Sulforaphane Benefits: How It Slows Aging, Fights Cancer & More

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Benefits of Sulforaphane
Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » Sulforaphane Benefits: How It Slows Aging, Fights Cancer & More

There is a substance called sulforaphane (also called SFN) found in cruciferous vegetables and especially in broccoli sprouts. It is well studied to be anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and may even protect against aging and diabetes. The best part? It’s available from a simple, inexpensive food you can grow on your counter… sprouts!

Want to skip the science and just get started growing broccoli sprouts? Check out this tutorial for growing broccoli sprouts in your kitchen for pennies.

But if you are interested in the science, these are the many reasons why sulforaphane is awesome…

(Note: If eating broccoli sprouts doesn’t sound enticing to you, take heart! Keep reading to find out another way to get the benefits.)

What Is Sulforaphane?

The short answer:

Sulforaphane (SFN for short) is a potent cancer-fighting and antibacterial compound found in cruciferous vegetables and sprouts.

The long-ish answer:

Sulforaphane is created when the enzyme myrosinase transforms the glucosinolate glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. Since myrosinase and glucoraphanin are found in different parts of the plant, this change happens when the plant is damaged (by chewing, blending, chopping, etc.) allowing the two compounds to mix and react. Young sprouts of broccoli and cauliflower are particularly good sources of glucoraphanin.

More specifically, sulforaphane is part of a group of plant-based disease-fighting phytochemicals called isothiocyanates. In the body, sulforaphane stimulates the production of important enzymes that neutralize free radicals. Since inflammation and free radicals get the blame for many types of cancer, this is a big deal. Isothiocyanates also seem to block certain cancer-activating enzymes in the body, creating a double protection.

This is why sulforaphane is well studied for its ability to:

  • help protect against various types of cancer (including colon, prostate, breast, skin, lung, stomach, and more)
  • reduce risk of neurodegenerative disease, ocular disease, respiratory problems, heart disease, and other problems, also likely due to the free radical reducing effects
  • support the brain and digestive system.

Which Foods Contain Sulforaphane?

Sulforaphane is found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, kale, bok choy, kohlrabi, turnip, collards, arugula, watercress, radish, and mustard greens. Broccoli sprouts have the highest identified concentration of sulforaphane.

All green veggies serve an important purpose and you’ll have a hard time finding any doctor or health expert who would say eating green veggies is not a good idea (short of very specific health conditions).

In fact, there are few things that all dietary experts seem to agree on, bu the importance of eating veggies is one of them (along with sleep and reducing stress). Cruciferous vegetables have many health-promoting properties, and sulforaphane is yet another reason why!

To just say that broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane is an over simplification (though I will stick to that for the rest of the post for the sake of simplicity). More accurately, Brassica vegetables contain myrosinase, which helps break down glucosinolates like glucoraphanin into usable forms of isothiocyanates including sulforaphane.

Both myrosinase and glucoraphanin are present in cruciferous veggies and especially in broccoli sprouts. When we chew, chop or blend raw sprouts, they combine and create sulforaphane. In other words, broccoli sprouts contain the compounds needed to create sulforaphane.

Sulforaphane Benefits

This potent phytochemical is well studied for:

  1. promoting detoxification
  2. boosting the brain
  3. helping the body create cancer-fighting compounds
  4. supporting healthy heart function
  5. increasing glutathione as an Nrf2 activator
  6. promoting weight loss
  7. slowing aging by activating heat-shock proteins
  8. boosting liver function
  9. reducing inflammation and pain
  10. stopping and reversing hair loss.

Now, let’s break down each of those benefits to understand why:

1. Detoxifying

Sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts boosts the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms in several ways. As an indirect antioxidant, it boosts the antioxidant capacity of cells rather than just by providing antioxidants (like astaxanthin and similar antioxidants do).

Sulforaphane activates the Nrf2 and ARE pathways (more on these below). This leads to increased cellular glutathione in the body. Since glutathione is the master antioxidant, this has far-reaching benefits for the body.

2. Brain Boosting

Sulforaphane is also really, really good for the brain. It is considered a nootropic (brain-boosting substance) because it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Studies are underway in humans after mouse studies showed that this compound reduced depressive symptoms and anxiety. Other studies found that it increases neurite growth. This means that it may help damaged neurons repair after injury or from aging.

Additionally, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies in humans have shown that sulforaphane may have the ability to improve autistic behavior checklist scores by 34%! The studies also showed improvement in social interaction and verbal communication in patients with autism spectrum disorder.

3. Protecting Against Cancer

We already know that Brassica vegetables help protect against cancer. In fact, eating just 3-5 servings a week reduces cancer risk by 30-40%, according to studies! This drastic reduction in cancer risk is a great reason to eat these veggies daily, but there are other cancer-protective benefits as well.

Sulforaphane has been shown to:

  • target cancer cells while protecting healthy cells
  • kill breast cancer cells, cervical cancer cells, liver cancer cells, prostate cancer cells, and colorectal cancer cells in clinical studies
  • prohibit the growth of cancer cells while encouraging the growth of health cells
  • inhibit skin cancer and bladder cancer development in mice studies
  • increase the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs (meaning a lower dose can be used).

4. Supporting the Heart

We already know that sulforaphane is a potent antioxidant and that it increases the body’s own antioxidant producing capabilities. For this reason, it is very anti-inflammatory and can reduce reactive oxygen species by increasing oxygen levels. Both of these mechanisms make it good for the heart and may explain why studies show it has a heart-protective effect.

But sulforaphane also benefits the heart in a couple other ways. It releases hydrogen sulfide (H2S), when chewed. This compound donate sulfur where necessary and for this reason has a cardio-protective effect.

Studies also found that it helped reduce blood pressure levels in those with hypertension and lowered triglycerides.

Finally, sulforaphane reduced levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, CRP, and LDH (in animal trials).

5. Increasing Glutathione as an Nrf2 Activator

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of SFN is the activation of Nrf2. This benefit is tied to many of the benefits above, but deserves its own mention.

A special protein called Nrf2 lives in every cell of the body. When activated (by stress), it binds to ARE (Antioxidant Response Element), which is the switch that controls antioxidant production in the body. So when Nrf2/ARE activates, your body starts making glutathione and other antioxidants. This reduces inflammation and helps the body protect against disease.

Sulforaphane is a potent Nrf2 activator.

6. Promoting Weight Loss

As an Nrf2 activator, sulforaphane may also promote weight loss by “amelioration of obesity through enhancing energy consumption by browning of adipocytes, and reduction of metabolic endotoxemia through improving gut bacterial flora,” according to a 2014 study at Kanazawa University.

In other words, sulforaphane helps fight obesity by changing energy consumption in the body and by improving gut flora.

7. Slowing Aging by Activating Heat Shock Proteins

Sulforaphane activates heat-shock proteins in the body, especially HSP27. Heat-shock proteins can help slow aging and improve brain function. Sauna use also activates heat-shock proteins but chowing down on some broccoli sprouts is a good way to up levels of these proteins without the heat.

One study by the National Academy for the Sciences (U.S.) shows SFN mobilizes defenses that protect against cellular damage from UV light. This is why I increase my broccoli sprout consumption in the summer, so I can get the benefits of Vitamin D from the sun without worrying about aging more quickly from the sun exposure.

8. Boosting the Liver

SFN supports the liver by reducing oxidative stress. It also may improve alcohol tolerance and reduce the negative effects of alcohol by inducing aldehyde dehydroenases.

9. Reducing Inflammation and Pain

As you would expect, SFN can reduce inflammation and pain due to its antioxidant-boosting activity. But studies show that sulforaphane can have specific benefit against pain and inflammation when combined with high-quality turmeric or concentrated curcumin. I personally have been experimenting with SFN from broccoli sprouts (about a cup a day) and also taking PuraThrive liposomal turmeric (use code “wellnessmama” for 10% off).

10. Stopping and Reversing Hair Loss

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) suppresses hair growth and leads to androgenic baldness. SFN increases the production of enzymes in the body that break down DHT. In studies, SFN reduced DHT levels in the blood and reverse the suppression of hair growth.

Cautions & Downsides of Sulforaphane

There had to be a catch, right? Things that sound too good to be true often are. Thankfully, when it comes to sulforaphane and broccoli sprouts, the risks seem minimal compared to the benefits.

We still need more human studies on sulforaphane to know the long-term effects. Initial studies are divided. Some show no negative effects even at large doses. Other show an increase in long terminal repeats (LTRs) which may lead to mutations within genes.

Interestingly, most negative effects were found from mature broccoli or broccoli juice. For instance, one study on mature broccoli noted genotoxic effects at high doses, but the same results were not seen with broccoli sprouts. In another, a rat suffered liver toxicity after drinking extremely high doses of broccoli juice.

Anecdotal evidence shows that some people experience minor gastrointestinal discomfort when eating large doses of broccoli sprouts. Some experts speculate that this is from positive changes in gut bacteria, but it is still a good idea to start slow.

Talk to a Doctor

It is always a good idea to talk to a doctor before making any major dietary or supplement change and sulforaphane is no exception. SFN may interact with certain medications that are broken down by the liver and may be contraindicated in certain people.

Additionally, there are rare cases of foodborne illness from sprout consumption (only 30 cases in the last 30 years so the risk is small but present). The warm, moist conditions needed for sprouts to grow are also idea for Salmonella and E. coli. For this reason, sources recommend that pregnant women, very young children, and the immunocompromised avoid sprouts.

Personally, I feel safe eating broccoli sprouts, but as I said, the risk is real and anyone considering eating sprouts should do their own research and assess the risks.

Are There Any Risks?

Research published in 2019 suggests that sulforaphane is safe and beneficial. However as with many things in life, moderation seems to be key. I rotate between lower doses of sulforaphane from consuming sprouts, to higher doses from a supplement called BrocElite. (This is the only sulforaphane supplement I would recommend as it is stabilized.)

Extremely high doses (the equivalent of 33 bottles of BrocElite) caused digestive upset in rats in one study, but even if you love your sprouts it’s pretty safe to say we’d never experience that dose in everyday life.

Of course if you have a thyroid issue as I do, do your own research on effects of cruciferous vegetables on the thyroid. I’ve found that I do well on the higher dose using BrocElite, without any stomach issues or negative effects on my thyroid.

Ways to Get More Sulforaphane

Whew … we made it through the science! I personally find sulforaphane absolutely fascinating (along with the 1,700+ studies about it), but even if you aren’t interested in the science, here are some tips for getting more of this important phytochemical.

Eat Broccoli Sprouts

So if all cruciferous vegetables contain sulforaphane, why not just eat mature broccoli and other veggies?

Good question! Basically, because you likely aren’t getting any sulforaphane. The reason has to do with the concentration of certain phytochemicals and the temperature.

Sprouts, especially broccoli sprouts contain up to 100 times higher concentrations of glucoraphanin and sulforaphane than the mature plants. These levels spike on day three of sprouting, making three-day-old broccoli sprouts one of the best sources on the planet. Bonus? Broccoli sprouts are likely also the least expensive source of sulforaphane on the planet!

I’ve found broccoli sprouts in stores before, but they are much more expensive than homemade. Even if you can’t cook and don’t have a green thumb, you can grow sprouts. Here’s how to do it.

Cook Veggies the Right Way

Sulforaphane isn’t produced when vegetables are cooked above 158 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat deactivates the enzyme myrosinase needed for sulforaphane production. No myrosinase = no sulforaphane.

Raw broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables contain small amounts of these phytochemicals (though at much lower concentrations). Frozen or commercially produced broccoli, on the other hand, is often blanched in production. For this reason, frozen broccoli often has no potential for sulforaphane production.

Cruciferous vegetables have dozens of benefits and we should eat them even if we aren’t getting a big dose of sulforaphane, but to maximize the benefit, cook the right way:

  1. Start with fresh vegetables.
  2. Chop them and then let them rest for about 5 minutes before cooking. Cutting them damages the plant and lets the enzymes start to combine to create sulforaphane.
  3. Then, steam lightly for 3-4 minutes to preserve the most SFN.

Add Mustard Seeds When Cooking Cruciferous Vegetables

I recently heard a great tip on Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s podcast (see video at bottom of this post) for getting sulforaphane even from frozen or cooked cruciferous vegetables: adding mustard seed powder. We know that the enzymes are deactivated with heat when frozen vegetables are blanched, but it turns out that mustard seeds, which grow into mustard greens (a cruciferous vegetable) can fix the problem.

Since mustard seeds also contain myrosinase, sprinkling mustard seed powder on cooked cruciferous vegetables can re-activate their ability to create sulforaphane. A 2013 scientific study confirmed that this process works!

Bottom line: Whenever you cook cruciferous vegetables (from fresh or frozen), add a sprinkle of mustard seed powder. 

Sulforaphane Supplements

Sulforaphane supplements are springing up everywhere, but not all are created equal! Because SFN is unstable and degrades quickly, supplements often contain the precursors to sulforaphane rather than the actual molecule. The idea was that the precursors would combine in your gut and make sulforaphane in the same way that myrosinase and glucoraphanin combine when you cut the broccoli sprouts.

The drawback is that these precursor enzymes are proteins and often digested in the stomach before they are used by the body. The amount that does make it through is small and not nearly the amount considered beneficial.

Thanks to some cutting-edge research, now there is one supplement called BrocElite with 10 mg of stabilized sulforaphane that is much more bioavailable. That’s the equivalent of eating about 3 ounces of fresh juice made from broccoli sprouts harvested on the third day. I’ve always been a fan of getting nutrients from food whenever possible, but BrocElite is a great option for travel or those who don’t prefer sprouts.

I vetted this company and even interviewed the founder in this podcast if you’d like to learn more about it.

More Learning:

In this video Dr. Rhonda Patrick explains sulforaphane and its benefits in-depth:

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

    Sources
    1. Nakamura K, Koyama M, Ishida R, Kitahara T, Nakajima T, Aoyama T. Characterization of bioactive agents in five types of marketed sprouts and comparison of their antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, and antidiabetic effects in fructose-loaded SHRs. J Food Sci Technol. 2016;53(1):581-90.
    2. Senanayake GV, Banigesh A, Wu L, Lee P, Juurlink BH. The dietary phase 2 protein inducer sulforaphane can normalize the kidney epigenome and improve blood pressure in hypertensive rats. Am J Hypertens. 2012;25(2):229-35.
    3. Talalay P, Fahey JW, Healy ZR, et al. Sulforaphane mobilizes cellular defenses that protect skin against damage by UV radiation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2007;104(44):17500-17505. doi:10.1073/pnas.0708710104.
    4. Tortorella SM, Royce SG, Licciardi PV, Karagiannis TC. Dietary Sulforaphane in Cancer Chemoprevention: The Role of Epigenetic Regulation and HDAC Inhibition. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. 2015;22(16):1382-1424. doi:10.1089/ars.2014.6097.
    5. Abbaoui B, Riedl KM, Ralston RA, et al. Inhibition of Bladder Cancer by Broccoli Isothiocyanates Sulforaphane and Erucin: Characterization, Metabolism and Interconversion. Molecular nutrition & food research. 2012;56(11):10.1002/mnfr.201200276. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201200276.
    6. Royston KJ, Tollefsbol TO. The Epigenetic Impact of Cruciferous Vegetables on Cancer Prevention. Current pharmacology reports. 2015;1(1):46-51. doi:10.1007/s40495-014-0003-9.
    7. Cheung KL, Khor TO, Kong AN. Synergistic effect of combination of phenethyl isothiocyanate and sulforaphane or curcumin and sulforaphane in the inhibition of inflammation. Pharm Res. 2009;26(1):224-31.
    8. Clarke JD, Hsu A, Riedl K, et al. Bioavailability and inter-conversion of sulforaphane and erucin in human subjects consuming broccoli sprouts or broccoli supplement in a cross-over study design. Pharmacol Res. 2011;64(5):456-63.
    9. Shapiro T, Fahey J, Wade K, Stephenson K and Talalay P. Chemoprotective Glucosinolates and Isothiocyanates of Broccoli Sprouts. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. May 1 2001;10(5):501-508.
    10. Sasaki M, Shinozaki S, Shimokado K. Sulforaphane promotes murine hair growth by accelerating the degradation of dihydrotestosterone. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2016;472(1):250-4.
    11. Gan N et al. “Sulforaphane Activates Heat Shock Response and Enhances Proteasome Activity through Up-Regulation of Hsp27.” The Journal of Biological Chemistry 285.46 (2010): 35528–35536. PMC. Web. 12 Mar. 2018.
    12. Kikuchi M et al. “Sulforaphane-Rich Broccoli Sprout Extract Improves Hepatic Abnormalities in Male Subjects.” World Journal of Gastroenterology 21.43 (2015): 12457–12467. PMC. Web. 12 Mar. 2018.
    13. Baier, Scott R. et al. “Off Target Effects of Sulforaphane Include the de-Repression of Long-Terminal Repeats through Histone Acetylation Events.” The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 25.6 (2014): 665–668. PMC. Web. 13 Mar. 2018.
    14. Kanazawa University. “Sulforaphane, a phytochemical in broccoli sprouts, ameliorates obesity.” ScienceDaily, 7 March 2017. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170307100402.htm
    15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6804255/
    16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28412310/

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    Katie Wells Avatar

    About Katie Wells

    Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

    Comments

    16 responses to “Sulforaphane Benefits: How It Slows Aging, Fights Cancer & More”

    1. Lulu Jess Avatar

      been trying to get my health back on track since starting uni … I am currently trialing broccoli sprout juice from vegusjuices as I saw on their website their juice has sulforaphane in it, tried apple cider vinegar but wasn’t to my taste. Would love to hear if anyone else is drinking broccoli juice or anything similar and what your results are!

    2. DeanNa Avatar

      Hi wellness MoMA !
      I wanna know how do I consume the broccoli sprouts ? Do you have them in a salad or as a side dish; and how soon will you know the efficacy of its use?
      How many servings per day or week is reasonable for a breast cancer treated individual?
      Thanks

      1. john guy Avatar
        john guy

        i grow and consume brocolli sprouts once a day…. I have six inch round sprouting trays. I eat one and start one every three or four day cycle ….
        I have read that they must be crushed ….chewed well.. I put mine in a small blender with
        water and drink it straight….. doesnt taste great but as a cancer survivor….so what?
        Dont know about dosing….but this is what I do…. what can it hurt if it doesnt help…
        I also take chorella pills whenever I eat due to it’s cancer fighting properties….ebay…easy
        to take and like sulforaphane If it doesn’t help what can it hurt. Asking doctors is a waste of
        time….. you may as well speak in klingon as to mention nonprescription stuff to doctors due to
        ama rules. Good luck.

    3. Justin Avatar

      A question for anyone with any thoughts and input is very much welcomed and appreciated. 🙂

      It has been noted that in order to prevent the tendency of the myrosinase enzyme from catalyzing glucoraphanan into the biologically ‘less’ desirable sulforaphane Nitrile – instead of the preferred compound: Sulforaphane; the deactivation of the epithiospecifier protein (at previously described high temperatures for a specified duration) is required.

      My question is the following:

      should the sprouts (etc) be chopped prior to the heating?

      Is the heat able to deactivate the protein if the plant has not been chopped.

      I then add freshly ground mustard seed, I’m just unsure if chopping prior to heating destroys anything of importance? And if heating non-chopped sprouts effectively denatures the non-catalytic epithiospecifier protein?

      In advance, thank you and anyone else.

      Very sincerely and respectfully,

      ~ Justin

      1. Sarah Diggins Avatar
        Sarah Diggins

        hi Justin

        It’s a good question that very few have raised. I think that juicing the broccoli sprouts and then sealing them immediately is the best way to preserve sulforaphane, as it is a very unstable compound. I treat the juices with very high pressure (HPP) which, bizarrely, rather than reducing enzyme activity, actually seems to increase it! This process locks in the sulforaphane in the form we want. We are less convinced about heating the broccoli sprout juice (or its less effective form, broccoli sprouts in smoothies) since the enzyme activity can be quickly destroyed and, more importantly, the naturally present co-factor ascorbic acid, is destroyed with heat. Broccoli sprouts in smoothies are never going to be as good a source as the juice since sulforaphane is created when the cell walls are broken down and allow myrosinase to combine with glucoraphanin and a blender does not have enough blades to breaks down all the cell walls.

    4. Kasha Avatar

      Love this article. Quick question: Can you get the same results with mustard seeds or do you need use the powder?

    5. Dwight Avatar

      Wondering if the chemical reaction between stainless steel sprout screens and the zinc screws bands make up for Possible metal toxicity. Should I buy stainless steel screw bands? There is a copious rust colored stain around the rim of the drain screens and on the jar band.

    6. Luna Avatar

      I feel silly asking this but how do you eat them and how much? Do you just eat them raw or do you have to cut them up and then cook them?

    7. john Avatar

      Hey Katie! Thanks for bringing this to us! So the mustard seed powder, to be clear, add AFTER the cooking process, or DURING? Please and thank you!
      John – AZ

    8. Maria Avatar

      Ok, this is where the confusion sets in… I am guessing this article does not necessarily pertain to Your blog on Autoimmune Diet… So my concern is – since the Autoimmune Diet is how I became part of your blog post – I am mixed up about the consumption of cruciferous vegetables. I hate them cooked, but have been told ( read ) repeatedly that I should never eat them raw. I discovered rainbow radishes and was so delighted to have a new addition to the bounty of salads that I eat regularly. But now I read that radishes are also from the brassica family of veggies… What’s a girl to do???

    9. Mary Avatar

      The 5 lb bag is a better price but it is not organic. Do you recommend the non-organic broccoli seeds?

    10. Hayley Avatar

      Interesting read!!! You mention adding mustard seed powder…do you think this would this also work if you made a dressing that has mustard (not powder) in it? Thanks for the information!

      1. Al Brien Avatar
        Al Brien

        I would love to see the answer…to, can prepared mustard sauce work as well…

    11. Tina Avatar

      Thank you for bringing Nrf2 activation to the table! In our practice we have seen amazing results from clients in lab work. Truly amazing how nutrition can affect our gene regulation! Epigenetics is so crucial for people to understand so they don’t give up hope!

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