Evidence supporting the use of: Broccoli
For the health condition: Free Radical Damage

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Broccoli is scientifically supported as beneficial in combating free radical damage, primarily due to its high content of antioxidants. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage and contributing to chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. Broccoli contains several potent antioxidants, including vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, and especially sulforaphane—a sulfur-containing compound formed when broccoli is chopped or chewed.

Numerous peer-reviewed studies have highlighted sulforaphane’s capacity to activate endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms. For instance, sulforaphane induces the expression of phase II detoxification enzymes via the Nrf2 pathway, enhancing the body’s ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, broccoli’s vitamin C content directly scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative damage.

Clinical studies and epidemiological data suggest that regular consumption of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables is associated with reduced biomarkers of oxidative stress and lower risk of diseases linked to free radical damage. While most research has been conducted in vitro or in animal models, several human studies have also demonstrated increases in antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced oxidative DNA damage following broccoli consumption.

In summary, the use of broccoli to support the body against free radical damage is strongly supported by scientific evidence, especially due to its antioxidant-rich profile and the well-documented effects of sulforaphane and other phytochemicals present in the vegetable.

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Other ingredients used for Free Radical Damage

7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
acai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
alpha-carotene
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
amino acids
anthocyanins
apricot
ascorbyl palmitate
astaxanthin
astragalus
basil
berry flavor
beta-carotene
beta-tocopherol
bilberry
black currant
black garlic
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
broccoli
brussel sprouts
caffeine
camu camu
catalase
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cauliflower
chokeberry
chrysin
coconut milk
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cryptoxanthin
turmeric
delta-tocopherol
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
flavonols
fruit blend (proprietary)
ginseng
grape
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
guarana
hesperetin
hesperidin
HMR lignan
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
lentinula edodes mycelia
lutein
matcha
melatonin
mixed carotenoids
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
phenolic acids
phospholipids
pine bark
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
raspberry
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
selenium
spirulina
strawberry
ubiquinol
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
papaya
bee pollen
lingzhi
ferulic acid
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
polyphenols
fulvic acid
wheat germ
goji berry
algae
cocoa
1,2-di-galloyl-4,6hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
3-Isomangostin
5,7-Dimethoxyflavone
7,4-Dimethoxyflavone
Amethoflavone
Ankaflavin
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Auricularia
Autumn Olive
Antirrhinin
Avocado
Amentoflavone
Acacetin
Allophycocyanin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ascorbigen
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Acer Truncatum bunge
anthocyanosides
Argan nut oil
Apocarotenal
Apocynin
Arctiin
Arjunolic acid
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bok Choy
Baccosides
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Benfotiamine
Basidiomycota
Betanin
berry
Brazil nut
boysenberry
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
Bioflavonoids
bacoside
Baicalin
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Carnosine
Chebulic acid
Cashew
Cichoric acid
Chocolate
Capsorubin
Carnosol
Cupric ascorbate
C-Phycocyanin
Carotene (unspecified)
Chebulinic acid
Crocetin
Canthaxanthin
Crypthecodinium
Capsanthin
Carnosic acid
Dunaliella salina
Dismutase
Delphinidin
Dunaliella
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dumontiaceae
Desoxyrhaponticin
Dragon Fruit
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
Dihydrolipoic Acid
Diosmetin
Ellagic Acid
Emblicanin
Ecklonia
walnut