Better digestion: The unexpected role of broccoli sprouts in gut health

 by: Joy Jensen, staff writer | July 15, 2024

(NaturalHealth365)  Although many people aren’t familiar with broccoli sprouts – the earliest form of broccoli before it forms its stalks and florets – they are well worth adding to your diet.  While they look a bit like bean sprouts, they have a peppery, earthy taste and are packed with various unique compounds that offer some surprising health benefits.

Recent research shows that bioactive compounds in broccoli and broccoli sprouts interact with the gut microbiota to reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases.  One of the compounds found in the broccoli sprouts – sulforaphane – can actually protect your stomach from gastritis and stomach ulcers.  Other studies also show the benefits of these sprouts, such as cancer prevention, anti-aging benefits, and improved heart health.

How broccoli sprouts protect against H. pylori and the negative effects of NSAIDs

Gastritis is inflammation that occurs in the lining of your stomach.  If left unchecked, it can result in ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, and it may also increase your risk of developing stomach cancer.

In addition, an issue with the bacteria H. pylori and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the two primary causes of gastritis.

Since researchers know that sulforaphane found in broccoli sprouts induces multiple antioxidant enzymes that can help protect cells from oxidative stresses that cause injury, they hypothesized that it may help treat the oxidative stress in the stomach caused by NSAIDs and H. pylori infection.

Humans in the trial were given broccoli sprouts orally, and those taking broccoli sprouts for eight weeks saw reduced inflammation in their gastric mucosa.  The sprouts helped reduce H. pylori infection in the broccoli sprouts group and improved the gastric mucosa.

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Researchers believe the mechanism behind broccoli sprouts’ protective effects is multifaceted:

1. Sulforaphane activation:  When broccoli sprouts are chewed or chopped, an enzyme called myrosinase converts glucoraphanin into sulforaphane, the active compound.
2. Nrf2 pathway stimulation:  Sulforaphane activates the Nrf2 pathway, a key regulator of cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stress.
3. Antioxidant enzyme production:  The activated Nrf2 pathway triggers the production of various antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione S-transferases, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1, and heme oxygenase-1.
4. H. pylori inhibition:  Studies suggest that sulforaphane may directly inhibit H. pylori growth and reduce its ability to adhere to gastric epithelial cells.
5. Anti-inflammatory effects:  Sulforaphane has been shown to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulate the NF-κB pathway, potentially reducing gastric inflammation.

Getting the right nutrition offers more exciting health benefits

Scientists have discovered that broccoli sprouts provide many other impressive health benefits, too.  Active compounds and antioxidants in the sprouts are linked to reducing oxidative stress and free radical activity, preventing premature aging.

The sulforaphane found in these sprouts has also been an area of interest in cancer research recently, with some studies suggesting that the component may help prevent some types of cancer, such as prostate, breast, and skin cancer.  Research also shows that sulforaphane helps protect your heart in several ways – lowering blood pressure and reducing triglyceride levels.  Together, this has the potential to lower the overall risk of heart problems, stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis.

But broccoli sprouts offer even more benefits:

1. Detoxification support:  Sulforaphane enhances the body’s natural detoxification processes, particularly phase II enzymes that help eliminate potentially harmful compounds.
2. Neuroprotective effects:  Some research suggests that sulforaphane may protect brain health, potentially reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in neural tissues.
3. Diabetes management:  Preliminary studies indicate that sulforaphane may help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control, which could benefit individuals with type 2 diabetes.
4. Respiratory health:  Evidence suggests sulforaphane may protect against air pollution-induced lung inflammation.

Ready to enjoy the health benefits of broccoli sprouts?  They’re easy to add to your diet.

Toss some sprouts into a salad, use them as an ‘add-on’ in wraps and sandwiches, or throw a handful directly into your mouth.  They’ll give any meal or snack a healthy boost.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NaturalHealthResearch.org
ResearchGate.net
OrganicFacts.net