Roasting is another great option. Halve the sprouts, toss with olive oil, and roast until tender. Near the end of cooking, add golden raisins and chopped hazelnuts for a sweet, nutty finish.

For a fresh, light preparation, try tossing thinly sliced Brussels sprouts with thinly sliced apples, fresh thyme, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice.

Tiny Veggies, Big Benefits for Your Hair

Packed with phytonutrients, Brussels sprouts provide a wide array of benefits for hair health and growth.

In addition to supporting hair, Brussels sprouts—and other cruciferous vegetables—are rich in indole-3-carbinol, a compound that promotes DNA repair in cells and may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.