BROCCOLI, CAULIIFLOWER AND THEIR ANTIOXIDANTT ACTIVITY
Cruciferous vegetables and SFN
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale contain Sulforaphane (SFN), a compound that may offer increased immunity, have antioxidant effects and may protect against brain disease. Adding more cruciferous vegetables to your diet is a tasty way to boost your families health.
Along with other beneficial effects such as anti-inflammation various studies have demonstrated the ability of SFN to prevent various brain diseases, including stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. SFN exerts neuroprotective effects,through activating Nrf2 signaling pathway and its downstream antioxidative as well as antitoxic enzymes. SFN can be easily consumed as a phytochemical inducer of Nrf2 through consumption of cruciferous vegetables. Because it can cross the Blood Braiin Barrier, SFN can reach effective concentration in the CNS.
In the past decades, there has been a growing interest in a number of dietary phytochemicals for their antioxidant anti-inflammatory effects. SFN is the hydrolysis product of glucoraphanin, the main glucosinolates in broccoli.
Antioxidant and Glutothione levels are increased, which include long term decreases of iintracellular ROS production, increased cell viability and decreased DNA fragmentation as well as iinductioin of antioxidants and phase II enzymes.
Detoxifying enzymes which protects cells through a net reduction in superoxide and other reactive oxygen species and promote detoxification. The plethora of environmental toxins to which we are exposed daily means we could all use some extra assistance with detoxification. Sulforaphane induces phase 2 liver detoxification, the stage of liver detox that converts toxic metabolites into less-toxic compounds, which are then excreted by the body. It dramatically increases glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant and detoxifier, and promotes the rapid and sustained detoxification of environmental pollutants, such as benzene and acrolein. As well as reducing on the load of the liver.
Inhibits neurodegenerative disease – Protective effects of SFN against brain disease.
Studies suggest that sulforaphane may be a useful intervention for neurodegenerative diseases because it corrects underlying aspects of the diseases process, rather than justalleviating symptoms. Including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Ischemic & Haemorrhagic Stroke, Traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
ASD refers a group of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterised by deficits in communicating with others and repeated behaviours starting in early childhood. The pathogenesis of ASD is not clear; however, several causes have been suggested for ASD, including increased oxidative stress and decreased cellular defense. A recent clinical study suggested SFN treatment improved the social interaction, abnormal behavior, and verbal communication of the patients.
Alleviates autoimmunity
SFN has demonstrated promising effects in the alleviation of autoimmunity. It suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and autoreactive immune cells that precipitate autoimmune attacks.
Boosts the immune system
SFN strengthens the immune system, research indicates that sulforaphane stimulates the activity of natural killer cells to clear the body of the influenza virus. It also boosts T helper 1 (Th1) immunity and reverses the decrease in immunity that occurs with aging.
Alleviates asthma and lung inflammation
SFN may be a useful preventive agent and treatment modality for respiratory diseases. It relieves bronchoconstriction in asthma by upregulating Nrf2, a molecule that regulates the body’s production of antioxidants and protects against oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma.