How Sulforaphane in Broccoli Can Shorten Your Cold

Written by Matt Tullman 

 

Feeling a cold coming on is never fun. The sniffles, sore throat, and fatigue have us reaching for anything that promises relief. While vitamin C and zinc often get the spotlight, a lesser-known compound in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables—sulforaphane—is earning attention for its potential to help ease cold symptoms.

A recent study shines a light on how this plant-based nutrient might help you feel better, faster. Here’s what you need to know about sulforaphane and how it can support your immune health.

What is Sulforaphane?

Sulforaphane is a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. It’s especially concentrated in young broccoli sprouts.

In vegetables, sulforaphane starts out as a precursor compound called glucoraphanin. When you chop or chew the veggies, an enzyme called myrosinase helps turn glucoraphanin into sulforaphane—a reaction that unlocks its powerful health properties.

For years, researchers have explored sulforaphane’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s known to support cellular health and detoxification. Now, new research points to benefits for immune function as well.

New Research: Sulforaphane and Cold Symptoms

A 2023 study published in Functional Foods in Health and Disease tested sulforaphane’s effect on the common cold. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy adults who were prone to catching colds took a daily supplement of sulforaphane glucosinolate (SGS) for eight weeks, while a control group received a placebo.

The results were promising:

• Shorter Duration of Symptoms: Participants in the sulforaphane group experienced cold symptoms for an average of 12.1 days, compared to 20.2 days in the placebo group.
• Fewer Sick Days: Across all participants, the sulforaphane group had 400 sick days total, while the placebo group had 626.

This suggests that sulforaphane may reduce both the duration and severity of common colds, helping people recover more quickly.*

How Does Sulforaphane Support Wellness?

While research on its effects continues, sulforaphane is known for its role in supporting overall health, including the body’s natural defense systems.

Supporting Antioxidant Activity

Sulforaphane has been shown to activate the Nrf2 pathway, which helps regulate the body’s natural antioxidant responses. This may assist cells in managing oxidative stress, a process that can affect overall wellness and normal cell function.*

Balancing Inflammatory Responses

Studies suggest that sulforaphane can help the body maintain a healthy inflammatory balance, which is important for general health and proper immune system function.

Sulforaphane also has anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation can dampen immune defenses, but sulforaphane helps balance the body's inflammatory response, supporting a healthier immune reaction to viral infections.*

Easy Ways to Get More Sulforaphane

Want to add more sulforaphane to your daily routine? Here are some easy tips:

• Eat Broccoli Sprouts: Broccoli sprouts have up to 100 times more glucoraphanin than mature broccoli. Toss them into salads, sandwiches, or smoothies.
• Chop and Wait: Chop broccoli and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking. This allows the myrosinase enzyme to activate sulforaphane production.
• Limit Cooking Time: Heavy cooking can destroy myrosinase. Lightly steam or stir-fry your veggies for maximum benefit, or eat them raw.

Supplements containing sulforaphane glucosinolate are also available for a reliable, concentrated daily dose—similar to what was used in the clinical study.

COMPLEMENT Sulfora: An Easy Way to Get More Sulforaphane

COMPLEMENT Sulfora is designed to make the benefits of sulforaphane convenient and accessible. Each capsule delivers a potent dose of naturally-sourced sulforaphane, helping you bridge the nutritional gap on days when getting enough cruciferous veggies is a challenge.

By supporting antioxidant pathways and healthy inflammation response, COMPLEMENT Sulfora helps strengthen your immune system—making it a useful ally, especially during cold and flu season.* For those looking to maximize immune resilience and overall wellness, this supplement offers an easy and reliable way to harness sulforaphane’s natural power.*

Taking Care of Your Immune System, One Step at a Time

No one wants to get a cold... trust me, I get it. As a father of five kids, I know just how quickly a simple sniffle can turn into a full-blown challenge for the whole family.

The good news? Sulforaphane might actually help you bounce back faster from those inevitable colds.

Of course, nothing can stop every illness in its tracks, but adding more sulforaphane-rich foods to your plate could give your immune system the extra support it needs to keep you and your loved ones feeling your best.*