brussels sprouts Archives - Amazing Health Advances

New Scientific Review: Broccoli Compounds Act Against Cancer, but Western Medicine Ignores Its Benefits

AHA Publisher — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 08:00:18 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – For almost three decades, forward-thinking scientists have been investigating the potential of sulforaphane – found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts – to combat cancer. In a new review published in Frontiers in Nutrition, the authors evaluated sulforaphane research while shedding light on the multiple mechanisms through which this potent natural compound targets cancer cells. Yet, despite very promising results, the team noted there has been a delay in Western medicine’s acceptance of the therapeutic potential of sulforaphane. Why are conventional oncologists “dragging their feet” on this?! Let’s see what the research reveals. Preliminary Studies Showcase Anticancer Effects of Sulforaphane in Broccoli Cell and animal studies have shown that sulforaphane has anticancer effects, with the ability to cause apoptosis, or pre-programmed “suicide,” in cancer cells. Sulforaphane has also been shown to inhibit the ability of cancer to invade other cells and to slow the progression of lesions into malignant tumors. (As it turns out, sulforaphane has the capacity to inhibit angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients to tumors). Research has shown that a high dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables – such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts – is associated with a lower risk of cancers. And, a recent (2020) review of clinical studies indicates that cruciferous vegetables rich in sulforaphane may reduce the risk of breast cancer. And, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer currently claims the lives of over 42,000 women a year in the United States. No doubt, more women need to hear about the health benefits of cruciferous vegetables. Hope Against a Lethal Disease: Sulforaphane in Broccoli Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells, While Potentially Setting the Stage for Treatment Triple-negative breast cancer is among the deadliest of all breast cancers – and there are currently no effective therapies. However, researchers say that sulforaphane works against the signaling pathways needed for the development and metastasis of this type of cancer. A 2019 study published in Cancer Prevention Research revealed that sulforaphane suppressed the growth and tumorsphere formation of triple-negative breast cancer stem cells, both in vitro (in test tubes) and in vivo (in living creatures). One of the reasons for the virulence of triple-negative breast cancers is that the cells don’t have the receptors that allow effective treatments to be given. But, a meta-analysis of studies found that sulforaphane – along with epigallocatechin gallate, a flavonoid found in green tea – restored estrogen receptors in triple-negative breast cancer cells, thereby potentially “opening the door” for treatment! And, the encouraging research is not limited to breast cancer. In a study published in Oncotarget – Peer-Reviewed Oncology and Cancer Research, scientists found that sulforaphane significantly inhibited thyroid cancer cell proliferation as well – leading them to label it a “potentially effective antitumor agent.“ Bureaucratic Obstacles and “Red Tape” Have Slowed Sulforaphane Research In the Frontiers of Nutrition review, the authors discussed the delay in sulforaphane’s acceptance as a cancer treatment – along with the delay in the acceptance of cruciferous vegetables as a preventive, and possibly therapeutic, intervention. Until the beginning of the 21st century, pure sulforaphane – which was used in many of the studies – was considered a drug by the Food and Drug Administration, meaning trials had to be strictly regulated. In addition, while sulforaphane had obvious anticancer effects, it was difficult for researchers to “tease out” exactly which other nutrients in cruciferous vegetables (such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) might be acting against cancer as well. As if that doesn’t make the research tricky enough, cruciferous vegetables contain varying amounts of glucoraphanin and other anticancer constituents – depending on the species, temperature, time of harvest, light, and soil. Calling the current therapeutic use of plant compounds “woefully inadequate,” the team suggested supporting health and preventing disease through the promotion and marketing of “healthy diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.” They also called for more research to explore the effects of sulforaphane. Good News: Sulforaphane Precursors Help Absorbability Three decades of research have illustrated the cancer-fighting abilities of sulforaphane. However, experts point out that you can’t just “pop a pill” of this compound – as stomach acids would quickly destroy it. So, how do we get this precious anticancer molecule into our bodies? Researchers say this requires the use of a “precursor” known as glucoraphanin, which is converted to sulforaphane in the digestive tract. And, one more “player”- an enzyme known as myrosinase – is needed. This natural plant chemical activates sulforaphane upon being ripped, cut, or chewed. While mature broccoli lack sulforaphane-boosting power, fresh, raw broccoli sprouts possess a much greater ability than mature florets to boost blood levels. (We’re talking 10 to 100 times more!) But: food-borne pathogens are sometimes found in broccoli sprouts, causing many natural health experts to warn that they require extensive decontamination before they can be eaten. Fortunately, supplementary glucoraphanin and myrosinase are available in enteric caplets, which are coated to avoid stomach acids. Before supplementing, however, consult your integrative doctor or health coach for guidance. Of course – despite their limitations in raising sulforaphane levels – cruciferous vegetables have consistently been linked with lower cancer rates, as well as with other health benefits. Eating generous amounts of these vegetables should be part of your daily health routine. Unfortunately, conventionally-trained nutrition “experts” barely acknowledges the existence of plant chemicals – and physician training includes almost no nutrition education. The reviewers would clearly like to see this situation change – and called for a complete “reinvention of the country’s healthcare,” with phytochemicals, such as sulforaphane, at the forefront. Let’s see if anyone is listening. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com NIH.gov NIH.gov CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

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8 Science-Backed Benefits of Brussels Sprouts (Easter Brunch Recipe Included)

AHA Publisher — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:00:01 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Just ask any kid and they’ll tell you that Brussels sprouts must be healthy. After one glance they know – Brussels Sprouts scream healthy food! But what do they do in the body? The kids are right. Brussels Sprouts do many amazing healthful things in the body including reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer risk, osteoporosis, and more. Here are 8 Science-Backed Benefits of Brussels Sprouts and 1 amazing Easter Brunch Recipe. Keto Zone Bacon Brussels Sprouts for Easter Brunch Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts washed and dried 4 ounces (120 g) diced bacon or pancetta 1/4 cup avocado oil or olive oil 4 cloves garlic crushed or finely chopped 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper Instructions Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease large baking sheet with a small amount of oil or butter. Trim the ends of sprouts and cut in half lengthwise. Add Brussel Sprouts, bacon, and garlic to the pan. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir or toss the mixture well and spread into a single layer. Roast the sprouts, stirring once midway through cooking, until tender with charred edges (about for 25-30 minutes). Toss again and serve immediately. Serves 6. Nutrition info (per serving): 214 calories, 16 gm fat, 5 gm net carbs (10 grams carbs, 5 gm fiber), 10 gm protein 8 Science-Backed Benefits of Brussels Sprouts 1. HIGH IN FIBER When you see a Brussels Sprout, you may automatically think of fiber. And, you’d be right. For every cup of cooked Brussels Sprouts, you’ll get 4 grams of health-promoting fiber. Brussel Sprout’s fiber can: Promote healthy digestion and relieve constipation (1) Feed the healthy bacteria in your small intestine promote whole-body health (2) Reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood sugars (3, 4) 2. HIGH IN VITAMIN K A nutrient that you don’t see? Vitamin K. Vitamin K is important because it plays vital roles in blood clotting and bone health in the body. Amazingly, Brussels Sprouts contain 274% of your daily vitamin K needs in just 1 cup cooked. There are two forms of vitamin K: Vitamin K1 is the most well-known, and essential for blood coagulation. This is the formation of clots so that cuts and injuries stop bleeding (5). Due to this function, it’s important for anyone on blood thinners to be aware of high Vitamin K foods like Brussels sprouts in their diets. Vitamin K2 plays a role in bone growth, bone health, and protection against osteoporosis, especially during menopause (6). 3. HIGH IN VITAMIN C When you think of vitamin C, you may think of citrus fruits, tomatoes, an even broccoli. But, did you know that 1 cup of cooked Brussels Sprouts provides 162% of your daily vitamin C needs? Vitamin C plays a multitude of roles in the body. It: Improves the growth and repair of tissues in the body Aides the production of proteins like collagen (7) May improve immunity (8) Improves iron absorption by up to 67% (9) Vitamin C is a powerful nutrient, and Brussels Sprouts are loaded with it. 4. ANTIOXIDANT POWERHOUSE Most fruits and vegetables have antioxidants, but certain ones stand out. Brussel Sprouts’ antioxidants stand out. In fact, Brussels sprouts are high in a special antioxidant, called kaempferol. Kaempferol has been extensively studied and found to: Reduce antioxidative stress in cells up to 28% (10) Potentially reduce cancer cell growth Reduce whole-body inflammation Improve heart health (11, 12, 13) 5. POTENTIAL CANCER PROTECTION Beyond the antioxidant-cancer protection, other components of Brussels Sprouts make it a potential cancer fighter. In fact, they also contain nutrients that promote detoxification enzymes. One small study showed a 15-30% increase in these enzymes activity with Brussels Sprout consumption (14). What’s more, Brussels Sprouts’ ability to neutralize free radicals plays a direct role in cancer protection. The compounds formed by oxidative stress likely play a role in chronic diseases like cancer (15). 6. INFLAMMATION REDUCTION As we’ve discussed in previous posts, inflammation is a healthy part of the body’s immune response. However, chronic whole-body inflammation, which is influenced by diet, lifestyles, and weight, can contribute to many chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease (29). Brussels Sprouts may reduce chronic inflammation. In fact, studies show that cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels Sprouts are associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers in the blood (16). What’s more, kaempferol has anti-inflammatory functions as well as antioxidant ones (17). 7. HEALTHY BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS As a cruciferous vegetable, Brussels Sprouts also play a role in keeping blood sugars healthy. In fact, many studies have linked increased intake of cruciferous vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, to a decreased risk of diabetes (18). Likely, this is due to the fiber and low-carbohydrate level of Brussel Sprouts, making it a great Keto Zone food. But in addition, they also contain alpha-lipoic acid, which improves blood sugars and insulin levels in the body (19). 8. DIINDOLYLMETHANE PRODUCER As outlined in our article on DIM, DIM is a powerful compound that is produced when we eat cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels Sprouts. DIM can help balance hormones, especially during menopause, by: Improving the Metabolism of Estrogen Influencing the Production of “good” estrogens vs. “bad” estrogens Reducing the conversion of Testosterone to Estrogen Providing Anti-Cancer and Anti-Virus Properties Improving Skin Health and Weight Loss DIM is a powerful hormone-balancer, you can increase your levels by increasing cruciferous vegetable consumption and/or using a supplement such as Hormone Zone. Bottom Line Upon first glance, most anyone could tell you that Brussels Sprouts must be healthy. And, they are! There are many science-backed health benefits of Brussel Sprouts. And, with our delicious Keto Zone Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe, it’s easy to get them all! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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