If you’re interested in nutrition, you’re likely familiar with the term cruciferous vegetable and have probably even heard of sulforaphane.
What do these two terms have in common? Glucosinolates.
Glucosinolates “are natural components of many pungent plants such as mustard, cabbage, and horseradish,” that provide a defense mechanism for plants “against pests and diseases, and impart a characteristic bitter flavor property of cruciferous vegetables.” While providing a defense mechanism for your favorite cruciferous veggies, glucosinolates are also superstar compounds for human health. As your digestive system breaks down cruciferous vegetables, “the glucosinolates contained in them are broken down into compounds called metabolites,” which are naturally occurring “substances that affect the pace of metabolism and trigger specific enzymatic reactions to help protect your cells from damage,” in particular these glucosinolates help protect against “damage that leads to cancer.”
The effects of glucosinolates to protect and fight cancer have been confirmed in various studies. In 2009, the National Cancer Institute, “reviewed 31 epidemiological studies into the association between cruciferous vegetable intake and lung cancer risk and concluded that high intake may decrease the risk by anywhere from 17 percent to 23 percent.” In 2012, a study conducted by the Department of Epidemiology at the Institute of Pharmacological Research in Italy, “further reported that the regular intake of cruciferous foods offered between a 17 percent and 23 percent reduction in the risk of colorectal, breast, kidney, esophageal, and oropharyngeal (mouth and throat) cancers.”
It’s painfully obvious that getting glucosinolates into your body is a great way to reduce your risk of cancer, yet how do you go about getting this vital component in a potent form on a regular basis?
Luckily, many trusted supplement companies have formulated vegan-friendly versions of glucosinolate compounds using potent and natural extracts from cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and broccoli sprouts, as well as Peruvian maca root, which has been shown to have glucosinolate compounds as well.
Thorne Research is one of the most trusted supplement companies offering high-quality, vegan and vegetarian-friendly supplements. This Thorne Research Sulforaphane Glucosinolate (SGS) Broccoli Seed Extract supplement offers indirect antioxidant support that provides long-lasting, free radical damage cell protection and helps activate the body’s natural detoxification enzymes. Yet, this supplement isn’t a one and done, these antioxidants continue to provide protection days after consumption! This supplement is free of flavors, colors, preservatives, stearates, and sweeteners, as well as free of gluten, GMO’s, wheat, rye, barley, eggs, nuts, yeast, corn, soy, sugar, and dairy. A 60-capsule bottle costs $54.15.
Sizzle says “New packaging for a product that I have been a faithful user of. The information on the bottle is the same as the product I used, including the statement that it is made with licensing with the patent holder. The expiration date is way in the future so it is not something that has sat around. SGS is costly and there might be another product that is of this quality with a higher dosage, but the only one I found did not answer my phone inquiry so I stayed with this one. Thorne seems a quality producer. There is good basic science on SGS. It is recommended by a nutritionist that I highly respect. One would have to eat a ton of broccoli to get this dosage.”
This Newco Natural Technology BroccoGen 10 Sulforaphane Glucosinolate uses a unique blend of naturally sourced, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly glucosinolate sulforaphane. This supplement focuses on decreasing the risk of “cardiovascular disease, increases enzyme activity which promotes age-defying and anti-inflammatory properties, detoxifies and protects skin and increases cellular integrity.” Yet, this supplement doesn’t stop there! Newco Natural promises that this supplement will boost immune system support, protect from oxidative stress and inflammation, and will provide a total body detox. A 60-capsule bottle costs $29.15.
Jarrow is one of the trusted vegan and vegetarian supplement brands offering a wide array of animal-product-free alternatives. This Jarrow Formulas BroccoMax supports antioxidant and cellular protection with a potent and concentrated dose of broccoli seed-sourced glucosinolate sulforaphane. Jarrow promises its supplement to be free of unwanted solvents. A 60-capsule bottle costs $17.37.
Brian says “I bought this to see if it would help with my type 2 diabetes after reading about clinical trials that linked (concentrated from broccoli) sulfurophane to lowered blood glucose levels. I started with one capsule in the evening but after a week I had detected little improvement in my numbers so I upped to 3 capsules per day and that made a huge difference for me; possibly because I’m a large person. I’m reordering now!”
This BioImmersion Glucosinolates & Sulforaphanes gets its powerhouse glucosinolate sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts, the richest source of this cancer-fighting compound! Each of BioImmersion’s vegan and vegetarian-friendly capsules offers 500-milligrams of glucosinolate sulforaphane sourced from organic broccoli sprouts. This supplement is free of fillers, binders, flow agents, GMO’s, yeast, sugar, gluten, nuts, and artificial preservatives. A 120-capsule bottle costs $59.74.
If supplements are not your jam, try out this Health Ranger Select Organic Broccoli Sprout Powder. This vegan-friendly broccoli sprout powder is certified USDA organic, certified kosher, and gluten-free. Add a scoop to your favorite smoothie in order to fight free radical damage, protect against oxidative stress, and support your immune system. This powder will also promote normal gut health, strong bones, youthful joints, and healthy aging! A 4-ounce jar costs $39.95.
If you’re looking for a little something more than just glucosinolate or sulforaphane, try out a mixture of healthy compounds such as in this Nutri Superfoods Raw, Organic, Vegan Maca Powder. Testing has identified that Peruvian maca root is high in glucosinolates and it also happens to be an adaptogenic compound! This vegan-friendly, raw, maca powder will boost energy levels without stressing your adrenals, increase libido, improve mood, reduce anxiety and stress, and strengthen cognitive focus. This product is certified organic and is free of sugar, gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, artificial additives, preservatives, and GMO’s. A 250-gram bag costs $9.15.
bee says “Lovely with smoothies makes it taste nice n creamy but not milky. Love the taste n flavor it gives to shakes and the amount of nutrients it puts into the body. Better than an energy drink.”
It’s all in the name with this brand! This Nature’s Answer Brocco Glutathione sources its glucosinolates from organic broccoli sprouts, which “have been shown to supply the body with up to 100x more glucoraphanin than mature broccoli.” This supplement provides powerful antioxidants that decrease oxidative stress, increase natural killer cells, and boosts glutathione levels — a compound that supports healthy aging. This product is vegan and vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free! A 60-capsule bottle costs $25.33.
Risa Simon says “Outstanding. Also, use to ward off viruses!”
For those protein shake and smoothie lovers, this is another glucosinolate-rich powder that will amplify your power drink! This BulkSupplements Broccoli Extract Powder offers various health benefits including boosting heart health, lowering cholesterol, improving digestive system function, and even protecting your skin! This vegan and vegetarian-friendly powder is sourced from broccoli flowers and stems and is lab-tested for quality and purity. A 100-gram bag costs $12.96.
Mav2Knight says “As someone who has worked out for decades, I’m always revamping my supplement list. I eat a lot of cruciferous veggies and wanted to add some additional sulforaphane. This works great and even better if you take with some mustard for the myrosinase enzyme which unlocks it. Have used Bulk Supplements for other supps and have been happy with them.”
This BlueBonnet Broccoli Active supplement offers a potent 500-milligram dose of naturally-occurring glucosinolate sulforaphane in a kosher certified, vegan and vegetarian-friendly blend. This supplement focuses on supporting healthy immune system functioning. BlueBonnet is proud to offer a supplement free of soy, gluten, GMO’s, and dairy, as well as most allergic compound such as egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, corn, yeast, barley, and rice. This product is also free of added sodium and sugar. A 60-capsule bottle costs $18.36.
cheesecake99 says “I searched to find broccoli and it is so hard to find. Anyway, I decided to try this one and it is an excellent product. I am thinking of reordering because the first bottle is finished.”
Gaia Herbs is one of the most trusted supplement brands offering an array of organic vegan and vegetarian-friendly supplements. This Gaia Herbs Vegan Maca Root supplement uses a unique formula of caffeine-free organic Peruvian red, yellow, and black maca root for a powerful dose of adaptogenic superfood! This supplement aims to balance hormone levels, boost energy, and support a healthy libido. Peruvian maca root has also been found to be one of the natural sources of cancer-fighting glucosinolate. This easily digestible capsule is certified organic, non-GMO, and is free of gluten, soy, dairy, meat, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, yeast, and eggs. A 60-capsule bottle costs $12.91.
Josh P. Prewitt says “I was skeptical that this would work. It took about 2 weeks and now night sweats, insomnia, and heart racking are gone. I’m sold!”
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