Friday, September 3, 2010

Skirt Ulcers with This Salad Topper


By RealAge

There's a crazy-nutritious salad-bar topper that may have the power to thwart ulcer-causing bacteria: We're talking about broccoli sprouts.
In a study of people infected with the stomach bug H. pylori -- the bacteria linked to ulcers -- those who ate broccoli sprouts daily for 8 weeks had fewer signs of the bug and less stomach inflammation compared with another group who were given alfalfa sprouts.
Inflammation Fighter
Researchers credit the sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts for the impressive study results. Sulforaphane is a powerful plant compound with innate antibacterial properties. And broccoli sprouts may help protect stomachs in yet another way: by ramping up protective enzymes in stomach cells that help defend against damage. (Add an olive-oil-based dressing to your salad for even more H. pylori protection.Here's why it works.)
A Little Does a Lot
The group didn't have to go overboard on the sprouts to reap benefits, either. Just 1/3 cup daily did the trick. Probably because broccoli sprouts are so packed with sulforaphane. One-third of a cup of broccoli sprouts boasts the same amount of sulforaphane that's in two to three servings of broccoli. That's one potent little sprout! (Not all bugs are bad. Find out what foods have beneficial bact

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