This little tree is one of the most nutritious vegetables around. Its name is aptly derived from the Latin brachium meaning branch or arm, graphically describing its distinctive method of growing.
Broccoli comes from the same family as the cabbage and is closely related to the cauliflower. Maybe that’s why broccoli and cauliflower work so well together (especially with a cheese sauce).
Broccoli began life in ancient Roman times, spreading its wings to the Middle East and, eventually, worldwide. Its fame spread, making it a favourite of all races, intriguing people with its amazing, edible flowers. Shope
Fresh Broccoli
Fresh broccoli growing in the garden and health benefits of broccoli sprout extract..Okay, let’s get on to the health benefits … well, where do I start?
Broccoli is full to overflowing with phytochemicals; compounds that have been shown to have significant anti-cancer properties. It has the potential to suppress both breast cancer growth and the ability of cancerous cells to move to other parts of the body.
One important phytochemical is sulforaphane. Extensive studies have linked higher levels of sulforaphane in the body to a lower tumour formation rate and slower tumour growth. Not just for breast cancer but for other types as well, including prostate cancer.
What also with the health benefits of broccoli sprout extract
Broccoli sprout extract is derived from young broccoli plants (specifically, the sprouts) and has gained attention for its potential health benefits due to its high concentration of certain bioactive compounds, particularly sulforaphane. Here are some of the potential health benefits of broccoli sprout extract:
- Antioxidant Properties: Broccoli sprout extract is rich in antioxidants, such as sulforaphane and quercetin, which can help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Detoxification: Sulforaphane, a prominent compound in broccoli sprouts, has been shown to enhance the body’s detoxification processes by increasing the activity of enzymes involved in detoxification, including phase II detoxification enzymes.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Some studies suggest that sulforaphane may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Cancer Prevention: Research has indicated that sulforaphane may have anti-cancer properties. It may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and colon cancer.
Well, that sounds good to me. What about you?
What? You don’t like broccoli? Try broccoli sprouts instead. Apparently, they have sulphoraphane by the bucketful, with up to 100 times the power, per gram, of your stock-standard broccoli.
What else, I hear you asking? Well, the health benefits of broccoli sprout extract have also been linked to the prevention of stomach cancer by reducing Helicobacter pylori infection, which is also believed to be a cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer.
Sulphoraphane has also been shown to boost the detoxifying capabilities of skin cells, helping to repair sun-damaged skin. Sun exposure is important to human bodies, providing essential vitamin D, so maybe broccoli sprouts are one method that we mere mortals can use to protect ourselves from harmful skin cancer while getting the vitamin D we require.
Not into sunbaking?
Well, what about your heart? We all care about that, don’t we?
Studies have shown that people with diets including frequent amounts of broccoli, tea, apples and onions had a reduced risk of heart disease. The reduction was as much as 20%; all thanks to flavonoids!
It’s important to note that while these potential health benefits of broccoli sprout extractare promising, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of broccoli sprout extract’s effects on human health. If you are considering incorporating broccoli sprout extract into your diet or supplementation,
Do you want MORE Health benefits of broccoli sprout extract?
Wow! Not easily pleased are you? Well, okay, hold on to your hat … here we go!!!
- Heart Health: Broccoli sprout extract may contribute to heart health by promoting healthy blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving blood vessel function.
- Brain Health: Some studies suggest that sulforaphane may have neuroprotective properties and could potentially help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Digestive Health: Sulforaphane may support digestive health by promoting a healthy gut microbiome and reducing the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
- Skin Health: The antioxidants in broccoli sprouts may help maintain healthy skin by reducing oxidative damage and supporting collagen production.
The ‘green leafy vegetables’, including broccoli, contain awesome antioxidants, essential in cataract prevention. Eating broccoli more than twice a week can potentially reduce your cataract risk by 23%.
Yes, there’s more.
Want strong bones? Broccoli can do that too with its high levels of calcium and vitamin C (which assists our bodies in absorbing calcium) and, by the way, it has negligible calories and no fat.
That’s got to be good … hasn’t it?
Broccoli can also boost your immune system with beta-carotene, zinc and selenium. It’s full of folate, great for pregnant or hoping-to-get-pregnant women. It can also be beneficial to osteoarthritis sufferers.
What an awesome vegetable. It looks good, tastes good and is good for you. Go on, I dare you, beat that!
What to look for in a good broccoli
When buying broccoli, select compact florets with no yellowing. Broccoli can be deep green, pale green or purple-green depending on the variety. Stalks should be firm, tender and definitely not slimy.
Don’t wash your broccoli until just before you are about to use it as water makes it degrade and slime. Store for a few days in the fridge or up to a year in the freezer after being blanched.
Finally … and maybe most importantly … DON’T OVERCOOK IT. Some health benefits of broccoli sprout extract are increased purely by chewing, so by leaving it a little crunchy, you can accentuate its goodness to your body as well as the flavour. Steam or sauté your broccoli for the best results.
Oh yes, by the way, don’t forget to enjoy it … that’s an order! health benefits of broccoli sprout extract!!
