In recent years, the importance of a healthy diet for our overall health and longevity has become increasingly prominent. Scientific research has shown that certain nutrients and compounds in foods can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage, which are linked to 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, what foods contain the molecule, and what effect the molecule might 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 is included. It is produced by the combination of two compounds called glucoraphanin and myrosinasepresent 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 form sulforaphane. This process can also be triggered by heating, when the heat breaks down the cell walls of the vegetables and releases the two compounds.
Sulforaphane is a strong antioxidant and a significant anti-inflammatory agent, which means it can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Both are factors that are associated with a variety of diseases and aging processes. But before we take a closer look at the molecule, let's take a look at the 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 secondary plant substances and are receiving more and more attention due to their health-promoting effects. They are also known as mustard oil glycosides Glucoraphanin has a distinctive 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 removing the sulfoxy group. Therefore, glucoraphanin is used in innovative dietary supplements combined with myrosinase (activator enzyme)The conversion of glucoraphanin to sulforaphane mainly takes place in the gastrointestinal tract. We will explain exactly what the activator enzyme myrosinase is in the next section.
What is myrosinase?
Myrosinase is an enzyme that 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 can be destroyed due to heat or pH changes, reducing the conversion of glucoraphanin to the target molecule. For this reason It is recommended to cook cruciferous vegetables gently or eat them rawto ensure that sufficient myrosinase is present to ensure the conversion of glucoraphanin to sulforaphane. Alternatively You can use a combination of glucoraphanin and myrosinase as a dietary supplement take.
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 the fight against oxidative stress When sulforaphane is absorbed into the body, it activates this signaling pathway by interacting with certain proteins in 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 the Health. On the one hand it protects cells from oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals and can lead to cell damage, inflammation and disease. On the other hand, it helps in the detoxification of harmful substancesthat may be present in the body. By activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, various protective mechanisms are activated 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 through food alone. absorption of sulforaphane is more complex than it appears at first glance. Sulforaphane in its pure form is very unstable and usually does not reach our body or is destroyed on the way to 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 coated with an enteric coatingOnly in this way can the highly pure and bioactive vital substance fully develop its effect in the body. Our Sulforapro is an innovative molecular complex of the sulforaphane precursor glucoraphanin and its activator enzyme myrosinase, combined with natural broccoli extract.
