Broccoli Sprouts / Sulforaphane
Brassica oleracea var. italica
Broccoli sprouts contain 50–100x more sulforaphane than mature broccoli. Sulforaphane activates Nrf2 pathway (master antioxidant switch), inhibits HDAC (epigenetic cancer promotion), induces apoptosis in breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancers, and enhances Phase 2 detoxification enzymes that eliminate carcinogens. It is one of the most powerful food-based cancer-prevention compounds.
Medicinal Properties
Cancer Types Studied
Recommended Dosage
50–100 g fresh broccoli sprouts daily, or 100 mg standardised sulforaphane supplement.
Preparations
Fresh Broccoli Sprouts
Grow broccoli sprouts at home (3–5 days from seed). Eat 50–100 g fresh sprouts daily in salads or smoothies. Do NOT cook — destroys sulforaphane.
Sulforaphane Supplements
100 mg standardised sulforaphane or broccoli sprout extract daily.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Interactions
- Do NOT cook sprouts — heat destroys sulforaphane (myrosinase enzyme)
- May interact with thyroid medications (goitrogens) if consumed in very large amounts
- May cause digestive discomfort initially
- Buy from organic, trusted sources — sprouts can harbour bacteria if grown poorly
Related Herbs
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before use.