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Broccolli continues to be known as a superfood that holds essential nutrients. Yet recent findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reveal that this vegetable could help to reduce symptoms associated with autism.
Scientists looked at 40 teenagers and young men with moderate to severe autism.
They found when taken in pill form the chemical in broccoli sprouts called sulforaphane – also improved verbal communication and decreased repetitive behaviors.
Dr. Paul Wang at Autism Speaks says, “The bottom line message is for the science community, this absolutely needs to be followed up with more clinical studies and also with more lab studies to understand exactly how sulphorphane is working.”
The research is exciting for the Sanchez family.
10–year–old Jacob has autism and his parents would prefer natural treatments to ease his symptoms.
“I would love to find something out there that says yes if you take this and it’s all completely natural and healthy and would eliminate, says mom Carmen. “I would try it in a heartbeat.”
Scientists say sulforaphane also found in kale and cabbage could be helping people with autism because its thought to reduce stress inside their bodies.
Agencies/Canadajournal
