Broccoli Microgreens & Sulforaphane

Broccoli Microgreens & Sulforaphane: The Ultimate Health Booster

What Are Broccoli Microgreens?

Broccoli microgreens are young broccoli plants, harvested at the cotyledon stage (7-14 days old). They contain up to 100x more sulforaphane than mature broccoli, making them one of the most powerful functional foods available.

Sulforaphane: The Key Compound in Broccoli Microgreens

What is Sulforaphane?

Sulforaphane is a potent antioxidant and detoxifier that activates the NRF2 pathway, supporting cellular defense against toxins, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Scientifically Proven Benefits of Sulforaphane

1. Cancer Prevention

  • Sulforaphane activates tumor-suppressing genes, triggers cancer cell apoptosis, and detoxifies carcinogens.
  • Studies show reduced risk of breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancer.
    📖 Source: Zhang, Y. et al. (2007). Cancer Prevention by Sulforaphane – PubMed

2. Detoxification & Liver Health

  • Sulforaphane boosts Phase II detox enzymes, helping remove harmful chemicals from the body.
  • Shown to increase excretion of benzene by 61%.
    📖 Source: Egner, P.A. et al. (2014). Detoxification of Airborne Pollutants by Broccoli Sprouts – PNAS

3. Brain Health & Cognitive Function

  • Sulforaphane crosses the blood-brain barrier and protects neurons.
  • May improve memory, reduce cognitive decline, and support autism treatment.
    📖 Source: Fahey, J.W. et al. (2013). Sulforaphane & Autism Spectrum Disorder – PNAS

4. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Effects

  • Sulforaphane reduces chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
  • It boosts glutathione, the body's master antioxidant.
    📖 Source: Greaney, A.J. et al. (2016). Sulforaphane & Cardiovascular Protection – PubMed

5. Blood Sugar & Metabolic Health

  • Sulforaphane lowers fasting blood glucose and improves insulin sensitivity.
    📖 Source: Axelsson, A.S. et al. (2017). Sulforaphane Reduces Glucose Production & Improves Diabetes – Science Translational Medicine

6. Cardiovascular Protection

  • Sulforaphane lowers blood pressure, prevents arterial plaque, and improves circulation.
    📖 Source: Wu, L. et al. (2004). Sulforaphane Increases Nitric Oxide & Lowers Hypertension – PubMed

How to Maximize Sulforaphane Absorption

✔️ 50g (2 oz) broccoli microgreens daily (~30-50 mg sulforaphane)
✔️ 20g (¾ oz) radish microgreens daily (for myrosinase enzyme to activate sulforaphane)
✔️ OR 50g broccoli microgreens + ½ tsp mustard seed powder

How to Eat Them:
🥗 Raw in salads
🥤 Blended in smoothies
🍚 Sprinkled over cooked food (after cooking!)

📖 More Research: