Broccoli Sprouts Safer and More Effective than Sunscreen
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shown that broccoli sprout extract boosts the body’s natural ability to defend against the ultraviolet solar rays that cause skin cancer.
Recently I wrote about the toxic effects of sunscreen. Perhaps this is the answer we have been waiting for…. A carcinogen free sunscreen made of broccoli sprouts.
Broccoli Sprouted Sunscreen
Scientists applied broccoli sprout extract to the skin of hairless mice before exposing them to ultraviolet sunlight. These mice developed significantly fewer skin cancer tumors than mice that were not applied with the extract. Even the treated mice that did develop tumors had far smaller ones than the unbroccolified mice.
More recently, a study was conducted where six healthy humans were exposed to ultraviolet sunlight on two areas of their backs. One location had been smeared with broccoli-sprout extract one to three days previously.
The areas smeared with broccoli-sprout extract developed an average of 37 percent less redness and inflammation than the areas that had not been smeared. The reaction to the extract varied widely by individual. Some only had an 8 percent reduction in redness, while some had a 78 percent reduction.
What is it about Broccoli Sprouts?
Scientists have discovered that if you apply sulforaphane to the skin, it as powerful a sunscreen as any.
In 1992, researchers discovered that broccoli is a rich source of a compound called sulforaphane. All cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, mustard, turnip, radish and watercress) contain sulforaphane, but the highest concentration is contained in three-day-old broccoli sprouts. Broccoli is also high in other health promoting nutrients such as vitamins A, B and C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid. Other studies reveal that it is a powerful cancer fighter. Read more about how broccoli fights cancer
Sulforaphane activates the cells’ production of what are known as “phase 2 enzymes.” These enzymes have been shown to neutralize the DNA-damaging compounds that are produced by the skin when it is hit by ultraviolet sunlight.
Sulforaphane can also produce proteins that suppress tumours.
And the great news is that unlike sunscreen, broccoli-sprout extract does not actually block sunlight from hitting the skin. This means that the body still absorbs the ever so essential vitamin D. Most people are deficient in this nutrient, which is vital for protecting against diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, depression, and osteoporosis.
And as we have actually been getting some sunshine here in England, I am looking forward to trying this out. Scientists say they are working on a broccoli sprouted sunscreen and I will be the first to try it out when it goes on sale.
For now I will enjoy eating the broccoli sprouts that I buy at my local health food shop! I desperately miss them when I run out…they are tasty and add so much flavor and goodness to my food.
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June 11th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
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