A leading doctor has revealed that one food is up to 100 times more potent in battling cancer. Dr Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist and best-selling author, made the revelation while speaking on the Zoe Science and Nutrition podcast, highlighting the extraordinary anti-cancer properties of this easily accessible food.
What’s more, it’s possible to cultivate this superfood at home without needing a garden, and it’s incredibly cost-effective.
“Sprouting is unlocking nature’s code for germination, which is where the seed turns into a plant,” explained Dr Bulsiewicz during his appearance on the podcast.
“We unlock it with soaking, the seed opens up and out comes this shoot, this plant. And with it you have massive, dramatic growth of fibre, of protein… vitamins, you have a microbiome of that plant.
“And you also get phytochemicals [chemical compounds found in plants that can have health benefits for humans]. An example of this is broccoli sprouts, which are known to contain 50-100 times greater density of sulforaphane [than normal broccoli], which is the cancer-fighting phytochemical. So if you want to get more of this sulforaphane, the absolute best way to get this is by sprouting broccoli seeds.”
The power of sulforaphane, a naturally occurring compound, in combating cancer was put to the test in a clinical trial published in 2019, reports Surrey Live. During the study, men with prostate cancer consumed broccoli soup weekly for one year.
Some participants had soup enriched with higher levels of glucoraphin (which the body transforms into sulforaphane). Subsequent analysis was conducted on their cancer cells.
Researchers discovered that men who consumed broccoli soup with enhanced glucoraphanin levels experienced reduced cancer growth compared to those who had regular broccoli soup. The study concluded that the enriched broccoli soup “did affect cell changes and may help stop prostate cancer growing”, but emphasized the need for further trials.
How to do ‘sprouting’ at home
Sprouting foods at home is a straightforward process. Begin by soaking a cup of seeds or lentils in a jar of water overnight, covering the opening with a perforated lid or cloth.
The next day, rinse the seeds or lentils and place the jar at an angle on a draining board to allow them to drain. Rinse them daily for a couple of days, and they will start to sprout.
Carleigh Bodrug, a bestselling author specializing in plant-based food, recommends those who are new to sprouting starting with lentils, which are readily available and affordable at supermarkets. She advises: “You will know when they are ready to eat because they are bright green and really tender. You can top them on a salad, eat them by the handful, put them on soups, they are so delicious. If you start with a cup of lentils, you will have a full jar in two or three days.”
