In recent years, the importance of a healthy diet for our overall health and longevity has become increasingly important. Scientific research has shown that certain nutrients and compounds in foods can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage associated with a variety of chronic diseases. One such compound that has received a lot of attention recently is sulforaphane. In this MoleQlar post, we'll explore what sulforaphane is, which foods contain the molecule and what effect the molecule could have on our longevity.
What is sulforaphane
Sulforaphane is a completely natural compound found in certain cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage . It is produced by the combination of two compounds called glucoraphanin and myrosinasethat are present in the cells of these vegetables. When the cells of broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables are damaged - for example, when they are chopped or chewed - a chemical reaction occurs in which glucoraphanin (precursor) and myrosinase (activating enzyme) come together to produce sulforaphane. This process can also be triggered by heating, when the heat breaks the cell walls of the vegetables and releases the two compounds.
Sulforaphane is a powerful antioxidant and a significant anti-inflammatory, which means it can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Both are factors associated with a variety of diseases and ageing processes. But before we take a closer look at the molecule, let's take a look at the aforementioned precursor glucoraphanin and the activator enzyme myrosinase. Why? These two substances form the basis for the formation of sulforaphane and are therefore particularly important.
What is glucoraphanin
Glucoraphanin belongs to the family of glucosinolates, which are known as secondary plant substances and are attracting increasing attention due to their health-promoting effects. They are also known as mustard oil glycosides . Glucoraphanin has a characteristic molecular structure consisting of a glucose molecule and a sulfur-containing molecule called a sulfoxy group. When glucoraphanin is activated by enzymes, it converts to sulforaphane by cleaving off the sulfoxy group. This is why glucoraphanin is used in innovative food supplements combined with myrosinase (activator enzyme). The conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane mainly takes place in the gastrointestinal tract. We explain exactly what the activator enzyme myrosinase is in the next section.
What is myrosinase
Myrosinase is an enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane . Without myrosinase, glucoraphanin could not be converted into sulforaphane. During cooking of cruciferous vegetables, the myrosinase enzyme may be destroyed due to heat or pH changes, reducing the conversion of glucoraphanin into the target molecule. For this reason it is recommended to gently cook cruciferous vegetables or consume them rawto ensure that sufficient myrosinase is present to ensure the conversion of glucoraphanin to sulforaphane. Alternatively you can take a combination of glucoraphanin and myrosinase as a dietary supplement .
What is the Nrf2 signaling pathway?
Nrf2 is a transcription factor that plays a key role in regulating the expression of genes involved in detoxification of harmful substances and combating oxidative stress . When sulforaphane is absorbed into the body, it activates this signaling pathway by interacting with certain proteins in the cells and stimulating their release from the cytoplasm (cell water) into the cell nucleus.
The Nrf2 signaling pathway has a number of positive effects on health. On the one hand it protects the cells from oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals and can lead to cell damage, inflammation and disease. It also helps to detoxify harmful substancesthat may be present in the body. Activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway therefore activates various protective mechanisms in the body. Sounds good? Okay. But what is the best way to take sulforaphane now?
Why should you take sulforaphane in capsule form?
Although the best sources of sulforaphane are cruciferous vegetables, it can be difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of the bioactive molecule from food alone. The absorption of sulforaphane is more complex than it appears at first glance. Sulforaphane in its pure form is very unstable and generally does not reach our body or is already destroyed on its way into the intestine. The combination of glucoraphanin and myrosinase mimics the natural formation of activated sulforaphane in our digestive tract. To prevent stomach acid from attacking the molecular structures, the capsule is coated with an enteric coating . This is the only way the highly pure and bioactive vital substance can fully unfold its effect in the body. Our Sulforapro is an innovative molecular complex consisting of the sulforaphane precursor glucoraphanin and its activator enzyme myrosinase, combined with natural broccoli extract.
