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Brussels sprouts vs. Lettuce — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan by Ani Harutyunyan | Last updated on May 10, 2024
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Brussels sprouts
vs
Lettuce

Summary

Lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin A, containing nearly 10 times more of it than Brussels sprouts. On the other hand, Brussels sprouts provide more than 9 times more vitamin C

Brussels sprouts are richer in minerals than lettuce. Specifically, they provide more amounts of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Moreover, they are higher in fiber and polyunsaturated fats

 

Introduction

Both lettuce and Brussels sprouts are some of the healthiest vegetables worldwide. They are commonly used in a fresh form in salads and are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. In this article, we will give an overview of lettuce and Brussels sprouts, compare their nutritional profile, and discuss their potential effects on human health.  

What Is the Actual Difference?

Lettuce and Brussels sprouts belong to the Brassicaceae family, but they have many differences. 

Lettuce, known for its leafy texture and crispness, is primarily consumed raw and often used as a base in salads and added to sandwiches. Brussels sprouts are small, compact cabbages that grow along a thick stalk. These cruciferous vegetables have a distinctive nutty flavor and are often cooked by roasting or steaming

Additionally, Brussels sprouts contain compounds like glucosinolates, known for their potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, while lettuce delights in its refreshing crunch, Brussels sprouts offer a healthy and nutritious addition to culinary creations.

Nutrition

In this article, we will compare the nutritional compositions of raw lettuce and raw Brussels sprouts.

The recommended serving sizes for Brussels sprouts and lettuce are equal to one cup, which corresponds to 88g of Brussels sprouts and 36g of lettuce

Macronutrients and Calories

As shown in the chart below, Brussels sprouts are denser in nutrients than lettuce. Lettuce contains 95% water per 100g, while the same serving of Brussels provides 86%. Additionally, sprouts contain more proteins and carbohydrates

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
3% 9% 86%
Protein: 3.38 g
Fats: 0.3 g
Carbs: 8.95 g
Water: 86 g
Other: 1.37 g
3% 95%
Protein: 1.36 g
Fats: 0.15 g
Carbs: 2.87 g
Water: 94.98 g
Other: 0.64 g
Contains more ProteinProtein +148.5%
Contains more FatsFats +100%
Contains more CarbsCarbs +211.8%
Contains more OtherOther +114.1%
Contains more WaterWater +10.4%

Calories

Brussels sprouts and lettuce are low-calorie vegetables, but Brussels sprouts have around three times more calories per 100g. A 100g serving of Brussels sprouts contains 43 calories, while lettuce contains 15 calories

Protein and Fats

Brussels sprouts contain 2.5 times more protein than lettuce. Brussels sprouts have 3.38g of protein per 100g serving, whereas the same size of lettuce contains 1.36g

Both vegetables have less than 1g of fat per 100g. However, Brussels sprouts have slightly higher quantities of fats. They are especially higher in polyunsaturated fats. None of these vegetables contains cholesterol.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
100%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 0.062 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0.023 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 153 g
19% 6% 76%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 0.02 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0.006 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.082 g
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat +283.3%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +186485.4%
Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat -67.7%

Carbohydrates

Brussels sprouts and lettuce are classified as low-carb vegetables. However, Brussels sprouts contain more carbohydrates than lettuce, with 8.95g compared to 2.87g respectively. They are richer in sucrose, glucose, and fructose.

Fiber

Brussels sprouts contain three times more amounts of dietary fiber. They provide 3.8g, while lettuce has only 1.3g of fiber per 100g. Sprouts are especially rich in soluble fiber.

Vitamins

Brussels sprouts are the winner in this category. They contain higher amounts of almost all vitamins. Sprouts are 9 times higher in vitamin C and around 2 times higher in folate compared to lettuce. They are also richer in B-complex vitaminsvitamins E and K

On the other hand, lettuce provides 10 times more vitamin A, with 7405IU per 100g, while the same serving of Brussels contains only 754IU of it. 

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 283% 45% 18% 0% 35% 21% 14% 19% 51% 0% 443% 46% 10%
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 31% 444% 4.4% 0% 18% 18% 7% 8% 21% 0% 316% 29% 7.4%
Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C +823.9%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E +300%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +98.6%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +12.5%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +98.7%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +130.6%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +143.3%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +40.1%
Contains more FolateFolate +60.5%
Contains more CholineCholine +40.4%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +882.1%
~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg
~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

Minerals

Brussels sprouts are richer in minerals than lettuce. They contain 195mg more potassium10mg more magnesium, and 40mg more phosphorus. Lettuce is also lower in calciumironzinccoppermanganese, and selenium

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 16% 13% 34% 53% 23% 11% 30% 3.3% 44% 8.7%
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 9.3% 11% 17% 32% 9.7% 4.9% 12% 3.7% 33% 3.3%
Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium +76.9%
Contains more CalciumCalcium +16.7%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium +100.5%
Contains more IronIron +62.8%
Contains more CopperCopper +141.4%
Contains more ZincZinc +133.3%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus +137.9%
Contains less SodiumSodium -10.7%
Contains more ManganeseManganese +34.8%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium +166.7%

Oxalate content

The oxalate content of lettuce is 16mg per 100g, while the oxalate content of Brussels sprouts equals 13mg

Although both are classified as low-oxalate foods, lettuce has a lower oxalate content. 

Glycemic Index

Both lettuce and Brussels sprouts are low in carbs. Thus, both vegetables are classified as low-GI foods. While the glycemic index of Brussels sprouts is not calculated yet, the GI value of lettuce equals 32.  

Acidity

The PRAL values of Brussels sprouts and lettuce are -5.1 and -3.1, respectively. Both are alkaline, but Brussels sprouts have a higher potential to alkalize the organism compared to lettuce. 

Health Impact

Cardiovascular Health

Lettuce and Brussels sprouts offer valuable cardiovascular health benefits due to their nutrient profiles. Lettuce, particularly varieties like romaine, provides significant amounts of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and may help reduce the risk of arterial calcification, a factor associated with cardiovascular disease (1). Moreover, the high water content of lettuce contributes to hydration, promoting overall cardiovascular health. 

On the other hand, Brussels sprouts are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health by reducing the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke (2) (3). Additionally, Brussels sprouts contain compounds called glucosinolates, which have been linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects, further supporting cardiovascular health (4).

Diabetes

Lettuce and Brussels sprouts are two vegetables that offer potential benefits for individuals managing diabetes. Lettuce is low in carbohydrates and this low-glycemic index food can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it a suitable choice for individuals with diabetes (5). 

Brussels sprouts, similarly, are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making them a valuable addition to a diabetic-friendly diet. The fiber content helps slow down the absorption of glucose, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels (6).  

Cancer

Lettuce, particularly darker varieties like romaine, contains antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which may help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and reduce the risk of certain cancers, including lung and bladder cancer (7). Additionally, lettuce is rich in fiber, which can aid in digestive health and potentially lower the risk of colorectal cancer (9).

Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, contain compounds like glucosinolates, which can be converted into bioactive compounds with anti-cancer effects. Studies have suggested that regular consumption of Brussels sprouts may reduce the risk of various cancers, including lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer (8).  

Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan
Education: General Medicine at YSMU
Last updated: May 10, 2024
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian

Infographic

Brussels sprouts vs Lettuce infographic
Infographic link

Carbohydrate type comparison

Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison
21% 37% 42%
Starch: 0 g
Sucrose: 0.46 g
Glucose: 0.81 g
Fructose: 0.93 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
46% 54%
Starch: 0 g
Sucrose: 0 g
Glucose: 0.36 g
Fructose: 0.43 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
Contains more SucroseSucrose +∞%
Contains more GlucoseGlucose +125%
Contains more FructoseFructose +116.3%
~equal in Starch ~0g
~equal in Lactose ~0g
~equal in Maltose ~0g
~equal in Galactose ~0g

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Brussels sprouts Lettuce
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in price ok
Rich in minerals ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Cholesterol Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Brussels sprouts Lettuce Opinion
Calories 43kcal 15kcal Brussels sprouts
Protein 3.38g 1.36g Brussels sprouts
Fats 0.3g 0.15g Brussels sprouts
Vitamin C 85mg 9.2mg Brussels sprouts
Net carbs 5.15g 1.57g Brussels sprouts
Carbs 8.95g 2.87g Brussels sprouts
Magnesium 23mg 13mg Brussels sprouts
Calcium 42mg 36mg Brussels sprouts
Potassium 389mg 194mg Brussels sprouts
Iron 1.4mg 0.86mg Brussels sprouts
Sugar 2.2g 0.78g Lettuce
Fiber 3.8g 1.3g Brussels sprouts
Copper 0.07mg 0.029mg Brussels sprouts
Zinc 0.42mg 0.18mg Brussels sprouts
Phosphorus 69mg 29mg Brussels sprouts
Sodium 25mg 28mg Brussels sprouts
Vitamin A 754IU 7405IU Lettuce
Vitamin A 38µg 370µg Lettuce
Vitamin E 0.88mg 0.22mg Brussels sprouts
Manganese 0.337mg 0.25mg Brussels sprouts
Selenium 1.6µg 0.6µg Brussels sprouts
Vitamin B1 0.139mg 0.07mg Brussels sprouts
Vitamin B2 0.09mg 0.08mg Brussels sprouts
Vitamin B3 0.745mg 0.375mg Brussels sprouts
Vitamin B5 0.309mg 0.134mg Brussels sprouts
Vitamin B6 0.219mg 0.09mg Brussels sprouts
Vitamin K 177µg 126.3µg Brussels sprouts
Folate 61µg 38µg Brussels sprouts
Choline 19.1mg 13.6mg Brussels sprouts
Saturated Fat 0.062g 0.02g Lettuce
Monounsaturated Fat 0.023g 0.006g Brussels sprouts
Polyunsaturated fat 153g 0.082g Brussels sprouts
Tryptophan 0.037mg 0.009mg Brussels sprouts
Threonine 0.12mg 0.059mg Brussels sprouts
Isoleucine 0.132mg 0.084mg Brussels sprouts
Leucine 0.152mg 0.079mg Brussels sprouts
Lysine 0.154mg 0.084mg Brussels sprouts
Methionine 0.032mg 0.016mg Brussels sprouts
Phenylalanine 0.098mg 0.055mg Brussels sprouts
Valine 0.155mg 0.07mg Brussels sprouts
Histidine 0.076mg 0.022mg Brussels sprouts
Fructose 0.93g 0.43g Brussels sprouts

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Brussels sprouts Lettuce
Low Calories diet ok
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
76%
Brussels sprouts
69%
Lettuce
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
24%
Brussels sprouts
14%
Lettuce

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Sugar?
Lettuce
Lettuce is lower in Sugar (difference - 1.42g)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Lettuce
Lettuce is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.042g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Lettuce
Lettuce is lower in glycemic index (difference - 32)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts contains less Sodium (difference - 3mg)
Which food is cheaper?
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts is cheaper (difference - $0.1)
Which food is richer in minerals?
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts is relatively richer in minerals
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Brussels sprouts - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170383/nutrients
  2. Lettuce - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169249/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.