Khaberni -The phenomenon of drinking broccoli juice is currently spreading, not only among professional athletes but also among gym-goers and regular runners.
This trend is thanks to products like "Nomio" which launched a scientific mix of fresh broccoli sprouts with lemon juice and sugar, as a supplement alternative to enhance athletic performance.
This product, developed by experts from the Karolinska Institute and the Swedish School of Sport and Health in Stockholm, uses natural compounds called isothiocyanates (ITCs) found in broccoli, which help reduce the accumulation of lactic acid in muscles during exercise, enabling the athlete to perform better for longer periods.
This juice has attracted the attention of top athletes worldwide such as British Olympic runner Emil Cairess, Danish world cycling champion Mads Pedersen, and Swedish runner Andreas Almgren.
A study conducted by Nomio's manufacturing company showed that consuming dosages of the juice reduces lactic acid levels by 12% and decreases physical stress indicators by 10% after exercise, compared to a group that consumed a placebo. The trial was double-blinded to ensure accuracy of results.
In addition to its athletic benefits, previous consumption of broccoli has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer. In a Spanish study involving more than 1.5 million people, it was found that those who regularly consume broccoli are less likely to develop cancer, with rates reducing by about five to a third. A Chinese study published in 2024 confirmed that consuming broccoli more than three times a week is linked to a 40% reduction in cancer mortality.
This protective effect is attributed to a natural sulfur-rich compound called sulforaphane, also found in cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cabbage, and cauliflower. Sulforaphane acts as an antioxidant, helping the body remove toxins that may cause cancer.
However, experts warn that studies linking broccoli consumption to decreased cancer risk face challenges in separating multiple influencing factors such as genetics and lifestyle, and that individuals who consume more vegetables typically tend to lead a generally healthy lifestyle.
It is also noteworthy that some patients taking thyroid medications may need to be cautious when consuming broccoli due to its high calcium content interfering with the absorption of their medications.
In general, no one loses anything by increasing their intake of broccoli and fresh vegetables, which public health recommends as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
