Touchdown! Sulforaphane Scores Another One!
Prevention and treatment for the common cold AND covid-19? -New study shows potential.
Sulforaphane is a powerful little compound found in vegetables. It is most abundant in the brassicas family, including broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous veggies.
To learn more about sulforaphane and why you should be including sulforaphane rich foods in your diet, read this article published in Illumination by yours truly:
In addition to all the extraordinary health benefits, this new study released by Johns Hopkins Children’s Center shows that sulforaphane may help prevent and treat illness caused by some coronaviruses, including Covid-19.
The study showed that the plant-derived chemical sulforaphane, known as a phytochemical, can impede the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, and other coronaviruses, including the common cold.
Studies have only been done in-vitro(cells in test tubes) and in mice, so more research will need to be conducted on humans to verify the results.
I have not had a cold in years and have never contracted Covid-19. Could it be the broccoli sprouts I eat every day? Hmmm. I wonder…
Honestly, I am well aware there is more to building a healthy immune system than munching on some sprouts, but it doesn’t diminish their power, right?
Let’s Get Back To The Study
The researchers used sulforaphane before infection of SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43(common cold virus) and after infection. In both scenarios, the replication was significantly reduced.
Further studies showed a statistically significant decrease in the viral load in the lungs and upper respiratory tract as well as the amount of lung damage compared with infected mice that did not receive sulforaphane. A decrease in inflammation in the lungs was also noted, which seemed to be one of the main factors in so many deaths attributed to Covid-19.
The researchers also investigated the effects of sulforaphane when used in conjunction with the antiviral drug Remdesivir. They found a synergistic effect meaning they could use lower doses of sulforaphane and Remdesivir with positive outcomes. These studies were performed on humans and demonstrated reduced recovery time and shorter hospitalizations.
You may want to think twice before you run out and buy a sulforaphane supplement. Our food is the safest and most beneficial way to obtain these unique compounds and nutrients.
I am not an MD or nutritionist and am not providing nutrition or medical advice. The information discussed in this article is my interpretation of information solely based on my research. Please discuss any supplements or dietary changes with your healthcare provider.
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