Can Broccoli Protect Us From UV Rays?

The Answer: Maybe 

A study published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences  has found that an extract from three-day-old broccoli sprouts, sulforaphane, rubbed on skin produces significant long-lasting protection against the burns caused by ultraviolet radiation.  The extract may work by provoking an increase in a protective enzyme produced by the skin cells. This reaction requires days to develop, but it continues to work after the substance is washed off.

Though it is too soon to start rubbing broccoli sprouts on our skin before a venture to the beach, we are excited to see further research on the topic.  In addition, it is interesting to consider what other human organs might be protected by this or similar compounds.

Don’t like broccoli?  Don’t worry too much.  The same chemical is found in many vegetables, including brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, collards, broccoli sprouts, chinese broccoli, broccoli raab, kohlrabi, mustard, turnip, radish, rocket, and watercress.  Broccoli does, of the cruciferous vegetables, have the highest concentration of sulforaphane.