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There are countless recipes circulating the internet that center around broccoli. Sure, broccoli has a lot of wonderful health benefits. But broccoli sprouts, the young form of the common cruciferous vegetable, are even more impressive in many ways. Broccoli sprouts are typically only a few days old and their seeds have only just begun to germinate. Despite being young, these little greens boast numerous powerful properties.

The most relevant benefit of broccoli sprouts is their ability to enhance immune function. They contain sulforaphane – a natural bioactive compound that helps to activate the immune system against viruses. In a clinical study conducted in 2016, subjects were given a flu vaccine and half of the subjects were given a broccoli sprout shake to drink each day. Those who drank the shake proved to have more effective immune protection against viruses.

Along with boosting immune function, broccoli sprouts are also loaded with antioxidants, such as glucoraphanin, that help your body fight illnesses and prevent cancer. Broccoli sprouts are significantly more effective in protecting the body against cancer than mature broccoli. The compounds within these impressive sprouts can also help to balance hormones, improve insulin resistance, reduce symptoms of PMS, support digestion, and may even restore a brain chemistry imbalance linked to schizophrenia.

I recommend adding raw sprouts to smoothies or using them to top salads and avocado toast, because they lose nutritional quality when they are cooked.

 

Broccoli Sprout Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond or soy milk (or other dairy or nondairy milk of choice)
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
  • 1 handful broccoli sprouts (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • Optional: Add 1 tsp honey for sweetness

Directions: Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth


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