Cold sores are a visible manifestation of the herpes simplex virus type 1. There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus. Once you contract the condition, it remains in your body until certain factors encourage a "flare-up" --usually a cold sore around the mouth. Nutrition may play a role in cold sore prevention and treatment. Broccoli is one food that may combat cold sores.
Cold Sores
The health of your immune system plays an important role in reducing the risk of cold sores. A weakened immune system allows the herpes simplex virus to get a leg up on your immune system, resulting in cold sore formation. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic stress, getting your period, illness and lack of sleep can contribute to cold sore formation.
Vitamin C
Free radicals are renegade molecules that attack healthy tissue and tax your immune system. You can reduce the impact of free radicals on your body by consuming anti-oxidants such as vitamin C -- a powerful anti-oxidant vitamin found in abundance in broccoli. According to a review published in the November 2006 "Alternative Medicine Review," vitamin C may reduce the duration of herpes outbreaks by fighting free radicals and deactivating the herpes simplex virus. The authors recommend 500 mg to 3,000 mg of daily vitamin C for cold sore prevention.
Carbohdyrates
Consuming fast-digesting carbohydrates such as white bread and sugary soda suppresses the immune system and can make cold sore outbreaks more likely, according to the "Alternative Medicine Review." The authors note that even a single meal of fast-digesting carbohydrates can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system. Broccoli and other fresh vegetables are slow-digested alternatives to refined grains and other fast-digesting carbohydrates.
Considerations
While promising, there's no research linking broccoli consumption for the prevention or treatment of cold sores. Also, the amount of vitamin C may be inadequate for cold sores. A single half-cup serving of cooked broccoli contains 50 mg of vitamin C, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements -- significantly less than the aforementioned "Alternative Medicine Review" paper advises. As with all changes to your diet, talk to your doctor before consuming broccoli regularly.
