Sulforaphane content in Broccoli helps to cure cancer, asthma, rhinitis, lung and heart diseases

Sulforaphane is a rather simple organic compound that is found in the largest concentrations in the cruciferous or mustard family of plants, including broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. It is a phytochemical, which means it is biologically-activated when the human body breaks its chemical components free of the sugar molecule glucosinolate that it is bound to in plants. There are a range of health benefits that the compound brings to the human diet, but chief among them is its ability to act as an antioxidant and bind to free radical oxygen molecules that can cause cellular damage. Because of this activity, it is a natural cancer preventative and has been indicated specifically as being capable of reducing the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Another key aspect of sulforaphane as a health promoter in the diet is its ability to stimulate the production of detoxifying enzymes. Research at the UK College of London in 2010 showed that it activated a heart-protecting protein known as Nrf2 which naturally becomes inactive in blood vessels when they exhibit plaque build-up. This can lead to the prevention of heart disease. Additional research at the US University of California at Los Angeles has shown that sulforaphane promotes immune system function in dendritic cells, which process antigens to protect the body from infection, by preventing the reproduction of bacteria and viruses. Both natural forms of the compound or sulforaphane extract that is made into a sulforaphane supplement have been shown in laboratory testing to have a wide variety of health benefits. The antioxidant value of sulforaphane has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels if only 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of broccoli are consumed per week. Sulforaphane cancer research has also shown that the chemical prevents the production of benzo-a-pyrene which can lead to stomach tumor growth. It is also able to act as an inhibitor for a particularly robust type of antibiotic resistant bacteria known as Heliobacter pylori. Broccoli sprouts are known to have the highest concentration of sulforaphane, but it can also be found in many other plants in the cruciferous family such as kale, radishes, and turnips. If broccoli sprouts are harvested before the plant is allowed to mature, the concentration of sulforaphane is 30 to 50 times higher than in the mature plants. To reduce cancer risk in humans to half of the statistical average, this would require consuming an ounce of broccoli sprouts per week (28 grams) as opposed to an equivalent two pounds (907 grams) of mature broccoli. Among the other beneficial effects of sulforaphane content in the diet include evidence that it can be used to prevent and treat arthritis, and to protect against respiratory ailments such as asthma, rhinitis, and lung disease. Drinking broccoli juice itself has also been shown to stimulate skin production of an enzyme called glutathione S-transferase ,

which neutralizes compounds that damage DNA while undergoing exposure to ultraviolet light from sunshine. Since the compound has beneficial effects against the most common health threats to the human population, including cancer and heart disease, it remains a subject of concentrated and repeated study by medical science. So why is sulforaphane such a powerful protective agent? First of all, it acts as a signaling molecule. Once inside the cell, sulforaphane switches on over 200 specific genes that may be asleep due to toxicity, poor health and aging factors. Once these genes are turned back on, they produce special detoxification enzymes and antioxidant enzymes. One of the antioxidants that it helps produce is glutathione, which is a powerful and primary antioxidant that is produced inside the cell. Glutathione actually bathes the inside of the cell, protecting it against damaging free radicals and thus reducing the inflammatory response. Secondly, sulforaphane has been found to cause cell death to cancer cells by inducing specific enzymes and proteins that cause the cancer cells to die. It also decreases the expression of estrogen receptors, which is so important for several types of Breast Cancers. However, the benefit of adding this super sprout to your diet does not stop there. We have long thought that we inherited diseases from our ancestors as a result of the genetic imprints. But an emerging new science called epigenetics helps us to see that we do have control over the destiny of our health. An improved diet that is very high in antioxidants and phyto chemicals like sulforaphane can actually signal the genes and the DNA to be expressed in a healthy way instead of being expressed in a disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, women born now, have an average risk of 12.2 percent (often expressed as 1 in 8) of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their lives. By becoming informed about the latest research and making small changes in their diets, (like adding Broccoli sprouts), women may have a better opportunity to impact those statistics in a positive way. Practical Tips Raw broccoli is bursting with nutrients, but cooked broccoli is even better for you since lightly steaming or stir-frying helps to release its beneficial compounds. Here are a few of the World's Healthiest Foods quick serving ideas to help you reap these protective benefits of broccoli: Sprinkle lemon juice and sesame seeds over lightly steamed broccoli. Pure cooked broccoli and cauliflower, then combine with seasonings of your choice to make a simple, yet delicious, soup. For a quick and easy gratine, top lightly steamed broccoli with grated cheese and broil for just a couple of minutes.

Want to learn more about the amazing health benefits of broccoli, truly one of the World's Healthiest Foods, just click broccoli. For some exceptionally fast, exceptionally delicious recipes that will help you enjoy

making broccoli a frequent contributor to your healthy way of eating, take a look at the World's Healthiest Foods' Recipes containing broccoli. Simply, click on the Recipe Assistant, select broccoli from the Healthy Foods List, and click on the Submit button. A list containing links to all our recipes containing broccoli will appear immediately below. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts may be of tremendous benefit in Third World countries where H. pylori infection is rampant and antibiotics are too costly, scarce, and difficult to distribute. According to Fahey, a plant physiologist, "In some parts of Central and South America, Africa and Asia, as much as 80 to 90% of the population is infected with helicobacter, likely linked to poverty and conditions of poor sanitation people in some of these very poor areas, where it's almost impossible to even conceive of antibiotic therapy ... might, by a relatively minor change in diet, be able to heal themselves." Fahey's advises Americans, "I feel quite comfortable suggesting people eat more fruits and vegetables, specifically cruciferous vegetables, specifically broccoli. We know it's safe and healthy ... we know sulforaphane is effective in protecting against cancers." Reference: Fahey JW, Haristoy X, Dolan PM, Kensler TW, Scholtus I, Stephenson KK, Talalay P, Lozniewski A. Sulforaphane inhibits extracellular, intracellular, and antibioticresistant strains of Helicobacter pylori and prevents benzopyrene-induced stomach tumors. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 2002 May 28;99(11):7610-7615. Science news articles about 'sulforaphane' http://esciencenews.com/dictionary/sulforaphane