The broccoli sprout extract is prepared from the young plant broccoli, which means that broccoli sprout extract contains a high amount of sulforaphane compared to matured broccoli. This sulforaphane is a compound that contributes to the enhanced benefits of broccoli sprouts. Due to this chemical compound, broccoli sprout extracts are often utilized in the form of medicine for multiple health ailments.
In this article, we will discuss how broccoli sprout extract and its compound sulforaphane are beneficial for our mental and physical health.
5 Benefits of Broccoli Sprout Extract
Broccoli sprout extract leads to multiple health benefits. From improving recovery to enhancing immunity, sulforaphane rejuvenates several body functions.
Here are some of the health benefits of broccoli sprouts.
Aging is a complicated procedure that is affected by both environmental and genetic factors that change throughout the life of an individual. Nutrigenomics suggests that the only method of reducing the adverse effects of aging in an individual is to offer support to human cells for normal activity. By achieving this, our body gains the ability to normally execute cellular functions without getting affected by external threats.
Fortunately, sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts contributes to healthy cellular functioning. This supports the well-being and health of an individual throughout life. Although aging can’t be prevented, its health impact can be reduced through sulforaphane.
Nrf2 is a leucine zipper protein that impacts around 2,000 genes in our cells. This protein also enhances the formation of defensive proteins in the body, which means that proper Nrf2 functioning can help the body regulate multiple processes.
When Nrf2 protein is activated in our body, it leads to regulations of a huge amount of detoxification and protective enzymes. These enzymes are more capable of reducing free radicals in the body than any other consumed antioxidants and vitamins.
This means that when our cells activate their protective forces, inflammation-producing elements can be reduced and environmental and hormonal toxins can be metabolized to avoid mutagenic DNA adducts formation. Mutagenic DNA adducts lead to the formation of cancer in the body.
Sulforaphane found in broccoli sprouts helps in blocking these carcinogen-activating elements. This is why sulforaphane is known as a cancer-preventive and potent compound.
However, sulforaphane can help us defend against diseases, not because of its potency. It is the bio-availability of the compound which helps our body. This means that 80% of the sulforaphane in the broccoli sprouts that we ingest is transferred to cells. Other similar compounds such as curcumin have only 1% or a little more bio-availability.
Sulforaphane can enhance the functioning of our cardiovascular system by supporting the healing of blood vessels. This compound supports the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. It reduces the damage caused to blood vessels and promotes healing in endothelial dysfunction. This dysfunction in the blood vessels creates muscle lining across the vessels, which is the reason for arterial plaque that damages vessels as well as the heart.
When arterial plaque develops around the vessels, it increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure. Additionally, when our blood vessels are unable to function normally, we are more susceptible to type 2 diabetes and kidney diseases.
Sulforaphane can reduce these abnormalities in the body by targeting the blood vessel lining.
One of the most beneficial and promising functions of sulforaphane is to reduce the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder or ASD.
The gastrointestinal tract’s cell lining should be effective and function properly for every individual. This is missing in individuals with autism. Sulforaphane is a compound that helps these cells function effectively.
Further, common body infections related to the stomach such as Helicobacter Pylori cause major inflammation in the stomach, along with increasing the possibility of stomach ulcers. Sulforaphane can reduce H. Pylori bacterium in the body and decrease inflammation as well. Hence, sulforaphane supports the most important systems of the body.
The air pollutants, metals, and pesticides in the environment toxify our system and impact the functioning of our brains to a great extent. In cities with high pollution, people are exposed to these toxins in the environment.
Broccoli sprout extract sulforaphane detoxifies the body of these pollutants as well as metals and pesticides. This is achieved as sulforaphane can activate phase enzymes of the liver.
Sulforaphane helps the brain in three ways:
- It helps the body fight against diesel particles, tobacco smoke, ozone, and other allergic impacts caused by various toxins.
- It also reduces DNA damage which is caused when toxins like arsenic and aflatoxin bind to DNA.
- Broccoli sprouts increase the ability of the body to remove toxins acquired through air pollution. People who are highly exposed to pollutants or toxic air particles can benefit a lot.
In a study, around 291 people were randomly given a placebo or broccoli sprout extract. People who consumed broccoli sprout extract had a decreased amount of acrolein and benzene toxins in the blood at the end of the trial.
Conclusion
Broccoli sprout extract helps the body fight multiple diseases. Due to its ability to strengthen our immunity and protect our cells from damage, it assists in reducing the impact of aging. However, we suggest consulting your doctor before consuming sulforaphane if you have any underlying ailment or health issue.
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