Recently, the journal “Nature Microbiology” published research on elevated blood sugar in 74 people aged 35 to 75. The subjects had prediabetes and were obese or overweight. They were given sulforophane, which occurs naturally in cruciferous vegetables, including Brussels sprouts. During 12 hours, some of them observed the placebo effect.
Sulphorophane is an organic compound from the isothiocyanates group. It is considered a strong antioxidantwhich helps neutralize free radicals that contribute to the occurrence of lifestyle diseases and cancer.
Thanks to its antioxidant properties helps reduce the level of bad LDL cholesterol in the blood and increases the good HDL cholesterol. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, so it is worth taking it if we want to prevent DNA damage and cardiovascular diseases.
Moreover, scientists from the American Johns Hopkins University proved that sulforophane has antiviral effectsbecause it coped with viruses that cause colds, as well as COVID-19. A purified, synthetic compound from a chemical company was used for these tests.
It is also worth adding that the research on combating viruses was preclinical and was carried out in laboratories on previously cultured cells and animals. This is why more research is needed on this issue.
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Research published on the scientific website “Scient Alert” shows that a reduction in blood sugar levels was observed in people given sulforophane. Some participants experienced even twice as much decline as average. We are talking about those with mild symptoms of diabetes, low BMI, low insulin resistance and less common fatty liver disease.
Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are rich in sulforophane. This compound can also be found in other vegetables, such as cauliflower, turnip, kale, radish, horseradish, and watercress.
Not everyone likes the bitter taste of broccoli and Brussels sprouts. We don’t have to eat them as an addition to dinner. We can successfully smuggle them in various dishes, such as:
- cream soups with other vegetables, e.g. potatoes, sweet potatoes to alleviate bitterness;
- tomato sauces or those based on mascarpone or ricotta;
- salads with a strong flavor accent, e.g. with feta cheese, roasted nuts, pomegranate and mustard-honey sauce;
- casseroles, e.g. with chicken and cheese sauce;
- omelettes and pancakes – just chop broccoli or Brussels sprouts and add them to the egg mixture;
- groats or chickpea cutlets.
