Powerful veggie improves brain function and mood

This won’t be the first time I tell you to eat your vegetables—especially cruciferous ones, like kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

And it certainly won’t be the last.

Still, I just had to share this latest research for anyone who needed reminding of how can be strong medicine.

Because as it turns out, one of those veggies I mention above can IMPROVE your brain function… and your mood.

Natural brain support

Researchers from Tohoku University and Kagome Co., Ltd., found broccoli can increase processing speed and reduce feelings of negativity.

More specifically, these benefits are linked to a natural compound of the green veggie called sulforaphane.

For the study, nearly 150 participants were randomly given either a sulforaphane supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks.

Meanwhile, researchers analyzed cognitive function, mood, and brain biomarkers both before and after supplementation.

Ultimately, processing speed increased nearly 5 percent—and the measure of negative mood improved significantly— in the sulforaphane group, compared to placebo.

Boost your health organically

What does this mean for you?

Well, I encourage you to include broccoli as part of your diet. It’s a nutritional powerhouse.

Of course, to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients possible from it, you’ll want to opt for organic, fresh, and raw. This contains the most myrosinaseؙ—an enzyme that activates sulforaphane. (Broccoli that’s been pre-packaged, frozen, or overcooked might not contain a single trace of this enzyme.)

In addition, be sure to chop it up about five minutes before you plan to eat. (This activates myrosinase, which activates and boosts sulforaphane content.)

And if you’re going to cook your broccoli, take it easy. A light steam on the stovetop (never the microwave) for five minutes or so—just enough to make your broccoli slightly tender—is all you need.

Not a broccoli fan? I’ve still got you covered. Opt for supplementation—sulforaphane is usually a 0.33 percent concentration in a 250 mg pill.

Finally, don’t be scared to experiment with cruciferous veggies, either. On this Cooking with Dr. Fred Show, I tried something new: Broccoli latkes.

Enjoy!

Until next week,
Dr. Fred

Source:

“Broccoli compound may boost cognitive function and mood in older adults: RCT.” Nutra-ingredients, 08/16/2022. (nutraingredients.com/Article/2022/08/16/Broccoli-compound-may-boost-cognitive-function-and-mood-in-older-adults-RCT)


CLOSE
CLOSE