In this episode of LongeCity interview, Dr. Christine Houghton, founder of Cell-Logic and adjunct professor at the University of Queensland, shares insights on how specific nutrients like sulforaphane, found in cruciferous vegetables, can activate protective cellular mechanisms and promote better health and longevity.

Key Points:

Dr. Christine Houghton highlights the powerful role of sulforaphane in activating cellular defences and preventing diseases. This episode emphasizes the importance of both diet and targeted supplementation in promoting long-term health and longevity.

• Introduction to Sulforaphane: Dr. Houghton explains that sulforaphane, a potent phytochemical derived from broccoli sprouts, has strong bioavailability and can activate over 200 protective genes through the NRF2 pathway.
• Cellular Protection via NRF2: Sulforaphane’s ability to activate NRF2 leads to the upregulation of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes that protect cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage, offering anti-ageing and anti-cancer benefits.
• Bioavailability of Sulforaphane: Unlike polyphenols, which require breakdown by gut microbiota, sulforaphane is easily absorbed due to its fat-soluble structure and can be rapidly utilized by the body.
• Anti-Cancer Properties: Sulforaphane can prevent carcinogenesis by supporting DNA integrity and upregulating detoxification enzymes, such as quinone reductase, which protect against DNA mutations.
• Sulforaphane in Clinical Studies: Research has shown sulforaphane’s benefits in conditions such as type 2 diabetes, environmental pollutant detoxification, autism, and Helicobacter pylori infections, which may lead to stomach cancer.
• Practical Considerations: Dr. Houghton emphasizes that while eating cruciferous vegetables is beneficial, supplements made from standardized broccoli sprout extracts can provide a more reliable dose of sulforaphane for therapeutic purposes.