Sulforaphane’s Anticancer, Heart, and Brain Benefits
Image: JNS (Journal of Nutritional Science)
What is Sulforaphane?
Sulforaphane is a compound that forms when you eat cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. It may have anticancer and antioxidant benefits.
1. May Have Anticancer Effects
Sulforaphane has been studied for its potential effects on cancer. Ways that it may protect against cancer include:
- Lowering inflammation: Sulforaphane activates a protein called Nrf2, which increases antioxidants that protect cells from inflammation. It also blocks NF-κB, which increases inflammation.
- Neutralizing toxins: The compound is a source of antioxidants, which counter the harmful effects of unstable atoms called free radicals.
- Protecting DNA: The compound has been shown to protect DNA against harmful mutations that lead to cancer.
- Slowing tumor growth: Sulforaphane may prevent cancer cells from dividing, slowing tumor spread in your body.
A 2015 clinical trial found that adults with prostate cancer who took daily sulforaphane supplements for six months prevented or delayed recurrence by 86%.
Sulforaphane supplementation may also lower the risk of breast and lung cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
2. May Improve Your Heart Health
Whole foods that promote sulforaphane production also offer nutrients supporting heart health. Antioxidants in these vegetables may lower your risk of heart disease.
Cruciferous vegetables are also a source of fiber. Eating enough fiber has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.
3. May Lower Your Risk of Diabetes
A 2017 study found that people with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar levels after supplementing with broccoli sprouts daily for 12 weeks.
Although this finding is promising, researchers note that more studies are needed.
4. May Boost Your Brain Health
Sulforaphane may protect nerve cells against brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. It’s thought to activate antioxidant pathways in the body.
More human research is needed, but regularly eating cruciferous vegetables may protect your brain and overall health.
How Can You Get Sulforaphane From Food?
Cruciferous vegetables do not contain sulforaphane. The molecule is made when you cut, chop, or chew vegetables that contain the compound glucosinolate.
Foods with glucosinolates include:
- Arugula
- Bok choy
- Broccoli, particularly broccoli sprouts
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Radish
- Turnips
- Watercress
The amount of sulforaphane you absorb varies with preparation. You will absorb more from raw vegetables than cooked ones.
Try lightly steaming your vegetables for a few minutes. Avoid boiling, microwaving, or pressure cooking, which can get rid of 90% of glucosinolates.
The Only Naturally Derived Stabilized Sulforaphane Supplement
Try Your First Bottle Risk Free
CLICK HERE
Get 25% off
and use code: DIGEST
Is Sulforaphane Safe for Everyone?
Just because sulforaphane is naturally created from foods does not mean it does not pose risks.
Sulforaphane may be unsafe for people with conditions like:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A small number of people with ASD have reported seizures after taking sulforaphane. It’s unclear if the supplements were a direct cause.
- Iodine deficiencies: Eating a lot of raw cruciferous vegetables may cause hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) in people with an iodine deficiency.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Cruciferous vegetables may cause digestive discomfort in people with IBS. They may cause bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.
That’s why I like taking it in a suppliment form. I recently interviewd the founders of MaraLabs and they created a supperior product called BrocElite whcih is supperior than any other sulforaphane suppliment on the market WITHOUT any added nonsense commonly found in suppliments that are just fillers.
This is easy to digest over eating broccoli and contains concentrated sulforaphane as apposed to eating broccoli or broccoli sprouts.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW
Clinically Relevant Dose Per Capsule
The sulforaphane in BrocElite® can lower your pro-inflammatory markers by 30% in just 24 hours.
Backed by rigorous science, each capsule delivers a potent dose to reduce inflammation effectively, helping you stay active and pain-free.
- Reduces joint stiffness for daily comfort
- Balances cellular inflammation naturally
- Supports gut health to prevent leaky gut
The Only Naturally Derived Stabilized Sulforaphane Supplement
Try Your First Bottle Risk Free
If you are not completely satisfied with their product, they offer a 100%, 100-day money-back guarantee on your first bottle purchased from their website.
CLICK HERE
Get 25% off
use code: DIGEST
