Broccoli sprouts, similar to alfalfa sprouts, are an immature seedling of the broccoli plant. This early form of the vegetable is edible and contains a more concentrated amount of vitamins than mature broccoli florets. WHFoods, a service of the George Mateljan Foundation, explains that broccoli sprouts are between many times more potent than regular broccoli when measuring some of its health benefits. This statement is backed up by Johns Hopkins medical researchers.
Cancer Prevention
Eating broccoli sprouts may be able to protect people from cancer, according to scientists from Johns Hopkins. The Maryland-based researchers found that young broccoli sprouts contain a substance called sulforaphane in concentrated amounts. Sulforaphane helps the body fight cancer, and may prevent certain cancers from developing. Researchers call this phenomenon chemoprotection.
Reduced Inflammation
Asthma sufferers may benefit from a daily dose of broccoli sprouts, as studies have shown a decrease in inflammation of the airways after eating the vegetable. A study reported in the March 2009 issue of Clinical Immunology reports that sulforaphane, the same compound that can prevent and fight cancer, reduced inflammation associated with asthma and nasal allergies. In addition to broccoli sprouts, sulforaphane is naturally occurring in cauliflower, mature broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage.
Protection From Ulcers
Broccoli sprouts may help protect from peptic ulcers, and might be considered a natural treatment for ulcers that stem from the bacteria H. pylori. The New York Times reported a study detailed in a 2009 issue of Cancer Prevention Research in which people who were infected with H. pylori showed a lower level of infection after eating broccoli sprouts every day for two months.
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