The World's Healthiest Foods online database indicates that broccoli sprouts may contain higher concentrations of nutrients than those found in mature broccoli. A Science Daily article reports that compounds found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts may be among the most powerful substances that fight cancer. Researchers at John Hopkins University discovered that broccoli sprouts contain variable concentrations of nutrients and it may be difficult to make specific dietary recommendations for these sprouts.
Vitamin C
According to the World's Healthiest Foods online database, broccoli spouts may contain higher concentrations of vitamin C than mature broccoli. Vitamin C helps protect your body from infection and disease. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin. Antioxidants may help protect your body from cellular damage caused by molecules that your body produces during normal metabolic processes. Vitamin C may lower your risk for developing cancer and improve your body's ability to absorb iron. Vitamin C also supports your body's wound healing processes.
Vitamin A
Broccoli sprouts are a rich source of dietary vitamin A. Vitamin A helps maintain your bones and other skeletal tissues. Vitamin A supports healthy skin and mucous membranes and produces the pigment in the retina of your eyes. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine with the National Institutes of Health, vitamin A supports healthy vision, particularly in low light conditions.
Vitamin E
Broccoli sprouts are a good source of dietary vitamin E. Vitamin E helps your body form red blood cells that are responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin that may protect cells in your body from age-related degradation. Vitamin E also supports blood clotting, because it helps your body use vitamin K, which is responsible for clotting your blood.
Glucosinolates
Broccoli sprouts contain phytonutrients called glucosinolates. Your body converts glucosinolates in broccoli sprouts to isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates support healthy stomach lining by preventing bacterial overgrowth. Isothiocyanates help prevent excessive clinging of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori on the wall of your stomach. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, Helicobacter pyloi is a major cause of peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are sores that can develop on the lining of your stomach.
Sulforaphane
A Science Daily article reports that broccoli and broccoli sprouts have among the highest concentrations of sulforaphane that occur in cruciferous vegetables. The article indicates that broccoli sprouts may have as much as 50 times the amount of sulforaphane than mature broccoli. Sulforaphane may provide protection from prostate and colon cancer.
Member Comments