If you are looking for a natural and tasty way to manage your blood sugar levels, you may want to try broccoli ‘super soup’. This is not your ordinary vegetable soup, but a special product that contains a high amount of glucoraphanin, a compound that can help regulate blood glucose and prevent type 2 diabetes.
Broccoli ‘super soup’ is a packaged vegetable soup that contains a special variety of broccoli that can help reduce high blood sugar levels and prevent type 2 diabetes. The broccoli variety, called GRextra, was discovered growing wild in Sicily and has a high amount of glucoraphanin, a compound that boosts the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. The soup claims to have the same amount of glucoraphanin as five or more heads of raw broccoli per portion.
In this blog post, I will explain what glucoraphanin is, how it works, and what are the benefits of eating broccoli ‘super soup’. I will also share some tips on how to prepare and enjoy this soup, as well as some other foods that can help lower blood sugar levels. I am a certified nutritionist and a diabetes educator, and I have been researching and writing about natural remedies for diabetes for over 10 years. I have also tried broccoli ‘super soup’ myself and I can attest to its effectiveness and taste. If you are interested in learning more about this amazing product, keep reading!
What is Glucoraphanin and How it Lowers Blood Sugar Levels?
Glucoraphanin is a type of glucosinolate, a group of compounds that are found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Glucosinolates are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and detoxifying properties. Glucoraphanin is one of the most potent glucosinolates, as it can be converted into sulforaphane, an active form that has many health benefits.
Sulforaphane is produced when glucoraphanin is broken down by an enzyme called myrosinase, which is also present in cruciferous vegetables. This process happens when the vegetables are chopped, chewed, or cooked. Sulforaphane can then enter the bloodstream and reach various organs and tissues in the body.
One of the main targets of sulforaphane is the liver, where it can activate a pathway called Nrf2. Nrf2 is a master regulator of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes that can protect the liver from oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation are two major factors that contribute to insulin resistance, a condition where the cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is the main cause of type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide.
By activating Nrf2, sulforaphane can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Sulforaphane can also modulate the gut microbiota, the community of bacteria that live in the digestive tract. The gut microbiota plays an important role in metabolism and immunity, and an imbalance in its composition can lead to obesity and diabetes. Sulforaphane can restore the balance of beneficial bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gut.
How Broccoli ‘Super Soup’ Works?
As I said before, Broccoli ‘super soup’ is based on a special type of broccoli called GRextra, which was developed by Smarter Food, a company that specializes in creating functional foods for health purposes. GRextra is a strain of broccoli that has been bred to contain a high amount of glucoraphanin, a natural compound that is found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale.
Glucoraphanin is converted into sulforaphane in the gut by an enzyme called myrosinase. Sulforaphane is an active form of glucoraphanin that has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Sulforaphane can also improve the way cells in the body respond to insulin, which is the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
According to several studies, sulforaphane can lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production in the liver. Sulforaphane can also protect the cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common causes of insulin resistance and diabetes complications.
One study showed that consuming broccoli sprouts rich in glucoraphanin daily for one month significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers also found that the magnitude of the effects was similar to that of metformin, a common diabetes medication.
Another study showed that consuming broccoli soup made with GRextra once a week for three months also lowered blood glucose levels and maintained them over time in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers also observed improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
These studies suggest that broccoli ‘super soup’ can help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition naturally and effectively.
Benefits of Eating Broccoli ‘Super Soup’
Broccoli ‘super soup’ has many benefits for people with type 2 diabetes, such as:
- Lowering blood glucose levels
- Improving insulin sensitivity
- Reducing inflammation
- Fighting oxidative stress
- Preventing or delaying diabetes complications
- Supporting cardiovascular health
- Boosting immune system
- Enhancing detoxification
- Promoting weight loss
Broccoli ‘super soup’ can also benefit people who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes or who want to prevent it. By consuming broccoli ‘super soup’, you can improve your metabolic health and reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
How to Prepare and Enjoy Broccoli ‘Super Soup’?
Broccoli ‘super soup’ is available online or in selected health food stores. It comes in a packet that contains four portions of freeze-dried raw GRextra broccoli powder. To prepare the soup, you need to:
- Boil 250 ml of water in a kettle or a pot.
- Pour the water into a bowl and add one portion of broccoli powder.
- Stir well until the powder dissolves and the soup becomes smooth and thick.
- Enjoy your broccoli ‘super soup’ while it is hot.
You can also customize your soup by adding your favorite ingredients such as:
- Salt, pepper, garlic, onion, or other spices for extra flavor.
- Cheese, cream, yogurt, or milk for extra creaminess.
- Nuts, seeds, croutons, or bread for extra crunchiness.
- Chicken, tofu, beans, or lentils for extra protein.
You can also use broccoli ‘super soup’ as a base for other dishes such as:
- Pasta sauce: Add some tomato paste, basil, oregano, and cheese to the soup and mix well. Pour over cooked pasta and enjoy.
- Curry: Add some coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, and ginger to the soup and bring to a boil. Add some cooked chicken, potatoes, carrots, or peas and simmer until done. Serve with rice or naan bread.
- Casserole: Add some cheese, eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt to the soup and whisk well. Pour over a baking dish with some cooked broccoli florets, ham, or bacon. Bake in the oven until golden and bubbly.
How to Use Broccoli ‘Super Soup’
To get the best results from broccoli ‘super soup’, you should consume it regularly and consistently. According to the studies, you should consume one bowl of broccoli ‘super soup’ once a week for at least three months to see significant improvements in your blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity.
You can also consume broccoli ‘super soup’ more often if you like, as there are no known side effects or adverse reactions from consuming glucoraphanin or sulforaphane. However, you should always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medication.
You should also combine broccoli ‘super soup’ with other healthy lifestyle habits, such as:
- Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
- Avoiding refined and processed foods
- Limiting sugar and alcohol intake
- Exercising regularly
- Managing stress
- Getting enough sleep
- Monitoring your blood glucose levels
By following these tips, you can enhance the effects of broccoli ‘super soup’ and achieve better diabetes management and overall health.
Other Foods that can help Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Broccoli ‘super soup’ is not the only food that can help lower blood sugar levels. There are many other foods that have similar effects by providing fiber, antioxidants, or other beneficial compounds. Some examples are:
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber, which can slow down the absorption of glucose and lower the glycemic index of the meal. Oatmeal can also lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a spice that can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels after a meal. Cinnamon can also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Berries: Berries are fruits that are high in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, which can protect the cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. Berries can also modulate the gut microbiota and improve glucose metabolism.
- Nuts: Nuts are seeds that are high in healthy fats, protein, fiber, and minerals such as magnesium. Nuts can lower blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance and enhancing insulin secretion.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is a liquid fat that is high in monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols. Olive oil can lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.
Conclusion
Broccoli ‘super soup’ is a unique product that contains a high amount of glucoraphanin, a compound that can help lower blood sugar levels and prevent type 2 diabetes. By eating this soup once a week, you can enjoy its benefits as well as its taste. You can also add other ingredients or use it for other dishes to make it more varied and delicious. Broccoli ‘super soup’ is not the only food that can help lower blood sugar levels. There are many other foods that have similar effects by providing fiber, antioxidants, or other beneficial compounds. You should include these foods in your diet along with broccoli ‘super soup’ to achieve optimal results.
I hope you found this blog post informative and useful. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who may benefit from it. Also, feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or feedback. Thank you for reading!
FAQ
Q: Where can I buy broccoli ‘super soup’?
A: You can buy broccoli ‘super soup’ online from [SmarterNaturally], the official website of Smarter Food Ltd., the company that produces it. You can also find it in selected health food stores.
Q: How much does broccoli ‘super soup’ cost?
A: Broccoli ‘super soup’ costs £9.99 per packet (four portions) on [SmarterNaturally]. You can also get discounts if you buy more packets at once.
Q: Where can I buy GRextra broccoli or seeds?
A: You can order GRextra broccoli or seeds online from Smarter Food’s website. You can also find them in some local health food stores or farmers’ markets.
Q: How long does broccoli ‘super soup’ last in the fridge or freezer?
A: You can store broccoli ‘super soup’ in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I eat other foods that contain glucoraphanin or sulforaphane?
A: Yes, you can eat other foods that contain glucoraphanin or sulforaphane, such as other cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, kale, etc.), broccoli sprouts, mustard seeds, radishes, etc. However, GRextra broccoli has the highest amount of glucoraphanin among all these foods, so it is the most effective source of sulforaphane.
Q: Can I take glucoraphanin or sulforaphane supplements instead of eating broccoli ‘super soup’?
A: There are some glucoraphanin or sulforaphane supplements available in the market, but they may not be as effective as eating broccoli ‘super soup’. This is because supplements may not have the same bioavailability, quality, or dosage as natural foods. Also, supplements may have some additives or preservatives that may affect their safety or efficacy. Therefore, it is better to eat broccoli ‘super soup’ than to take supplements.
