While all vegetables contain healthful nutrients, cruciferous vegetables provide three of the most important plant compounds for human health! These phytochemicals have been extensively researched with thousands of publications describing their efficacy in the activation of the immune system and the prevention and treatment of cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, acne, neurodegenerative disorders, and various other diseased states. Read on to discover what these nutrients are, the best sources of them, and how they can protect you from aging and disease.
What They Are
The three compounds that provide all these amazing benefits are - Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), 3,3’-diindolylmethane (DIM), and sulforaphane. They are all sulfur-containing and found naturally in cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, turnip, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and kale. I3C is formed from a substance called glucobrassicin, and DIM is a compound derived from the digestion of I3C. Sulforaphane is a small molecule that occurs in stored form as glucoraphanin in cruciferous vegetables and it’s converted into sulforaphane in the body by the enzyme myrosinase.
Immune Supporting Benefits
These 3 phytochemicals stimulate the immune system so it can properly defend against the development of diseases. Studies show they have broad antimicrobial properties and they help regulate inflammation which plays a vital role in the immune response Researchers at University of California - Berkeley found a 10 micromolar dose of DIM doubled the number of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell that help the body fight infections by killing or engulfing pathogens. For reference a large plateful of broccoli yields approximately 5-10 micromolar of DIM. I3C has been found particularly effective against fungal infections and food poisoning. And preliminary research suggests I3C supplementation may be beneficial in treating conditions related to human papillomavirus infection, such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
Cell Protecting and Chronic Disease Fighting Benefits
I3C, DIM and sulforaphane are three of the most potent naturally occurring inducers of cytoprotective enzymes, which are enzymes that provide protection to cells against toxic agents. They slow down the aging process by protecting cells and DNA from damage, fight inflammation, aid in weight loss and help cells repair themselves. They also protect against pathologies impacted by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), helping prevent damage to the brain, kidneys, liver, heart, and muscles. Studies suggest sulforaphane is particularly beneficial in protecting against cardiovascular disease, and may help autism, asthma, radiation dermatitis, schizophrenia, and osteoporosis.
Cancer-Fighting Benefits
These three phytochemicals have been shown to halt the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in various ways. They increase the production of important antioxidants and activate vital detoxification enzymes called xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. These enzymes play a major role in regulating oxidative damage and the mutagenic effects of chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). They also activate Nrf2 which eliminates carcinogens and other toxins before they can cause the type of damage that drives cancer and many other types of chronic disease. And finally, they help regulate the metabolism of hormones that fuel hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate, uterine, and ovarian cancer.
How to Receive All the Benefits
You can receive some of the disease-fighting benefits of these three compounds by including cruciferous vegetables in your diet. However, you would have to eat them regularly, in large quantities, and uncooked because heat inactivates the myrosinase enzyme that is needed for their absorption.
Supplementing with these plant compounds is far easier, and a high-quality supplement will provide them in doses that surpass what you could eat in a day. Our supplement, EstroBlock for instance, contains the same amount of DIM and I3C in just one serving as you would find in 2 lbs of raw cruciferous vegetables. Although we called it EstroBlock for its potent ability to metabolize harmful estrogens, it's benefits extend to all of the positive effects of these plant compounds mentioned above. And thanks to its estrogen reducing properties, it also helps to reverse stubborn hormonal acne, eliminate man boobs, and melt away belly fat.
If you are overweight or you want to increase your protection even further, try taking our EstroBlock Pro formula. This triple strength formula not only contains a higher dose of DIM and I3C, it also contains wasabi root which is a natural source of the enzyme myrosinase. Researchers have found these nutrients work synergistically, and the addition of wasabi significantly boosts their cancer-fighting power and ensures that absorption takes place in the upper part of the digestive system where you'll get the maximum health benefits.