Phytonutrient is an umbrella term for various bioactive compounds found in plants. Bioactive simply means its activity affects tissues and cells and influences bodily pathways. These compounds can be antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial, and their effects may help prevent chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Phytonutrient-rich foods include broccoli, raspberries, blueberries, dark green leafy vegetables, garlic, and onion.
Sulforaphane is a type of phytonutrient that needs to be activated by the myrosinase enzyme before it can be used by the body. It is found in broccoli, with broccoli sprouts containing up to 100 times higher levels. The myrosinase enzyme is activated by chopping or chewing and is inhibited by cooking. This is why it's important to cut your broccoli and let it sit for a few minutes to give the conversion time before cooking. It is essential to chew broccoli sprouts thoroughly, as with all other foods.
Sulforaphane is often praised for its cancer-fighting properties, but what does that even mean?
The following are some of the methods sulforaphane elicits its benefits:
Inhibits the growth of cancer cells
Facilitates apoptosis(programmed cell death) among cancerous pathways.
Alleviates chronic inflammatory diseases
May enhance tumor suppresser genes by working synergistically with cancer drugs, specifically in breast cancer cells
Assist in balancing lipid levels by lowering total cholesterol and LDL and increasing HDL
Induces liver detoxification
Shown promise in relieving the progression of atherosclerotic lesions and vascular dysfunction associated with a high-cholesterol diet
Potent antioxidant
Making these foods part of a balanced diet may help with detoxification pathways, increase antioxidant potential, and decrease inflammation.
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