Broccoli Sprouts Linked to Lower Blood Sugar, Study Finds

Food & Wine•January 2, 2026•health

Key Points:

Broccoli sprouts, harvested just three to five days after germination, are rich in glucoraphanin, which converts into sulforaphane, a compound linked to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic benefits, particularly in improving blood sugar levels for people with prediabetes.
The blood sugar-lowering effects of broccoli sprouts depend significantly on an individual's gut microbiome, with certain bacteria like Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium aiding the conversion of glucoraphanin to sulforaphane.
A diverse and healthy gut microbiome, supported by consuming resistant starch, polyphenol-rich foods, and fermented foods, can enhance the metabolic benefits of broccoli sprouts and help protect