Broccoli is one of our most powerful vegetables containing hundreds of super-nutrients that support overall health. Its Botanical name is Brassica and it is classified as a food and is part of the family of vegetables known as the cruciferous family. Cruciferous veggies include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussel sprouts, bok choy, collards, kohlrabi, mustard greens, watercress, turnip, radish and cabbage. The cruciferous family of veggies contain a high level of chemicals called glucosinolates. Now conveniently available in supplement form you can choose from a wide variety of powerful formats.

Medicinal Properties of Broccoli Extract

One of its key active ingredients is an enzyme called mirosinase found in broccoli seed and sprout powder or extract. Myrosinase is an enzyme which helps convert glucosinolate into two important compounds – sulforaphane (the bioactive plant chemical in Broccoli) and erucin. Myrosinase can be destroyed by over-processing and with high heat. Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate thought to stimulate powerful enzymes in the body. Studies show that sulforaphane has anti-bacterial properties. Broccoli sprouts contain 20-50 times the concentration of sulforaphane than the broccoli vegetable. 2000 mcg of sulforaphane is the equivalent of eating one pound of fresh broccoli.

Broccoli is also high in nutrients like Potassium, Vitamin C, protein, Calcium, selenium, vitamin A, chlorophyll and fibre for overall health.

Key Health Benefits of Broccoli Supplements

Historically known for its antioxidant properties we can now find broccoli's powerful heath properties in many products.

Arthritis 

The sulfur compounds found in Sulforaphane block a destructive enzyme that damages cartilage thereby protecting cartilage from chronic inflammation and injury.

Unhealthy Cell Growth

Sulforaphane protects cells against free radicals which can mutate cells. It normalizes DNA methylation which protects the expression of healthy genes. One of these genes is called Gene p53. Occasionally these genes can become mutant and cause, rather than inhibit the development of unhealthy cells. The isothiocyanates in broccoli destroy these mutant genes. 

Kidney Function and Blood Pressure

By normalizing DNA methylation pathways, studies have shown that Sulforaphane can improve kidney function and thereby reduce high blood pressure.

Cardiovascular Health

Broccoli protects your arterial blood vessels from damage. It does this by reducing the amount of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) in your blood vessels which cause micro nicks and tears. When ROS causes damage to your blood vessels, your body needs to repair this with cholesterol. Over time this can cause a build-up of cholesterol in your arteries and can lead to the development of plaque buildup which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. This is especially important for those suffering from diabetes which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Broccoli also contains Lutein which is important for eye health and helps prevent thickening in your arteries.

Anti Aging 

As a strong antioxidant, Sulforaphane reduces oxidative stress which is one key element in the aging process. It also helps support your immune function thereby protecting you from the development of disease. Sulforaphane also repairs damaged skin. Broccoli will thus keep you young!

Detoxification 

Broccoli phytonutrients called glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin, both aid in the body's detoxification pathways. Broccoli also supports methylation detoxification pathways which help break down and excrete toxins and chemicals.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health have observed that broccoli sprouts can help the body detoxify carcinogens, which may reduce the risk of developing unhealthy cell growth.

Broccoli Supplement Varieties: Forms & Potencies

It is commonly found as a powder in Greens products, as an extract or as a broccoli sprout extract or powder, as broccoli seed extract, as DIM, as D Glutarate and as Indol-3 Carbinol (I-3-C).

DIM (Diindolylmethane) - a component in Broccoli. It is derived from the digestion of a compound found in Broccoli called Indole-3-Carbinol found in Cruciferous vegetables. Studies have shown that it protects cells from unhealthy growth and free radical damage. It has also been shown to help Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Evidence shows it acts as a phytoestrogen, meaning it blocks strong negative estrogens and instead supports the weaker-acting estrogens in our body. As a broccoli supplement, it is found mainly in capsule form.

Broccoli Sprouts - liquid or powder form - can be found in other green products and antioxidant formulations in powder, liquid, capsule and tablet forms.

Broccoli Extract or Powder - can be found as its product or in other formulations in liquid, powder, capsule or tablet form.

Calcium D-Glutarate - derived from Broccoli and other Cruciferous vegetables is Calcium plus Glucaric Acid. It is a good form of Calcium for bone health and supports Phase 11 Liver Detoxification. - Found in capsule or tablet form.

Final Considerations & Cautions of Broccoli Supplements

While broccoli extracts and supplements are generally deemed safe to use, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use caution or speak to their healthcare practitioner before use. 

When shopping for these supplements, it's important to choose a quality brand and product that's made with pure and potent ingredients.