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The Constituents of Broccoli Sprouts

Contrary to many uninformed claims, broccoli sprouts do not contain more nutrients than fully grown broccoli. That is a myth. Yes, they contain Vitamin C and other healthy phytochemicals, but if you are seeking nutrition, then you are betting letting one broccoli sprout grow to full size than eat a whole bunch of them when young. It is not for their nutritional content that broccoli sprouts are prized, but for two relatively unknown substances that when combined, have the power to prevent a wide range of cancers and conditions of your cardiovascular system.

These substances are a glucosinolate known as glucoraphanin, and an enzyme by the name of myrosinase. Both are present in broccoli and broccoli sprouts, though the latter contains around 20 times as much as the adult plant. They are naturally separated within the plants cellular structure, but when that is broken down by cutting or chewing, they come together to create a highly antioxidant substance known as sulforaphane. This can also be formed in the gut from the same two substances, the enzyme also occurring naturally in intestinal flora.

However, broccoli sprout extracts contains significantly high quantities, and the resultant sulforaphane can protect you from a number of cancers, such as colon, stomach, bladder, breast and prostate cancers. It can also protect you from atherosclerosis that narrows your arteries and leads to strokes and heart failure. A broccoli sprout supplement standardized on sulforaphane is a sensible supplement for anybody to take - it doesn't cure much, but prevents some very horrible diseases.