Christmas Advent Calendar
DAY 23 – Why do Brussels Sprouts make us fart?
Sprouts are high in a soluble fibre called raffinose.
Humans don’t have the enzyme to digest these soluble fibres so they travel to the colon – the final part of our GI system – where good bacteria break them down; this is the process that produces the gas – often unpleasant side effects.
Despite the unpleasant side effects, there are lots of health benefits to this type of soluble fibre:
Research has shown that diets high in soluble fibre can:
• Lower blood cholesterol levels
• Help to control blood sugar levels
• Increase healthy bacteria in your gut
Nutr Today. 2015 Mar; 50(2): 82–89.
