Sulforaphane, discovered by accident in 1995 by a group of scientists researching the anticancer compounds in broccoli, is a phytochemical compound that can be obtained by eating cruciferous vegetables such as arugula, watercress, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, collards, kohlrabi, mustard, turnip, radish and rutabaga. Sulforaphane is particularly abundant in watercress and broccoli sprouts.
We know that stress accelerates aging and disease. When you are under stress, your immune system is also compromised, weakening your ability to ward off invading organisms. Chronic stress raises the level of the excitatory hormones, including norepinephrine and cortisol, which can wear your body down and lead to disease. Sulforaphane inhibits the norepinephrine-mediated increase in the interleukin-6 levels in the cells, which is a very good thing. Interleukin-6 is responsible for the shift from acute inflammation to chronic inflammation, the root of so many diseases. Finding a safe and effective substance that can inhibit the overproduction of norepinephrine, like sulforaphane, is a significant accomplishment.
How do you incorporate sulforaphane into your diet?