Myrosinase is an enzyme found in plants, especially in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli sprouts, kale, broccoli, and mustard seeds. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the breakdown of glucosinolates, which are natural compounds found in these vegetables. The Myrosinase enzyme that is essential for the formation of sulforaphane. Myrosinase acts on glucoraphanin, a compound present in cruciferous vegetables, converting it into sulforaphane.
Sulforaphane, is a compound that has a wide array of possible health benefits, including its potential anticancer properties. Understanding how myrosinase helps with sulforaphane is essential for maximizing the health benefits of these vegetables.
What Does Myrosinase Do?
Myrosinase works by breaking down glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. It's responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of glucosinolates into various biologically active compounds, such as isothiocyanates, thiocyanates, and nitriles. These compounds (mainly sulforophane) have been studied for their potential health benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. [1]
Possible health Benefits of Myrosinase
- Anti-Cancer Properties: Isothiocyanates, a product of myrosinase activity, have been shown that it could help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and promote their death, making them potential anti-cancer agents.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Myrosinase-derived compounds have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in various studies, suggesting a potential role in managing inflammatory conditions.
- Antioxidant Activity: Some studies suggest that myrosinase-derived compounds may have antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. [2]
How to Preserve Myrosinase Activity
The activity of myrosinase can be affected by factors such as heat and pH. [3] To preserve its activity, it is recommended to:
- Eat Raw: Cooking at high temperatures can destroy myrosinase, so it is best to consume cruciferous vegetables raw or lightly cooked.
- Chop or Crush Vegetables: Breaking down the cell walls of vegetables by chopping or crushing them can help release myrosinase, enhancing its activity.
- Eat freeze-dried cruciferous vegetables or sprouts. Freeze-drying is a gentle process that preserves the active Myrosinase enzyme.
We love Myrosinase and its benefits. It plays a crucial role in unlocking the health benefits of sulforaphane. It is a key enzyme found in cruciferous vegetables vital in converting glucosinolates into biologically active compounds with potential health benefits. Including these vegetables in your diet can provide you with Myrosinase and its potential benefits, contributing to overall health and well-being. A simple and great way to help you consume this enzyme is with our organic freeze-dried broccoli sprout powder.
Each batch is 3rd party tested to ensure the myrosinase is active. At KOYAH, the trust of our customers is what matters most to us, and we are proud to produce products, like our Organic Freeze-Dried Broccoli Sprout Powder, that live up to the absolute highest quality standards and ensure YOU get the most out of what you eat!