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How to grow Broccoli Sprouts (and why we all should)

Broccoli = Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane is found in cruciferous veg such as; broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, radish, and watercress.

But broccoli sprouts have 100 times more.

But what’s so special about sulforaphane?

It is well studied to be anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective, and to protect against ageing and diabetes.

And if that’s not enough, here’s what else it does..

  • Promotes detoxification

Broccoli sprouts boost the body’s natural detoxification in several ways. Indirectly it boosts the antioxidant function of cells rather than providing an antioxidant.

  • Boosts the brain

Sulforophane is a nootropic (brain boosting substance).  Take our word for it –  sulforophane is really really good for the brain.

  • Protects against cancer

Sulforophane prohibits the growth of cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. In clinical studies it has been shown to kill breast cancer cells, cervical cancer cells, liver cancer cells, prostate cancer cells, and colorectal cancer cells.  It also increases the efficacy of cancer treating drugs (which means a lower dose can be used)

  • Supports healthy heart function

Studies have found that sulforophane has been successful in lowering triglycerides, lowering blood pressure in those with hypertension and lowering total cholesterol.

  • Increases Glutathione

Glutathione is the master anti-oxidant and it’s production is triggered by stress. It helps reduce inflammation and helps the body protect against disease.  If you are under lots of stress, or have experienced stress, your glutathione levels will benefit from a boost of sulforaphane.

  • Promotes weight loss

Sulforophane helps fight obesity by changing energy consumption in the body and by improving gut flora.

  • Slows ageing by activating heat-shock proteins

Sulforophane activates heat-shock proteins in the body.  Heat shock proteins can help slow ageing and improve brain function. Saunas also activate the same proteins, but getting some broccoli sprouts in your diet increases the level of these proteins without the heat.

  • Boosts liver function

Sulforaphane boosts the liver by reducing stress caused by toxins, free radicals and lifestyle. It may also improve alcohol tolerance and reduce the negative effects of alcohol by stimulating production of aldehyde dehydrogenase.

  • Reduces inflammation and pain

Sulforophane reduces inflammation and pain due it’s antioxidant boosting talents.  When combined with turmeric and curcumin it has powerful pain relief effects.

  • Stopping and reversing hair loss

Hair growth is suppressed by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which can then lead to baldness.  Sulforophane activates the enzymes required to break DHT down and studies have shown that taking sulforophane is an effective approach to hairloss.

How to eat them:

Aim to have a couple of tablespoons a day, blend them in smoothies, soups, sprinkle on salads or use as a garnish to make food look insta-good.

A few words of caution:

Thankfully the risks of sulforophane seem minimal compared to the benefits, but there are a couple of things to be aware of.

Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when increasing or introducing sulforophane in the diet , but this is thought to be a result of the positive changes in gut bacteria. Our advice is to start slow.

As a powerful anti-oxidant that supports the liver, Sulforophane may interact with some medications that are broke down in the liver.  If you are taking medications, check with your doctor first for any contraindications.

The warm and damp conditions needed for sprouts to grow are also ideal for E.coli or Salmonella.  For this reason, it is recommended that pregnant women, very young children and the immune-compromised avoid sprouts. There is always the option of increasing the cruciferous veg though!

If this article hasn’t convinced you on the benefits of having broccoli sprouts in your diet …then do it anyway, growing stuff is fun!

Click here for your downloadable guide on how to grow them.

 

22 September 2018

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