Broccoli / Broccoli Sprouts for Immune Function

Research suggests that broccoli sprouts and their primary active compound sulforaphane may support immune function and help modulate inflammatory responses, based on preclinical evidence from animal studies. One study found that a broccoli sprout diet reduced symptoms of Crohn's-like intestinal disease in immune-compromised mice, improved gut microbiome diversity, and showed stronger effects when the dietary intervention began earlier in life. A separate laboratory and animal study found that sulforaphane inhibited coronavirus replication in cell cultures, reduced lung viral load and damage in mice, and appeared to work synergistically with an existing antiviral drug. Both studies are preclinical in nature — conducted in mice and cell cultures rather than human clinical trials — which means findings should be interpreted cautiously, as results in animal models do not always translate to humans, and further research including randomized controlled trials would be needed to draw conclusions about efficacy in people.