Broccoli sprouts shown to protect you against gastritis and ulcers

(NaturalHealth365) Although many people aren’t familiar with broccoli sprouts – the earliest form of broccoli before it forms its stalks and florets – they are well worth adding to your diet. While they look a bit like bean sprouts, they have a peppery, earthy taste and are packed with various unique compounds that offer some surprising health benefits.

Recent research shows that one of the compounds found in the broccoli sprouts – sulforaphane – can actually protect your stomach from both gastritis and stomach ulcers. Other studies also show the benefits of these sprouts, such as cancer prevention, anti-aging benefits, and improved heart health.

How broccoli sprouts protects against H. pylori and the negative effects of NSAIDs

Gastritis is inflammation that occurs to the lining of your stomach. If left unchecked, it can result in ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, and it may also increase your risk of developing stomach cancer.

In addition, an issue with the bacteria H. pylori and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the two primary causes of gastritis.

Since researchers know that sulforaphane found in broccoli sprouts induces multiple antioxidant enzymes that can help protect cells from oxidative stresses that cause injury, they hypothesized that it may help treat the oxidative stress in the stomach caused by NSAIDs and H. pylori infection.

Humans in the trial were given broccoli sprouts orally, and those taking broccoli sprouts for eight weeks saw a reduction in the amount of inflammation in their gastric mucosa. The sprouts helped reduce H. pylori infection in the broccoli sprouts group, and it also improved the gastric mucosa.

Getting the right nutrition offers more exciting health benefits

Scientists have discovered that broccoli sprouts provide many other impressive health benefits, too. Active compounds and antioxidants in the sprouts are linked to reducing oxidative stress and free radical activity, preventing premature aging.

The sulforaphane found in these sprouts has also been an area of interest in cancer research recently, with some studies suggesting that the component may help prevent some types of cancer, such as prostate, breast, and skin cancer.  Research also shows that sulforaphane helps protect your heart in a couple of ways – lowering your blood pressure and reducing triglyceride levels.

Together this has the potential to lower the overall risk of heart problems stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis.

Ready to enjoy the health benefits of broccoli sprouts? They’re easy to add to your diet.

Toss some sprouts into a salad, use them as an ‘add on’ in wraps and sandwiches, or throw a handful directly into your mouth.  They’ll give any meal or snack a healthy boost.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalHealthResearch.org
ResearchGate.net
OrganicFacts.net