You might know that eating broccoli, or any other type of leafy green, is very good for you. Broccoli sprouts, however, have so many benefits that you’d think they were magic! From positively impacting autism to supporting healthy aging, these microgreens do it all. 

A small number of people knew the benefits of broccoli sprouts in the 1970s, but this microgreen did not become popular until the 1990s. In 1997, an article was written about the high levels of the antioxidant glucoraphanin. They gained overnight popularity leading to a global shortage of broccoli seeds. 

What Are Broccoli Sprouts? 

Broccoli sprouts do not include a part of freshly grown broccoli. In fact, they are three-to-four day old broccoli plants. These plants look like alfalfa sprouts. Additionally, they taste peppery like radishes. They are available in supermarkets and health food stores. You can even grow these at home.

Stomach Health 

Sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant, is a great help to your stomach. The cells lining the gastrointestinal tract always need to be functioning at their best. Sulforaphane helps against common stomach infections by controlling inflammation in the stomach lining. 

Protection From Disease & Cancer

Nrf2, is a protein found in broccoli sprouts. It regulates antioxidant proteins and influences over 2000 genes that help protect cells. Furthermore, Nrf2 is a great aid in regulating the processes that cause disease. When active, a huge amount of protective and detoxifying cellular enzymes go through upregulation. What does this mean for the body? It can destroy free radicals much better than before.

On its own, sulforaphane is able to block carcinogen-activating enzymes. Another benefit is bio-availability. This means that it can easily be accessed by the body and can enter the cells with ease. Therefore, this gives the body a stronger fighting ability against cancers. 

Autism Benefits

One of the most promising benefits is the effects of sulforaphane on autism. Sulforaphane protects aerobic cells from oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. These are all associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is a difficult disorder to understand. We are learning more about it each day. Studies have shown that patients who consumed broccoli sprouts displayed less severe symptoms associated with ASD. 

Heart Health Benefits

As stated before, these microgreens have amazing anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. In some studies, they have been shown to reverse damage to blood vessels by preventing calcification and arterial plaque. Therefore, this makes them a heart-healthy food. Additionally, abnormal blood vessel function links to type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, broadening the benefits. 

Nutritious, Delicious Meals

Interested in eating healthier, but short on time? Z.E.N Foods offers a variety of healthy meal plans. Furthermore, we deliver them to your doorstep each day! The most you have to do is reheat them. Interested? To start your journey with Z.E.N. Foods, head to our website and choose the plan that’s right for you.