Superfoods - Broccoli Sprouts

Question 1

Broccoli sprouts

Answer 1

As with other sprouts, broccoli sprouts are nutritionally rich and contain sulphur compounds called ‘glucosinolates’.

• The glucosinolates in brassica vegetables produce two highly therapeutic compounds: sulforaphane and I3C (which at 20-50 times more abundant in Broccoli sprouts)
• I3C promotes phase II liver detoxification, and is able to support the livers deactivation of oestrogen. As a result, broccoli sprouts can be used in cases of oestrogen dominance, such as that typically seen in endometriosis, fibroids, breast and ovarian cancer. For those clients, aim for up to 50 g of broccoli sprouts per day (or consider supplementing I3C)
  I3C = indole-3-carbinol

Question 2

Broccoli sprouts:
Benefits and applications of sulforaphane

Answer 2

Sulforaphane:
* Induces phase II detoxification enzymes; Down regulates phase I enzymes (can be used in a liver support protocol)
* Anti-inflammatory (through inhibition of NF-kB and TNF-a)
* Anti-carcinogenic, through various mechanisms, including:
o Inducing expression of the tumour-suppressing p21 gene
o Induction of phase II enzymes – enhancing the detoxification and elimination of activated carcinogens
o Increasing antioxidant defense and inhibiting angiogenesis

Question 3

Broccoli sprouts:
Benefits and clinical applications

Answer 3

• Cardiovascular disease: decrease risk by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage that can lead to endothelial dysfunction. Also lowers LDL, whilst increasing HDL
• Respiratory health: promotes detoxification of environmental toxins (e.g. diesel fumes) from the lungs (via phase II enzymes expressed in lung cells) and reduces associated upper airway inflammation
• Helicobacter pylori infection: shown promise in helping to eradicate H. pylori infection, to protect the gastric mucosa– reducing the risk of gastritis and gastric cancer