Eating foods like Brussels sprouts helps to ensure that not only are toxins being broken down, they're also being safely removed from your body. Brussels Sprouts May Work Better Than Broccoli to Help Lower Your Risk of Cancer. Cancer is a leading cause of death in the US, and eating Brussels sprouts is a simple way to lower your risk of this disease. Your body uses the glucosinolates in Brussels sprouts to make isothiocyanates, which activate cancer-fighting enzyme systems in your body.