Which types of broccoli plants are “the best broccoli” in preventing some types of cancer? When scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wanted to be able to tell consumers how to select broccoli with cancer-fighting antioxidants, they teamed up with experts at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine — the same scientists who identified the benefits of broccoli sprouts, now marketed as “BroccoSprouts®.”
The results of the USDA/Johns Hopkins research was highlighted by the USDA last week, and an Associated Press story nationwide has focused new attention on the research, prompting new interest from vegetable consumers.
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Although scientists have known for some time that broccoli contains a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent some cancers, recent research at the USDA and Johns Hopkins showed that not all broccoli has the same concentrations of these compounds.
In fact, when the scientists grew 71 varieties of broccoli in two consecutive years, they found that only a few were extraordinarily high in content of sulforaphane glucosinolate (SGS), the natural compound that boosts the body’s own ability to detoxify and eliminate carcinogens.
Furthermore, they found that agricultural conditions such as water, temperature and soil had a tremendous influence on the levels, and even the best types of broccoli varied from year to year. In addition, there is no visual sign that allows consumers to identify which broccoli is the “best broccoli.” The study was published in the “Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.”
Fortunately, there is a solution: broccoli sprouts. These same scientists at Johns Hopkins found that 3-day old broccoli plants — baby sprouts — naturally contained at least 20 times the concentration of the long lasting antioxidant SGS. And, because sprouts are grown indoors with only light and water and from particular selected seeds, with sprouts, consumers can be sure they are receiving a consistent amount of SGS.
“Among the varieties of broccoli that are available, the most potent are selected and used to grow BroccoSprouts. In addition, BroccoSprouts are regularly tested to ensure the content of SGS,” stated Johns Hopkins scientist Dr. Jed Fahey, who teamed with an USDA researcher to conduct the study. Because of this, the consumer can be sure that each ounce of BroccoSprouts contains the same amount of SGS as found in one and one-quarter pounds of average adult broccoli — a 20-times concentration!
Only BroccoSprouts broccoli sprouts are patented and licensed from Johns Hopkins University and are grown under strict conditions to ensure potency and quality. BroccoSprouts have a zesty taste and make a delicious addition to sandwiches, salads, soups, omelets and other fresh vegetable dishes.
BroccoSprouts are available in the fresh produce section of most major supermarkets across the country including Safeway, Kroger, King Soopers, Wegman’s, SuperFresh, Whole Foods, Dominick’s, Jewel, Albertson’s, Shaw’s, and Harris-Teeter. For more information on availability, please call toll-free 877-747-1277 or check www.broccosprouts.com. A four-ounce package (4 servings) costs about $2.99. Nineteen growers nationwide are certified by BroccoSprouts to produce the sprouts on a daily basis in local markets.
