As A Powerful Antioxidant: Can Glucoraphanin Be Used To Treat Cancer?

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As A Powerful Antioxidant: Can Glucoraphanin Be Used To Treat Cancer?

What is Glucoraphanin? Glucoraphanin is a glucosinolate found in broccoli, cauliflower, and mustard. Glucoraphanin is converted to sulforaphane by the enzyme myrosinase. In plants, sulforaphane deters insect predators and acts as a selective antibiotic. In humans, sulforaphane has been studied for its potential effects in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. As a powerful and long-lasting antioxidant, glucoraphanin was found primarily in broccoli. However, the amount varies tremendously from one broccoli plant to another with no way for consumers to tell how much glucoraphanin is in the broccoli they buy. It has also been shown that this phytonutrient is present in much higher concentrations in the broccoli seeds and 3-day old broccoli sprouts. Also, glucoraphanin belongs to a category of compounds called glucosinolates which are naturally found in cruciferous vegetables. Glucosinolates are enzymatically converted into isothiocyanates, which are active in the body. This enzymatic conversion is performed by myrosinase, which is also found naturally in cruciferous vegetables.

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Due to the potential health benefits, a variety of broccoli has been bred to contain two to three times more glucoraphanin than standard broccoli.

How does Glucoraphanin work? Production of free radicals, oxidative stress inflammation, and impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms are the top causes of most health issues such as neurological diseases, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. This is where glucoraphanin comes in to support healthy responses through its antioxidant properties. The element triggers the production of antioxidants and detoxifiers to correct the underlying risks and promote health. The antioxidants and detoxifiers, which are also termed as phase 2 enzymes features three main functions and benefits which are; Detoxification– the detoxifying property of this nutrient helps your body get of toxins and unwanted elements. One of the reasons why you feel tired, stressed, and unmotivated is probably because your body is filled with toxins. It could also be the reason for excessive weight gain. Phase 2 enzymes are an excellent detox element, and this is the reason why broccoli is recommended for detoxing. Inhibition of NF-kB– this is a process that protects you from inflammation. Inflammation is among the top symptoms of arthritis. It is a condition where some of your body parts become swollen, reddened, and super painful. This occurs as a result of injuries and infections. It could also be only because your white blood cells and the immune system are mistakenly attacking the healthy tissues. The phase 2 enzymes block the pathways leading to such incidences. Antioxidation –this functionality is responsible for capturing and inactivating free radicals in your body.

Are there any potential benefits of Glucoraphanin for the human body? Glucoraphanin comes with a range of benefits. This is one of the main reasons why broccoli is a primary recommendation by physicians, especially to patients who show any sign of impaired Antioxidant defense mechanism. Some of the health benefits include;

(1) Cancer prevention The uncontrolled growth of cells majorly causes cancer. As mentioned, glucoraphanin has antioxidant effects that generally inhibit free radicals and growth of unwanted cells. Several tests done on animals showed that the element contains anticancer properties by preventing cancer cell growth. It does so through the production of detoxification enzymes and antioxidants. These properties protect your cells against carcinogens, a substance that is responsible for cancer growth. With this, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli have been seen to reduce cancer due to these compounds significantly. But it is still unclear how much of the vegetables one should consume to get the effects. It is worth noting that glucoraphanin Broccoli extract has been found to prevent breast cancer, especially for lung cancer, esophagus cancer, gastric carcinoma, it can block them successfully and evidently, as well as prevent the

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transmit of gastric carcinoma from gastric ulcer to atrophic gastritis.

(2) Good for cardiovascular health Studies have also shown that this antioxidant is good for heart health. It has been seen to promote cardiovascular health in numerous ways. For starters, it is an excellent anti-inflammation element. Inflammation puts your heart in jeopardy as it could result in the narrowing of the arteries, and this, in return, causes heart diseases like blood pressure and heart attack. The element is also useful for reducing blood pressure, which is another aspect of promoting heart health.

(3) Reduces chances of diabetes Diabetes and type 2diabetes, to be precise is among the most dangerous diseases affecting millions of individuals globally. It results from poor sugar transportation from their blood to the cells, and this, in return, makes it hard to maintain the ideal blood sugar levels. Studies done on people showed that broccoli consumption could indeed promote a healthy blood sugar level. Glucoraphanin was found to reduce low blood sugar levels by up to 6.5%. It was also found to improve hemoglobin.

(4) Glucoraphanin Autism Relief Glucoraphanin is effective in reducing the symptoms of autism. A study done on young men revealed that those who consumed daily doses of 50-150 µmol of glucoraphanin for about 18 weeks showed significant improvements. They could easily interact with people and also showed improvements in verbal communication.

(5) Protection against sun damages If you are the kind of person with sensitive skin, especially when exposed to intense sun rays, regular consumption of broccoli will help protect your skin against sunburn and ultraviolet rays. Also, it can inhibit reaction of acute scytitis effectively. Other benefits of glucoraphanin include brain protection and enhancing good mental health, especially after brain injury. It also helps in reducing constipation.

How to use glucoraphanin? According to several research and studies, a typical broccoli sprout and seed extracts contain around 50-100mg of glucoraphanin in divided doses. The amount, however, varies from one broccoli plant to the other, and it is therefore impossible to tell how much glucoraphanin is contained in the broccoli you purchase. The best way to use glucoraphanin is by taking a supplement with a definite amount of this compound. The right dosage depends on a range of factors such as your age and your health. It is, however, vital that you follow the usage directions as indicated on the supplement’s label and consult your pharmacist before use. Not all-natural products are safe.

Glucoraphanin application In food field, it is a kind of ideal green food to reduce weight; In health product field, celery can stable mood and eliminate irritable;

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In pharmaceutical field, to treat rheumatism and gout has good effect.

What foods are rich in glucoraphanin? As mentioned, this antioxidant is mainly found in cruciferous vegetables. Glucoraphanin foods include; -Broccoli and broccoli sprouts -Kale -Cauliflower -Red and white cabbage -Brussels sprout -Watercress

Where can we buy glucoraphanin powder? In addition to using vegetables to get the glucoraphanin needed by the body, you can also supplement it in the form of dietary supplements. Manufacturers add glucoraphanin derived from plants to supplements and sell them in the form of tablets, capsules or drinks. So, you can find supplements in health stores or buy them from online suppliers. However, you should be keen to ensure that you get them from a trusted supplier.

Reference [1] Bioavailability of Glucoraphanin and Sulforaphane from High-Glucoraphanin Broccoli. Sivapalan T et al. Mol Nutr Food Res. (2018). [2] Glucoraphanin: a broccoli sprout extract that ameliorates obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Xu L et al. Adipocyte. (2018). [3] Sulforaphane Bioavailability from Glucoraphanin-Rich Broccoli: Control by Active Endogenous Myrosinase. Fahey JW et al. PLoS One. (2015).

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