18 Jan 2023

Broccoli Sprout Bioactives and Gut Microbiota

How broccoli sprout bioactives can boost gut health and aid in managing inflammatory bowel disease.

This talk explores the powerful connection between broccoli sprout bioactives and gut health, with a focus on their potential to prevent and manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It delves into the benefits of sulforaphane and other compounds in broccoli sprouts, revealing their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The discussion will also highlight research on how these sprouts can promote beneficial gut bacteria and reduce harmful strains, offering new hope for those with conditions like Crohn’s disease.

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Dr. Li is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maine. She received her PhD degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Ohio State University. She has been dedicating herself to studying the mechanisms of diet-derived bioactives in protecting against disease process and harnessing the gained knowledge to develop dietary approaches for disease prevention and management for more than a decade. Since 2016, she has been focusing on the interactions between dietary components, in particular glucosinolates from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and broccoli sprouts, and gut microbiota, aiming to develop a combined approach for inflammatory bowel disease. Her current research projects are funded by NIH/NIDDK, USDA/NIFA AFRI Foundational Program, and nutrition research programs of private foundations.