Brussels sprouts singled out for heart-supporting nutrients
Brussels sprouts have been identified by health experts as a leading vegetable choice for supporting heart health. According to guidance shared by a cardiologist and a dietitian, the vegetable stands out due to a combination of nutrients commonly associated with cardiovascular wellbeing.
The experts pointed to Brussels sprouts as the top pick largely because they provide multiple heart-relevant components in a single food, including dietary fiber, naturally occurring nitrates, potassium, and vitamins C and K.
Why fiber is part of the recommendation
Dietary fiber is one of the key reasons Brussels sprouts were highlighted. Fiber is widely considered important in heart-focused eating patterns, and the experts included it among the vegetable’s most notable attributes for cardiovascular support.
By placing fiber at the centre of the recommendation, the experts underscored the value of vegetables that contribute meaningful fiber as part of everyday meals.
Nitrates and potassium highlighted for cardiovascular support
The recommendation also emphasised nitrates, which occur naturally in certain vegetables. Brussels sprouts were cited as a source of these nitrates, alongside other nutrients tied to heart-focused dietary advice.
Potassium was another key nutrient mentioned. The experts noted that Brussels sprouts contain potassium, making the vegetable relevant for people aiming to include potassium-rich foods within a heart-conscious diet.
Vitamins C and K included in the expert assessment
In addition to fiber, nitrates and potassium, the cardiologist and dietitian pointed to vitamins C and K as part of what makes Brussels sprouts stand out. These vitamins were included among the core reasons the vegetable was named as a top option for heart health.
The experts’ assessment links the vegetable’s heart-friendly reputation to its nutrient profile, rather than to any single compound alone.
A simple addition to heart-conscious meals
With multiple nutrients highlighted in one vegetable, the experts’ guidance positions Brussels sprouts as an easy option to include in routine eating. The recommendation focuses on the vegetable’s overall nutritional value—particularly its fiber, nitrates, potassium, and vitamins C and K—as the basis for its heart-health ranking.
The information was published by EatingWell on February 7, 2026.