#364 - Sulforaphane gives Broccoli Superpowers

If you've never heard of sulforaphane, you aren't alone. But in the world of nutritional science, it is celebrated for its superpowers!

Sulforaphane is a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts. By far the highest amount is found in broccoli sprouts - not the full grown vegetable. Sulforaphane has been extensively studied and found to have protective effects against many diseases, including multiple types of cancer, heart disease, and neurological conditions including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, stroke, and others.

When it comes to the brain and nervous system, sulforaphane offers a handful of key benefits.

It’s an antioxidantIt’s anti-inflammatoryIt promotes autophagyIt promotes mitochondrial functionIt increases neurogenesisIt promotes detoxification

All of these functions of course have broad and systemic benefits as well, beyond the brain!

When it comes to special phytonutrients like sulforaphane, we are big advocates of consuming them in whole food forms, i.e. broccoli sprouts, as opposed to encapsulated supplements. In the whole food, you receive the sulforaphane, but also tons of other phytonutrients as well as vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc. that aid in the synergistic effects of these sorts of healing compounds.

Highlights from this episode

How sulforaphane support cardiovascular functionHow sulforaphane has been shown to protect again neurological conditions and support overall brain functionThe detox-promoting properties of sulforaphaneSo many more random benefits of sulforaphane that have been studiedHow to increase your intake of sulforaphane in the diet with specific foods and cooking methods

Links to some more good stuff
- ALL NEW EAT MORE, WEIGH LESS PROGRAM - www.alter.health/eat-more-weigh-less
- 1-on-1 Nutritional Analysis Package - www.alter.health/nutritional-analysis
- Get the Alter Health weekly WFPB Meal Guides: www.alter.health/meal-guides
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants