The Amazing Anti-Cancer Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Mom was right, broccoli is good for you! We all know that this superfood is one of the healthiest vegetables in the world but studies show broccoli sprouts contain powerful cancer-fighting nutrients.

Broccoli sprouts are vegetables that contain 50 times the anticancer properties of broccoli. In fact, broccoli sprouts contain about 1000% more nutrients than fully grown broccoli. All these nutrients do more than just keep the body healthy, they also protect from chronic diseases including cancer. In today’s post, we are outlining the anticancer benefits of broccoli sprouts:

Nutrient Dense

Multiple studies confirm that broccoli sprouts are loaded with anti-cancer properties. In fact, a John Hopkins research team found that broccoli sprouts are one of the most nutrient-complete foods in the world. The sprouts contain balanced vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes that keep the body healthy. When the body is healthy, there is a decreased risk of developing chronic diseases.

Broccoli sprouts are low in calorie, high in fiber, and fat-free. The sprouts are high in vitamin C, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin B6. For non-starchy vegetables, broccoli sprouts are also packed with high-quality protein.

Antioxidant-Rich

Broccoli sprouts are incredible sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that protect the cells from free radical stress. Free radicals are unstable ions that seek and destroy healthy cells. These destructive ions cause cell mutation and DNA damage that could lead to cancer. Unfortunately, free radical ions are all around us. They even exist in the body because free radicals are always present in an oxygenated environment. Therefore, they are extremely hard or downright impossible to avoid.

Antioxidants help neutralize the effects of free radicals. These nutrients work by creating a protective barrier that keeps the cells and DNA healthy. Studies show that eating antioxidant-rich foods – such as broccoli sprouts – reduces the risk of cancer development. Broccoli sprouts are packed with antioxidants lutein and sulforaphane. They are also teeming with vitamin E and vitamin C, nutrients that act as antioxidants.

Packed with Phytochemicals

Broccoli sprouts are rich sources of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are chemicals that give fruits and vegetable vivid coloring. These nutrients also affect the smell and flavor of the produce. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, eating foods rich in phytochemicals reduces the risk of cancer.

The phytochemicals in broccoli sprouts work by strengthening the immune system. These phytochemicals include glucobrassicin, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene. Flavonoid kaempferol also boosts immunity and inhibits the proliferation of malignant cells.

Reduces Inflammation

Scientists agree, there is an associated risk of cancer development via sustained internal inflammation. Internal inflammation can cause a variety of degenerative disorders like rheumatism and arthritis. Sustained inflammation also makes the organs vulnerable to chronic diseases.

Broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane that inhibits the growth of cancer cells in lab tests. Inflammatory diseases cause cancer by encouraging the growth of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. This bacteria is linked to liver and stomach cancer. The sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts reduces inflammation and minimizes the risk of cancer development. The flavonoid kaempferol also helps reduce the impact of allergens on the immune system.


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