Broccoli is the main source of a natural compound called sulforaphane, the active chemical which is believed to offer some protection from cancer. But, if you are among the fifty per cent of the population lacking the GSTM1 gene, your body might be getting less protection from broccoli according to the research conducted at UK’s Institute of Food Research (IFR).
Super broccoli contains 3.4 times more sulforaphane than standard varieties. It has been developed by traditional plant breeding methods.
Lead scientist on the new research, Professor Richard Mithen of the IFR, said: “Eating a few portions of broccoli each week may help to reduce the risk of cancer. Some individuals, who lack a gene called GSTM1, appear to get less cancer protection from broccoli than those who have the gene.
“Our studies suggest that this may be because if you lack the gene you cannot retain any sulforaphane inside your body, it is all excreted within a few hours. However, if you consume larger portions of broccoli, or broccoli with higher levels of sulforaphane, such as the ‘super broccoli’, you may be able to retain as much sulforaphane in your body as those who have the gene. Eating larger portions may have additional benefits since broccoli is also a rich source of other vitamins and minerals”.
Read more at Institute of Food Research…