Broccoli Sprouts Benefit Diabetics

Broccoli Sprouts Demonstrate

Valuable Benefits For Diabetics

Powdered broccoli sprouts may boost antioxidant defenses in people with diabetes, suggest findings from a recently published randomized clinical trial.

According to findings published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" a daily dose of five or 10 grams or the broccoli sprout powder was associated with an increase in the total antioxidant capacity of the blood, and crucial reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA), a reactive carbonyl compound and well-established marker of oxidative stress.

The study adds to the growing body of science supporting the potential health benefits of broccoli and broccoli sprouts, often praised for their potential anti-cancer activity.

Benefits of Broccoli

The tissue of cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, contain high levels of the active plant chemicals glucosinolates. These are metabolized by the body into isothiocyanates, which are powerful antioxidants and valuable anti-carcinogens. The main isothiocyanate from broccoli is called sulphoraphane.

The new study employed a broccoli sprout powder that provided high levels of sulphoraphane isothiocyanates. It examined the potential antioxidant activity of broccoli sprout powder to counter oxidative stress in diabetics.

Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress has been linked to an increased risk of various diseases including cancer, Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease.

Oxygen-breathing organisms naturally produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play an important role in a range of functions, including cell signaling. However, over production
of these ROS from smoking, pollution, sunlight, high intensity exercise, or the human aging process, may overwhelm the
body's antioxidant defenses and lead to oxidative stress.

Researchers also note that oxidative stress is a key driver in the onset of insulin resistance, which ultimately leads to diabetes. Diabetes itself is associated with increased levels of oxidative stress, and this can promote the development of diabetes-related complications (Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology, 2003, Vol. 17, pp. 24-38).

Study details

Researchers 81 diabetics to participate in their double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.Participants were randomly assigned to receive either five or10?grams per day
of the broccoli sprout powder, or placebo, for four weeks.

Results showed that both broccoli groups experienced significant decreases in MDA, that well-established marker of oxidative stress, as well as reductions in levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol, another oxidative stress marker.

"The ideal dose of broccoli sprouts has not yet been determined," wrote the scientists.

"Effects on lipid peroxidation parameters were seen only with the higher dose, although positive effects on TAC were seen with both doses," they added.

"Further studies with longer duration and different doses are needed to confirm the effects of broccoli sprouts and related mechanisms," they concluded.

Diabetes

Diabetes affects an estimated 24 million Americans, equal
to 8 percent of the population. The total costs are staggering, estimated to be as much as $174 billion; $116 billion being
direct costs from medication, according to 2005-2007
American Diabetes Association figures.

Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition