Super Veggie May Protect Against Skin Cancer

Fruit extracts from blueberries, cranberries, Goji berries and pomegranates are now common ingredients in skincare products. However, it's only a matter of time when a broccoli extract will be making its topical debut as a powerful weapon against skin cancer.

A study published earlier this week found that when research participants covered their skin with an extract from sprouted broccoli seeds, called sulforaphane, and then were exposed to ultraviolet radiation, the resulting redness and inflammation was reduced by 37 percent. This reduction would subsequently decrease the risk of skin cancer.

Researchers noted that broccoli extract isn't a sunscreen, which stops UV radiation from entering the skin. Instead, the extract works at the cellular level of the skin to boost enzymes that protect against radiation. The protective effect isn't instant like applied sunscreen, but it can last days after the extract has been applied.

While broccoli extract won't give people a free pass for excess sun exposure, it will definitely be an additional safeguard in minimizing UV radiation damage.

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