Broccoli Sprouts & Sulforaphane: Detox, Prevent Cancer, and Protect Your Heart


Are you looking to add a nutritional powerhouse to your diet? Look no further than broccoli sprouts. These tiny, sprouts are packed with essential nutrients and offer serious health benefits. In this article, we will explore the properties of broccoli sprouts and how they can enhance your well-being. Join us as we dive into the world of broccoli sprouts, discover their health-promoting qualities, and show you what you need to get the benefits of broccoli sprouts incorporated into your daily routine. Let’s unlock the potential of these miniature green wonders and take your nutrition to the next level.

What Are The Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts?

  • Detoxification Support: Sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts can help the body’s detoxification process, potentially protecting against various diseases.
  • Potential Anti-Cancer Properties: The sulforaphane found in broccoli sprouts may help prevent the development of cancer by inhibiting enzymes that are involved in cancer and tumor growth.
  • Boosts Brain Health: Emerging research suggests that sulforaphane may have neuroprotective effects, potentially helping to maintain memory and cognitive function, and protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s.
  • Supports Gut Health: Preliminary research shows that broccoli sprouts may improve gut health by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
  • Antioxidant Activity: Broccoli sprouts are high in antioxidants, including the powerful sulforaphane, which can help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Sulforaphane may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases related to inflammation, like heart disease.
  • Supports Heart Health: Some studies suggest that sulforaphane can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Helps Manage Diabetes: Some studies suggest that sulforaphane might help control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.
  • Rich in Nutrients: Broccoli sprouts are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber, and are known to have higher nutrient levels than mature broccoli.

Sulforaphane In Broccoli Sprouts Increases Glutathione-The Master Antioxidant

Sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts helps increase the body’s level of the master antioxidant, glutathione. Sulforaphane turns on the antioxidant genes that replenish our glutathione.

Glutathione is an essential compound known for its antioxidant activity. Glutathione neutralizes harmful free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease. Glutathione is also crucial for the detoxification processes in our liver, helping in the elimination of toxins from the body.

Furthermore, glutathione contributes to the proper function of immune cells, helping maintain a robust and effective immune system. It may also slow down the aging process by reducing oxidative stress. Glutathione is also pivotal for mitochondrial health, as it protects these cell “powerhouses” by neutralizing damaging free radicals and oxidative stress.

Notably, glutathione is believed to have a protective effect on brain health and is being researched for its potential to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, preliminary research suggests that it might help reduce melanin production, hinting at potential skin-lightening effects.

Can Broccoli Sprouts Affect Your Brain Function?

Maybe. One study used brain scans to look at whether sulforaphane could influence glutathione levels in specific areas of the brain. They saw a positive link between blood and glutathione levels in the thalamus of the brain after treatment with sulforaphane. Daily oral intake of sulforaphane consistently increased the brain’s overall glutathione levels. [PMC5981770]

A Deep Dive Into Intricate Details

For intricate detail and a deep deep dive into the compelling science behind sulforaphane and broccoli sprouts, watch this video by nutrition researcher Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

Grow Broccoli Sprouts At Home

Broccoli is a source for sulforaphane, but broccoli sprouts are possibly as much as 50 times as concentrated a source. Fresh sprouts are not easy to get at the supermarket because they are so perishable. You can easily sprout your own broccoli seeds for a continuous fresh supply of broccoli sprouts. Other sprouts are good for you, but because of the massively higher levels of sulforaphane and its effect on your ability to detoxify compounds in your body, you’ll want to make broccoli sprouts a part of your daily plan.

All you need is a set of sprouting jars and seeds. Sprouts will keep well in the refrigerator for several days. Rinsing the sprouts is very important.

Broccoli Seed– Amazon

Broccoli seeds can be ordered by the pound. This allows you to have sprouts on hand every day.

Sprouting Jars or Lids– Amazon

Any glass quart jars will work as long as you have a method of draining and rinsing the sprouts daily. If you don’t have any, here’s a link:

Maybe you have the jars, but just need the special lids:

To Sum It Up

Broccoli sprouts offer a convenient and nutrient-packed addition to your diet, promoting overall health and well-being. Their rich content of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds makes them a powerful superfood. Incorporating broccoli sprouts into your meals is a great way to boost your nutrition and support various aspects of your health. When it comes to buying broccoli sprouts, you can explore local farmers’ markets, and grocery stores, or even grow them at home. Remember to choose fresh, organic sprouts for the best quality and flavor. So, embrace the goodness of broccoli sprouts and enjoy the benefits they bring to your table.

About the Author

Stephanie Figon, MS, RDN, LD

Creator of Supplement Sciences and NutriScape.NET. As a dietitian since 1992, Steph has had experiences in consulting, 15 years in clinical, and has operated a private practice nutrition counseling office for since 2011. Log in to comment and save this article on your board or send your comments to reviews@supplement-sciences.com