Like It or Not: Broccoli May Be Good for Your Gut
For the broccoli haters of the
world, I have some sad news for you. Researchers have found that the vegetable
may help promote a healthy gut.
In a study done at Penn State, when
mice ate broccoli with their regular diet, they were better able to tolerate
any digestive issues similar to symptoms of leaky gut and colitis better than
mice that were not placed on a broccoli-supplemented diet. Brussel sprouts and
cauliflower also have similar properties that help gut health.
There are lots of reasons for
exploring gut health. One is that if you have problems, it can lead to other
conditions. Keeping your gut healthy and making sure you have a good barrier
functions is the way to keep this from occurring.
Good intestinal barrier function
means that the gastrointestinal tract is helping protect the intestines from
toxins and harmful microorganisms, while allowing the nutrients to pass. The
key to this process is a receptor in the gut called Aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
This receptor helps the body regulate its reaction to certain contaminants, as
well as triggers other responses to toxin exposure.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli,
brussels sprouts, and cabbage all contain an organic compound called indole
glucosinolates, which break down into other compounds, like indolocarbzole, in
the stomach.
When the indolocarbzole binds and
activates the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the intestinal lining, it aids in
maintaining a healthy balance in the gut flora and enhances host barrier
function. This may help prevent diseases, such as cancers and Crohn’s disease,
caused by inflammation in the lining of the gut.
So, about three and a half cups of
broccoli every day is about the recommended amount that the researchers have
determined. It may sound like a lot, but in reality, it’s not a huge amount.
So, go eat some broccoli!
Hubbard, T. D., Murray, I. A.,
Nichols, R. G., Cassel, K., Podolsky, M., Kuzu, G., ... & Perdew, G. H.
(2017). Dietary broccoli impacts microbial community structure and attenuates
chemically induced colitis in mice in an Ah receptor dependent manner. Journal
of Functional Foods, 37, 685-698.
A friend of mine recently was diagnosed with Crohn's disease so I wonder if introducing these into his diet now will have a beneficial effect. I really liked the structure of this blog seems like something that would be in a food or health magazine.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good thing that I like broccoli because I HATE Brussel sprouts and cauliflower. I think it is really cool that eating healthy can prevent diseases! Good blog!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post, I found it to be quite informative, I always knew eating broccoli was good for me but I never knee it would aid in maintaining the function of my gastro0entestinal tract. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWhile growing up we were always told to eat vegetables to grow big and strong. Its crazy to think that certain foods can protect your body from so much and so many people still choose not to eat it. I am one of those people. I eat straight trash all the time and I know the effects its having on body. I need to make some changes.
ReplyDelete