Broccoli Sprouts

Introduction:

Sulforaphane is a compound believed to be responsible for many potential health benefits found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphane is a type is isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, and brussels sprouts. Sulforaphane is produced immediately after an enzyme metabolizes glucoraphanin to sulforaphane once the plant is damaged or chewed. It can also be found in other vegetables such as turnips, arugula, and radishes. Broccoli sprouts can be purchased from food stores or as food grade seeds used for home sprouting. Broccoli sprouts appear to have numerous potential health benefits and are an inexpensive way to add nutrition to the diet. Research is currently being conducted in a variety of potential treatments for cardiac, cancer, and diabetes applications but this research is in early stages. The FDA has not approved the use of broccoli sprouts or sulforaphane for any specific treatment of disease and does not allow any statements made which claim that they can cure or prevent disease.