The Incredible Science of Broccoli Sprouts

Thanks to a lot of really exciting research, broccoli sprouts are a household name. But if you haven’t read much past the headlines, you might be surprised to discover just how wide-ranging (and astonishing) this research actually is. To help you stay up to date, here is a roundup of our favorite broccoli sprout science…    

For Healthy Skin… 

Eating broccoli sprouts is like treating your insides to a revitalizing daily spa treatment, packed with powerful phytonutrients, detoxifying compounds, and antioxidants like wrinkle-busting beta-carotene. But rubbing broccoli sprouts on your skin may have benefits, too! In one study, rubbing broccoli sprout extract directly onto the skin was shown to protect against cellular UV damage and reduce inflammation, including sun burns—even after it had been washed off! (Don’t forgo the sunscreen, though.)    

For a Healthy Liver… 

These sulforaphane-rich sprouts are detoxification powerhouses that help your body more efficiently flush out the gunk. In research, broccoli sprout extract has been shown to help protect the liver from a variety of pollutants and toxic substances through improved detoxification and synthesis of protective antioxidants.       

For a Healthy Immune System…  

While broccoli sprouts show promise in helping your body fight off the sniffles, the big headline is this sprout’s potential in helping prevent serious disease. This is, in part, thanks to sulforaphane as well as protective antioxidant compounds known as isothiocyanates.    

For a Healthy Brain…   

The phytonutrient sulforaphane may possess nootropic, neuroprotective properties. According to certain studies, they may enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—which is critical for healthy memory in maintaining healthy neurons as well as building new ones as we age.     

Broccoli sprouts also contain loads of antioxidants. One of the primary benefits of antioxidants is that they help combat inflammation throughout the brain and body. Low level neuroinflammation is thought to be a key player in brain fog, slight forgetfulness, and slower processing—so an antioxidant-rich diet is essential for a high-functioning noggin.       

For a Healthy Heart… 

These sprouts may help lower LDL cholesterol, while improving HDL levels, according to preliminary studies. With more than 1 out of every 3 Americans struggling with high cholesterol, broccoli sprouts could be a widely accessible non-pharmaceutical solution.   

But Here’s the Really Cool Bit  

All the science on the sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts can apply to ALL cruciferous sprouts! That means eating radish sprouts, another crucifer, comes with almost all the same incredible health potential (at around half the price, if you’re bargain hunting)!