Sprouting Health: The Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts
- Oct 27
- 4 min read
Given the well-documented health benefits of broccoli, recent research has focussed on individual compounds in this amazing superfood. One in particular, sulforaphane, is attracting A LOT of attention.
Sulforaphane is released when its parent compound, glucoraphanin is broken down during digestion. Glucoraphanin is found in broccoli and all cruciferous vegetables but is found in the highest concentration in Broccoli Sprouts.
Because of this broccoli sprouts are experiencing a surge in popularity, especially among the health conscious.
We took a look at the most current research and summarised the key health benefits of broccoli sprouts and their active component, sulforaphane. Here's what we found:
Broccoli Sprouts Antioxidant activity:
The impact of unstable molecules in the body, known as free radicals, combined with excess of pro- oxidative compounds are associated with almost every modern chronic condition, particularly those affecting the heart and brain. As an antioxidant agent, broccoli sprouts are a triple threat; they help scavenge free radicals, reduce action of pro-oxidative molecules and increase the body’s production of its own powerful antioxidants (Le et al., 2020, Aloo et al., 2021, Altmedrev 2022).
Broccoli Sprouts Anti-Inflammatory Action:
The anti-inflammatory actions of broccoli compounds are also multiple. They reduce production of pro-inflammatory molecules, block inflammatory enzyme processes and support production of anti-inflammatory compounds. The favourable impact of broccoli sprouts on systemic inflammation has been shown in reduced blood concentrations of inflammatory markers in diabetic patients. (Le et al., 2020, Altmedrev 2022).
Broccoli Sprouts for a healthy gut and gut bacteria
Modern research continues to show gut health is essential for whole health. Once again, Broccoli Sprouts can help! The active compound, sulforaphane works against food pathogens including salmonella typhimurium and E.coli. They also act against harmful gut bacteria, yeast and fungi that interfere with gastrointestinal health. Trials have shown sulforaphane and broccoli sprouts effective against H.pylori – a notoriously difficult-to-treat and damaging gastric pathogen. (Le et al., 2020, Altmedrev 2022, Yagishita et al., 2019).
Anti-diabetic properties of Broccoli Sprouts
Type II diabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic disorder are among the most debilitating and growing burdens on health. Trials of sulforaphane and broccoli sprouts report improvements in glucose sensitivity, reduced blood insulin concentrations, better glucose tolerance and reduced advanced glycation end products – a measure of diabetic activity in diabetic patients (Le et al., 2020, Altmedrev 2022, Aloo et al., 2021, Yagishita et al., 2019).
Broccoli Sprouts and cancer-prevention
There are many compounds in broccoli and broccoli sprouts that have been attributed with chemo preventive properties. For broccoli sprouts and sulforaphane, the suggested modes of action are increased ‘apoptosis’ the identifying and destroying unhealthy cells, interrupting the reproduction cycle of damaged cells and better elimination of environmental pollutants and carcinogens through enhanced liver function (Le et al., 2020, Altmedrev 2022, Aloo et al., 2021,Yagishita et al., 2019).
Broccoli Sprouts and obesity, cholesterol and cardio health
Broccoli sprouts have been credited with anti-obesity effects and a positive effect on fat metabolism and energy expenditure. Trials with broccoli sprouts have shown reduced overall triglycerides and lower LDL cholesterol - essential factors in cardio health (Xu et al., 2018, Le et al., 2020, Altmedrev 2022, Aloo et al., 2021). Combined with the noted anti-inflammatory improved glucose tolerance, broccoli sprouts look like a strong support for metabolic disorders of linked obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
Broccoli Sprouts, Autism and other neurological conditions
Trials of broccoli sprouts in children with autism have delivered positive results including reduced symptoms and improved social interaction and behavior. The active sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts also shows promise in other inflammatory neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease and these continue to be investigated (Schepici et al., 2020, Vanduchova et al., 2019).
That’s a whole lot of healthy goodness from one compound!
Of course, we can’t rely on a single compound for all our health needs, but we can make an effort to include more of the ones we know are helpful. Broccoli sprouts most certainly are one of them!
REFERENCES USED IN THIS ARTICLE:
Aloo, S., Ofosu, F., Kilonzi, S., Shabbir, U., & Oh, D. (2021). Edible Plant Sprouts: Health Benefits, Trends, and Opportunities for Novel Exploration. Nutrients, 13(8), 2882. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082882
Altmedrev.com. (2022). Retrieved 16 June 2022, from https://altmedrev.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/v15-4-352.pdf.
Le, T., Chiu, C., & Hsieh, P. (2020). Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica Sprouts and Microgreens: An Updated Overview from a Nutraceutical Perspective. Plants, 9(8), 946. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9080946
Schepici, G., Bramanti, P., & Mazzon, E. (2020). Efficacy of Sulforaphane in Neurodegenerative Diseases. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 21(22), 8637. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228637
Vanduchova, A., Anzenbacher, P., & Anzenbacherova, E. (2019). Isothiocyanate from Broccoli, Sulforaphane, and Its Properties. Journal Of Medicinal Food, 22(2), 121-126. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2018.0024
Xu, L., Nagata, N., & Ota, T. (2018). Glucoraphanin: a broccoli sprout extract that ameliorates obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Adipocyte, 7(3), 218-225.
Yagishita, Y., Fahey, J., Dinkova-Kostova, A., & Kensler, T. (2019). Broccoli or Sulforaphane: Is It the Source or Dose That Matters?. Molecules, 24(19), 3593. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24193593
