Studies around the compound sulforaphane, which is found in certain microgreens, show that it can reduce the risk of common cancers3. Sulforaphane may block the initiation stage in carcinogenesis by inhibiting enzymes that convert procarcinogens to carcinogens and inducing phase 2 enzymes that metabolize carcinogens to facilitate excretion6. Microgreens in the Brassicaceae family contain such compounds that may protect against cancers4. Brassica5 vegetables (also known as cruciferous vegetables) include broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and mustard plants. In these studies, sulforaphane was shown to have anticancer effects3 against prostate, breast, and urinary cancers in preclinical studies, but more research is still needed in this area. Sprouted broccoli seeds were shown to have an abundance of this compound7.
A 2012 study8 conducted by the University of Maryland and the United States Department of Agriculture looked at 25 different kinds of microgreens. They found 4 to 40 times higher amounts of beneficial nutrients in microgreens - including cruciferous veggies - when compared to mature plants. For example, red cabbage microgreens had 40 times more vitamin E and 6X more ascorbic acid than regular cabbage.
We look forward to more in-depth studies on how microgreens can play a significant role in contributing to health and wellness in all areas and encourage you to explore the scientific literature!