promising, indeed! Sulforaphane may also protect arteries from disease by boost- ing a natural defense mechanism in the body.
5. Antioxidants It's well known that cruciferous, especially broccoli, is a
superior source of antioxidants. There are almost 300 studies on PubMed alone, referring to these vegetables and antioxidants. One particularly interesting study was carried out on young
male smokers, in which 250g/day of broccoli was consumed, for a ten-day period. At the end of the treatment, of the many obser- vations, decreases circulating CRP (C-reactive protein) concentra- tions were noted. This is significant because the measure of CRP indicates the level of inflammation in a body, and indirectly the oxidative stress status, with high levels of both being associated with long-term diseases. In 2015, broccoli sprout extract was again found highly ef-
fective in reducing of oxidative stress, in this case being observed to assist with healthy liver function.
6. Protection From and Elimination of Toxins There are so many toxic substances present in our lives. Too
many! Cruciferous veggies and their sulforaphane rich tissues can help, as noted in several studies. In 2014, a randomized clinical trial recruited 291 participants from a rural area of China, an area known for high levels of air pollution. The non- placebo group consumed a broccoli sprout-derived beverage providing daily doses of 600µmol glucoraphanin and 40 µmol
sulforaphane over a 12-week period. [So essentially they were given a concentrated extract of cruciferous vegetables for three months.] Urine testing found "rapid and sustained, statistically significant" increases elimination of toxic substances in those drinking the beverage, over the placebo group. Studies have also shown sulforaphane assists in protection
from and elimination of arsenic and pesticides. The detoxifying qualities of cruciferous is thought to be directly connected to sulforaphane's role in the activation of Nrf2, which is known to have a critical role in the metabolism and excretion of toxic substances.
7. Type II Diabetes and Insulin Resistance (IR) Support It's generally recognized that diet and exercise can pro-
foundly assist with the prevention and treatment of Type II Dia- betes. However, specific positive results have been seen with regard to sulforaphane and consuming cruciferous vegetables. In particular, IR is an aspect of Type II that can cause havoc
in a body. A 2016 study investigated the effects of broccoli sprout powder, containing a high concentration of sulforaphane, on IR in Type II diabetic patients. In a randomized trial, 81 patients received either the high concentration of sulforaphane powder or a placebo, over four weeks. The end results gave clear indica- tions of lowered levels of insulin resistance. Other studies have demonstrated similar results, showing
decreased oxidative stress and IR and that "[s]ulforaphane could prevent nephropathy, diabetes-induced fibrosis, and vascular complications," further empowering those with Type II Diabetes.
JULY 2019
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