Broccoli sprouts, which look so much like alfalfa sprouts, are a wonder of nature as they are loaded with enough health benefits to fend off and reverse a wide range of diseases. The sprouts are rich in carbohydrates, vitamin A, Vitamin C, calories, protein, iron, fiber, sodium, and calcium.
Broccoli sprouts are effective for preventing cancer, enhancing cardiovascular health, promoting digestive health, combating inflammation, managing diabetes, preventing autism, delaying aging, promoting brain health, and supporting overall body health.
Now, let’s look at the many health benefits of broccoli sprouts.
Prevents Cancer
It is believed that broccoli sprouts are effective for fighting many forms of cancer including, prostate, breast, colon, throat, skin, and bladder cancer. The sprouts are very potent for combating cancer.
Broccoli sprouts are rich in sulforaphane, an enzyme that supports pro-carcinogen growth and helps eliminate carcinogens and other dangerous compounds in the body. Interestingly, broccoli sprouts may also be able to delete parts of the genetic codes that may cause cancer. The sprouts also contain Nrf2, which is also potent in fighting off cancer.
Improves Respiratory Health
According to some studies, broccoli sprouts can help prevent certain health problems in the lungs. The sprouts contain sulforaphane, a compound that is able to significantly reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the air pathways.
As a matter of fact, studies suggest that sulforaphane can potentially prevent respiratory diseases.
Promotes Heart Health
Some studies indicate that broccoli sprouts are effective in lowering blood pressure and triglyceride levels in the body. This means that, by incorporating broccoli sprouts into your diet, you would be preventing stroke and many other cardiovascular diseases.
Manage Diabetes
Broccoli sprouts are great for people who are diabetic, especially those with type II diabetes. The sprouts are effective in regulating blood sugar levels as well as in tackling diabetic neuropathy. In fact, these sprouts can reduce oxidative stress, triglycerides, insulin resistance, as well as CRP, a protein that promotes growth on infections.
Great for the Brain
Broccoli sprouts are amazing with regards to protecting against serious memory loss issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. The sprouts are very rich in iron which is supports the supply of oxygen to the blood. Evidently, the sprouts aren’t just great for the brain, it also good for the other organs of the body as they create pathways for transportation of oxygen throughout the body.
In fact, some studies have shown that people who are iron-deficient may also have problems with their concentration and memory. The brain actually uses 20% of the oxygen in the blood, which iron-deficiency a big health risk.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
A wide range of health issues is often as a result of inflammation. Therefore, these health problems can effectively be avoided if inflammation can be reversed or prevented in the body.
Thankfully, broccoli sprouts contain an antioxidant called glucoraphanin that helps boost the immunity against oxidative stress, lower blood pressure as well as improve cardiovascular health and combat inflammation. In combination with other nutrients, glucoraphanin helps to combat cell damage and enhance overall health.
Aids in Digestive Health
For people who suffer from gastrointestinal issues ranging from mild bloating to serious abdominal cramps, broccoli sprouts have shown to be helpful. The sprouts are effective for improving the digestive system while also preventing harmful bacteria from building up.
Broccoli sprouts help in staving off bacteria such as H. pylori and supporting the immunity of the stomach. By incorporating the sprouts in your diet, you can prevent bloating, constipation and ulcers and even colorectal cancer.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Broccoli sprouts are very rich in vitamin C as a meal serving can provide up to 60 percent of the nutrient. In fact, vitamin C, aside from protecting the skin from the sun, also prevents premature aging. According to some studies, people who are deficient in vitamin C are more likely to have wrinkles than those are not.
Prevents Premature Aging
Owing to their antioxidant properties, broccoli sprouts are effective for preventing the activities of free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Additionally, the vitamin A and C found in broccoli sprouts can increase skin elasticity and prevent premature aging.
Prevents Autism
Broccoli sprouts are great for pregnant women as they help in promoting a healthy brain. The sprouts are effective for developing a healthy fetal brain.
As a matter of fact, according to some studies, there is a strong link between broccoli sprouts and the prevention of autism. Due to the sprout’s antioxidant capabilities, it helps to ensure a healthy brain development in fetuses and little children.
Side Effects and Precautions
Broccoli sprouts are generally considered safe and beneficial to health. However, there are some precautions to take before consuming them.
- There have been some reports of mild gastrointestinal issues after consuming too much of the sprouts.
- Due to their high sulforaphane content, broccoli sprouts may interact with some pharmaceutical drugs such as muscle relaxers and pain medications. So it is advisable to consult a doctor if there are concerns about consuming broccoli sprouts, particularly if one is taking medications.
- There have been few reports of foodborne illnesses such as E. coli infections and salmonella after eating broccoli sprouts.
- Although cooking broccoli sprouts can lead to a loss of certain nutrients, pregnant women and the aged are often advised to cook the sprouts thoroughly before consumption.
The Bottom Line
Not many people are aware of the amazing benefits of broccoli sprouts. These incredible sprouts are very effective for improving the immune system and promoting overall health by protecting the body against diseases.
In fact, broccoli sprouts should be incorporated into your regular diet as they help to combat various diseases as well as prevent them from happening in the first place. However, as is with all things, make sure to consult a healthcare provider before adding broccoli sprouts to your diet.
