Broccoli sprouts, falling for a widower
Cauli-blossom isn’t the only broccoli-based veg having a moment! These seedlings are worth a trial
SUPER STRENGTH
The health world is buzzing about broccoli sprouts because they contain much higher levels of the compound glucosinolate than mature broccoli. When plants containing glucosinolate are damaged – like when we chew them – they release the enzyme myrosinase, which converts glucosinolate into an isothiocyanate called sulforaphane. Scientists think it’s this chemical that could be behind cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower and broccoli, being associated with a lower risk of developing cancer.
Notably broccoli li sprouts have 30 to 50 times the concentration of this chemical than mature broccoli.
CANCER FIGHTERS
While most studies to date have been done with rodents, the results seem promising. Broccoli sprout extracts have been found to protect against throat, bladder and skin cancer in mice. A 2013 study in the Epigenetics journal found sulforaphane from sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables caused cell death in colon cance cancer cells while leaving he healthy cells u unaffected.
In human trials, a study of 20 men with recurrent prost prostate cancer saw participants given broccoli sprouts over 20 weeks. The research, published in the journal Investigational New Drugs, saw some improvements in cancer markers.
DETOXIFYING BENEFITS
Broccoli sprouts are thought to have detoxifying benefits for respiratory health, too. A 2014 study had 291 participants in a polluted area of China drink a broccoli sprout drink for 12 weeks, and found they excreted far larger quantities of airborne chemicals than those who took a placebo. The sprouts are also being looked at as a potential treatment for the gut infection Helicobacter pylori – a type of bacteria causing ulcers in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. While studies have found broccoli sprouts can’t eliminate the infection entirely, it’s thought they can temporarily suspend the infection in some patients.
Broccoli sprouts can react with medications broken down by the liver, so talk with your GP. As with many sprouts, there is a raised risk of food poisoning from E.coli, so they’re best avoided if you’re pregnant or have a compromised immune system.