365 Ways #107–Broccoli as Sun Screen

#107–Specific compounds found in broccoli sprouts were found in experimental mice to decrease the damage caused by UV radiation to skin thus decreasing the likely hood of developing skin cancer. Skin tumors that did develop on some of the mice were up to 70% smaller than those that developed on the mice that were not fed the broccoli compounds.

Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, contain high levels of the active plant chemicals known as glucosinolates. These are metabolized by the body into isothiocyanates, which are known to be powerful anti-carcinogens. The main isothiocyanate from broccoli is sulphoraphane.