This One Green You’re Not Eating Could Have Wild Cancer Fighting Properties
Not kale. For once.
by The Candidly Team
We don’t love telling people what not to eat.
I mean, sometimes we do have to sound the alarm on things like sugar and salt (being a “wellness” site and all). But we’d much rather tell you about additions to your diet that can boost your health in exciting ways. An underrated veg that can lengthen your life. A mineral that could combat heart disease. A color (yes, a color) that might help with memory loss.
And today, we present a remarkable little green that could possess incredible cancer-fighting powers.
Be warned. It won’t sound sexy. Or especially substantial. But this little green is actually pretty easy to incorporate, guys.
And here’s what it is: BROCCOLI SPROUTS!!!
Did putting it in all caps and adding 3 exclamation points do anything to amplify your excitement? Well, if not, then this may:
Broccoli sprouts contain 10–100 times higher levels of something called sulforaphane than mature broccoli plants. And before you ask, sulforaphane is a phytochemical that is thought to have cancer-fighting properties and according to UCLA Health has been linked to reducing the risks of prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and oral cancers.
Some researchers have even dubbed the sulforaphane found in things like broccoli and broccoli sprouts “the green chemoprevention.”
See? It is sort of exciting.
BENEFITS OF BROCCOLI SPROUTS
So, as a quick little run-through, here are some of the benefits being studied and explored around the sulforaphane found in these glorious sprouts:
Anti-Cancer
Sulforaphane is discussed as possibly having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties.
Brain Health
It may be helpful in protecting against strokes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s and has even been explored as a potential treatment for schizophrenia.
Gut Health
A daily dose of broccoli sprouts helped “normalize bowel habits” in those studied.
Heart Health
Findings show sulforaphane could help protect against cardiovascular disease.
In general, these lovely sprouts also carry nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, fiber, and protein. All good things. All very much needed for health.
HOW TO EAT THEM:
First off, not to sound like your mother, but it’s very important to clean your sprouts well as they grow in environments where bacteria can really breed. But once you do, you can sprinkle them on toasts, bagels, and sandwiches, blend them into soups and smoothies, toss them into your salads, scatter them atop your morning eggs, and basically hide them in any other thing you choose to eat throughout your day.
Or, you can pile them onto your tuna and avocado sandwich made with ever so slightly toasted Ezekiel bread and a fat, juicy tomato, and usher in your new, favorite lunch.
Though the precise rewards of broccoli sprouts on human health are still under investigation (as are most things), the possibilities are full of hope. Which might just be our favorite word when it comes to health. And it’s certainly enough to have us adding this sweet little green to our shopping carts, submerging them into our smoothies, and all the while repeating two other words to ourselves that make it all worthwhile: “green chemoprevention.”
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used in place of professional advice, medical treatment, or professional care in any way. This article is not intended to be and should not be a substitute for professional care, advice or treatment. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before changing any health regimen. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease of any kind. Read our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
