Broccoli Extract

Prevent Skin Damage with Broccoli Extract

There is good news for fans of broccoli. Recent studies in the U.S. showed that broccoli also help skin cells fend off damage from the hazards of ultraviolet radiation (UV). The results of this study appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Explained Dr. Paul Talalay
of Johns Hopkins University, sprouted broccoli seed extract may reduce skin redness and damage by more than a third. "But this is not a sunscreen," Talalay said, as quoted by Reuters. This is only extracts help fortify skin cells to counteract the effects of UV radiation.

Together with his team, Talalay tested against six people with various doses in some small areas of skin. Sections were then exposed to short wave UV radiation sufficient cause varying degree burns. They then compared the redness on the skin and are not treated. At the highest dose, the extract reduced redness and swelling on average by 37 percent, and long-term effects. Two days after treatment was stopped, the effect is still visible.

This effect varied widely among the volunteers, the protection obtained from dri 8 to 78 percent depending on genetic differences. "What we have shown is important because it also works in humans," Talalay said. Nevertheless, he suggests further research is still needed on how this should be applied to humans.

"Unlike sunscreens that provide a physical barrier against UV rays by absorbing, blocking or scatter the light, the extract helped increase the production of protective enzymes that defend the skin against UV-related damage," he said. Especially in people with immune system problems, such as in transplant patients. Still, the extract is not a substitute for sunscreen. For 15 years, Talalay has studied sulforafane, components in the extract of broccoli sprouts. The results of this study indicate that the developments are given a cancer-causing material can be prevented.