Broccoli Sprouts Contain More Cancer Fighting Compounds
Yes, I know I already wrote about the cancer-fighting properties of broccoli. But did you know that broccoli sprouts may even be more potent? They are rich in compounds called sulforaphane, and three-day-old broccoli sprouts consistently contain 20 to 50 times of this compound in comparison to mature broccoli heads. That means, you get just about the same health benefit from eating 1.25 pounds of cooked broccoli or an ounce of broccoli sprouts!
A more recent study by OSU researchers on the dietary prevention of prostate cancer also points to broccoli and broccoli sprouts.
Ho said drugs classified as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are being looked at as potentially preventing cancer. She said their research shows that these same effects of inhibiting HDAC might be obtained by consumption of cruciferous vegetables.
And you don’t have eat tons of them either.
In human subjects, just eating some broccoli sprouts on top of a bagel with cream cheese resulted in HDAC inhibition.
How about sprouting some yourself? Remember to harvest on the third day!
Broccolis are wonderful, indeed. Its many benefits are perfect for the children. If only there’s a more interesting way of serving it to change the way they think about broccoli.
I’ve read an article about teaching your children how to each vegetables. It suggests that one way of getting children try new meals, especially vegetables is to introduce it when they’re hungry. This way, they’ll probably try it and even like it,
Sulforaphane is actually not the only compound that is responsible for this effect seen by broccoli sprouts. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts also have a phytochemical called diindolylmethane that also has potent anti-cancer properties.
In fact, scientists in Europe have recently demonstrated that Sulforaphane and Diindolylmethane synergize in their anti-cancer properties.
In addition to Sulforaphane and DIM, broccoli is also a rich source of selenium, an element with potent anti-cancer properties.
Together, broccoli packs a punch with these three important nutrients.
More information on the above is available through the links below:
http://www.diindolylmethane.org/
http://www.activamune.com/
http://www.activamune.com/news.htm