Broccoli sprouts show benefits for diabetics: RCT

Every kids' favorite veggie!

According to findings published in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a daily dose of five or 10 grams or the broccoli sprout powder was associated with an increase in the total antioxidant capacity of the blood, and reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA), a reactive carbonyl compound and a well-established marker of oxidative stress.

The study adds to the growing body of science supporting the potential health benefits of broccoli and broccoli sprouts, most often touted for their potential anti-cancer activity.

Benefits of broccoli

The tissue of cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, contain high levels of the active plant chemicals glucosinolates. These are metabolized by the body into isothiocyanates, which are known to be antioxidants and powerful anti-carcinogens. The main isothiocyanate from broccoli is sulphoraphane.

The new study employed a broccoli sprout powder that provided a dose of sulphoraphane isothiocyanates of 22.5 micromoles per gram, and looked at the potential antioxidant activity of broccoli sprout powder to counter oxidative stress in diabetics.

Stress

Oxygen-breathing organisms naturally produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play an important role in a range of functions, including cell signaling. However, over production of these ROS from smoking, pollution, sunlight, high intensity exercise, or simply ageing, may overwhelm the body’s antioxidant defenses and lead to oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress has been linked to an increased risk of various diseases including cancer, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular disease.

Researchers also note that oxidative stress is a key driver in the onset of insulin resistance, which ultimately leads to diabetes.