Broccoli Protects Skin From Sun Damage
Broccoli Extract Reduces Redness, Inflammation Caused by Sun Exposure
WebMD News Archive
Oct. 22, 2007 -- Add sunscreen to the list of broccoli’s health benefits. A
new study suggests the potent vegetable may help protect the skin from sun
Researchers found the compound sulforaphane, which is derived from broccoli
sprouts, reduces the skin redness and inflammation caused by exposure to
ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Repeated sunburns are linked to a higher risk of skin cancer, and
researchers say controlling the redness, known in medical terms as erythema,
may be another way to fight skin cancer and sun-related skin damage.
Broccoli Skin Booster
In the study, researcher Paul Talalay of The Johns Hopkins University and
colleagues examined the effects of sulforaphane on UV-induced erythema in six
A solution containing sulforaphane derived from three-day old broccoli
sprouts was applied to their skin before exposure to UV radiation using sun
The results showed the broccoli extract reduced redness by an average of 37%
compared with untreated skin following UV exposure.
Researchers say the broccoli extract did not physically absorb the UV rays,
but it appeared to work at the cellular level to prevent erythema. They say
sulforaphane induces the formation of protective proteins in the skin and
protects the skin from sun damage for several days.