Broccoli Sprouts: Top 6 Health Benefits for Gut & Hormones

  • FDA Disclaimer
    The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. Learn More
  • Affliliate Disclosure
    In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links and posts on this site: Many of the links on DrJockers.com are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you. If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support and would recommend without an affiliate link. Learn More
  • Privacy Policy
    Please read the Privacy Policy carefully before you start to use DrJockers.com. By using DrJockers.com or by clicking to accept or agree to Terms of Use when this option is made available to you, you accept and agree to be bound and abide by the Privacy Policy. Learn More
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Broccoli Sprouts: Top 6 Health Benefits for Gut & Hormones

You probably already know that cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, kale, broccoli and brussel sprouts are excellent foods compact with nutrients to prevent cancer. However, did you also know that their sprouted forms which are less than a few days old can actually pack a stronger punch in the fight against cancer?

Sprouts from the seeds of vegetables begin to germinate within days of being soaked in water. Numerous studies have found that the highest cancer protective properties are most concentrated in these sprouts at a time of 3 days following sprouting (6).

Making sprouts a daily part of your diet has not only been detected to reduce the incidence of numerous types of cancers, but the nutrients in sprouts may actually reverse the damage already created by the development of cancer in your body. (1, 3, 4, 5)

broccoli sprouts

Sprouts Contain Powerful Antioxidants

Vegetable sprouts such as the more commonly known alfalfa sprouts, bean sprouts and radish sprouts are nutrient dense foods containing amazing antioxidant potential. Not all sprouts are created equal and the different antioxidant properties concentrated in sprouts help your body heal.

One of the most powerful cancer preventative nutrients found in cruciferous vegetable sprouts such as broccoli sprouts is glucoraphanin. Glucoraphanin is broken down during digestion and converted into a powerful antioxidant sulforaphane (SF). (2)

The antioxidant potentials of SF have the ability to influence and protect every organ in the body as long as its originating form, glucoraphanin, is consumed daily.  Broccoli sprouts are the best source of this nutrient but it can also be found in kale and kale sprouts, cauliflower and brussels sprouts.

1. Sprouts Activate Antioxidant Pathways 

Sulforaphane affects other processes in the body like a strong leader provides the tools and support for his team to reach a goal.

Studies found that a powerful antioxidant signaling gene referred to as NRF2 is dependent on the bioavailability of SF in the body (5). In other words, increasing sulforaphane in your diet is essential to the activity of many anti-inflammatory and cancer fighting responses. (5)

NrF2, 5 Ways to Activate the Anti-oxidant Benefits of Nrf2

2. Sprouts Have Cancer Fighting Enzymes

SF provides the support for the following critical enzymes to display anticarcinogenic activity: (2, 3)

  1. Quinone Reductase
  2. Glutathione S-Transferase
  3. Phase II Enzymes

Increased function of quinone reductase and glutathione S-transferase biologically improve liver, stomach, intestine and lung functioning (3).

3. Sprouts Improve Glutathione Levels

Cruciferous vegetable sprouts, particularly cauliflower and broccoli sprouts stimulate the production of glutathione (6). Glutathione is a super antioxidant involved in the cancer protective properties in every cell within the human body.

Glutathione has been coined with the term “master antioxidant” due to its essential role in maintaining exogenous anti-oxidants such as vitamin C & E in their active form (5, 6).  Glutathione is like the cell’s security guard protecting the genetic equipment from outside attack.

It is estimated that each cell in the body withstands 10,000 hits by free radicals each day.  Glutathione disarms these free radicals before they wreak havoc and cleans up the oxidative stress related damage that has occurred.

Sprouts are one of the greatest food sources of glutathione boosting nutrients.  Consuming broccoli sprouts on a daily basis is one of the best things one can do to improve their glutathione levels and reduce oxidative stress.

4. Sprouts Are a Source of Quercetin:

Quercetin is a potent antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables known to prevent cancer. Quercetin is a type of flavonoid which is part of a diverse group of polyphenols giving plants their pigmentation. Sprouts are highly concentrated with quercetin and contribute to reducing inflammation, protecting cardiovascular function and detoxifying the toxic waste that oxidative stress creates in our cells. (1)

Quercetin is also intricately involved with preventing the spread of cancer. This powerful antioxidant blocks the signals which tell cancer cells to reproduce and spread. Furthermore, the presence of quercetin enables cancer cells to perform the process of apoptosis otherwise known as “cellular suicide”. (1)

The therapeutic properties of quercetin in diet can reduce an individual’s risk of colon, breast, spleen and prostate cancer (1).

5. Sprouts Have Antimicrobial Properties

Cruciferous vegetable sprouts have been used in ancient history for its use in medicines as antibiotics (1).

As glucoraphanin is broken down by myrosinase, an enzyme found in sprouts, SF is synthesized. A sulfur containing compound, SF has been extensively studied to contain natural protective properties which act as an antimicrobial agent in the digestive tract and other organs in the body (7).

Some supplements such as our NrF2 Power and EstroProtect use glucoraphanin in a much larger, clinically impactful dosage.  I use these to help down-regulate inflammation and improve hormone balance and gut flora.

6. Sprouts Improve the Gut Microflora

Specifically, the presence of SF inhibits the colonization of a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori in the gastrointestinal tract. This bacterium is associated with inducing oxidative damage and disturbs the health of the gut microflora critical to protecting systemic or whole body, health and healing. As a result, gastrointestinal inflammation increases and is known to cause gastritis and increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. (5)

Consuming sprouts daily can not only decrease your risk of developing stomach cancer, but also intestinal and colorectal cancer (3, 5). Maintaining healthy gut microflora is essential to a healthy immune system required for reducing inflammation and reducing your risk of cancer.

broccoli sprouts

Maximize the Benefits From Sprouts 

How can you make sprouts a regular part of your diet and achieve eating up to 5 servings a week?

  • Add sprouts to your salads, wraps, stir fry or make a refreshing sprout style slaw.
  • Buy sprouts at farmers markets or trusted local farmers which grow their sprouts from high quality seeds. Environmental contaminants such as pesticide use degrade the potential cancer fighting compounds concentrated in sprouts (5).
  • Avoid the contamination of mold in your cruciferous vegetable seeds when planning on growing your own sprouts by always buying from a trusted local source.
  • The presence of other compounds containing sulfur enhances the antioxidant properties of sulforaphane (3). In combination with sprouts, try adding sulfur containing foods such as garlic to your diet.
  • Quality may be more important than quantity. When you are choosing which vegetables to budget into your grocery expense, keep in mind that broccoli and cauliflower sprouts contain 10-100 times more glucoraphanin than does a mature head of broccoli or cauliflower (6). As always, a variety of vegetables including their sprouted forms are essential.
  • Researchers have found that the anticancer properties of sprouts are undetectable following the discontinued consumption of sprouts after only two months (5). Eat sprouts daily for optimal cancer fighting properties.

pumpkin spice tartsInflammation Crushing Ebundle

The Inflammation Crushing Ebundle is designed to help you improve your brain, liver, immune system and discover the healing strategies, foods and recipes to burn fat, reduce inflammation and thrive in life!

As a doctor of natural medicine, I have spent the past 20 years studying the best healing strategies and worked with hundreds of coaching clients, helping them overcome chronic health conditions and optimize their overall health.

In our Inflammation Crushing Ebundle, I have put together my very best strategies to reduce inflammation and optimize your healing potential.  Take a look at what you will get inside these valuable guides below!

broccoli sprouts

Sources For This Article Include:

1. Lozanovski VJ, et al. Pilot study evaluating broccoli sprouts in advanced pancreatic cancer (POUDER trial)- study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2014;15:204. PMCID: 4059031
2. James D., et al. Novel concepts of broccoli sulforaphanes and disease: induction of phase II antioxidant and detoxification enzymes by enhanced-glucoraphanin broccoli. Nutr Rev. 2012;70(11):654-65. PMID: 23110644
3. Zhang Y, et al. A major inducer of anticarcinogenic protective enzymes from broccoli: Isolation and elucidation of structure. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1992 Mar;89:2399-2403. PMCID: 48665
4. Tortorella SM, et al. Dietary Sulforaphane in Cancer Chemoprevention: The Role of Epigenetic Regulation and HDAC Inhibition. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2015 Jun;22(16):1382-1424. PMCID: 4432495
5. Yanaka A, et al. Dietary Sulforaphane-Rich Broccoli Sprouts Reduce Colonization and Attenuate Gastritis in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Mice and Humans. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2009 Apr;2(4):353-60. PMID: 19349290
6. Fahey JW, Zhang Y, and Talalay P. Broccoli sprouts: An exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 1997 Sep;94(19)10367-72. PMCID: PMC23369
7. The OZ Blog Glutathione: The Master Antioxidant Link Here
8. Dr. Mark Hyman: Essential Glutathione: The Mother of All Antioxidants Link Here

insulin, Insulin Resistance: 10 Ways To Stabilize Blood Sugar

Was this article helpful?
YesNo
Dr. Jockers

Dr David Jockers is passionate about seeing people reach their health potential in mind, body and spirit. He is the host of the popular “Dr Jockers Functional Nutrition” podcast and the author of the best-selling books, “The Keto Metabolic Breakthrough” and “The Fasting Transformation.”

Categories

foods Hormones SuperFoods

Let's Improve Your Health Today!

Get instant access to 2 FREE eBooks when you subscribe to Dr. Jockers’ newsletter.

ebooks

"Join my tribe today to discover hidden strategies to improve your energy, brain, digestion & metabolism."

— Dr. David Jockers
Dr Jockers

Comments

comments

Comments

  1. I have been growing and consuming broccoli sprouts in large quantities on my kitchen counter for 15 years and at 57 I have endless energy, great lean muscle mass,(weight training for 24 years)and I never get sick ! Fountain of youth?…MAYBE!!! I blend about 5oz. in my morning smoothies.

    1. I’ve been making sprouts as well but mine are red clover. Where do you get the seeds for the broccoli sprouts? I looked where I got the red clover – Mountain Rose herbs but do not see anything for broccoli sprouts.
      Thank you!

  2. I have recently added broccoli sprouts, but only about one ounce 3 or 4 times a week in my smoothie. How much is needed for avoiding cancer?

  3. January, 2018: I was diagnosed with a high grade, aggressive stage 4 bladder cancer which had spread to various places, including into the bones.
    February thru July, 2018: Chemotherapy
    April, 2018: Began consuming 2 ounces of broccoli sprouts and 1 ounce of leeks per day.
    June, 2018: Added 2 cloves of garlic daily.
    July, 2018: Scans showed some fading of some tumor spots and no further growth in the others. My oncologist seemed surprised. He said, “Whatever you are doing, keep doing it!”
    September, 2018: Doubled my daily intake of broccoli sprouts from 2 ounces per day to 4 ounces per day. Increased daily intake of garlic about five-fold, from 2 cloves per day to 2 ounces per day. That is about 15-20 cloves per day. Kept leeks at 1 ounce per day.
    October 31, 2018: I am due to have re-check scans on this date. The results will be interesting since I have not had any chemotherapy since July, 2018.

  4. My son who is studying nutrition told me about brocolli sprouts and have been growing my own since June. I have them on a salad or in a sandwich and if I suddenly remembered I haven’t had any I grab a handful.! No hardship- I love the taste and so cheap to grow. Thanks for all the info.

  5. Hi. My husband has lung cancer and I want to add these sprouts to his regimen. Do you know if I can do an extract for him? I’ve made other extracts with everclear alcohol. Do you know if this can be done with the sprouts? Thanks so much.

  6. I was wondering which variety of seeds shall I use. I live in Europe the mentioned links are not an option for me. I read the RAAB variety ie is not good…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.