Sulforaphane, an active compound in cruciferous vegetables and especially in their microgreens/sprouts. Once inside the body, sulforaphane is one of the most potent naturally occurring activators of Nrf2.
Our bodies are designed to experience acute short-lived inflammation; however, they are not designed to undergo chronic long term systemic inflammation. Oxidative stress is viewed as an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and their elimination by protective mechanisms. Oxidative stress can activate a variety of transcription factors, which lead to the differential expression of some genes involved in inflammatory pathways. Nrf2 is known as the ‘master regulator’ of the body’s antioxidant pathway. When we activate the Nrf2 pathway we create more antioxidant proteins. Which is essential for combating injury, disease, inflammation, and cell-level oxidative damage in the body. Activating the Nrf2 pathway regulates the creation of proteins that fight reactive oxygen species. Many herbs and spices are known to be potent Nrf2 activators, such as bacopa, milk thistle, ashwagandha, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, yellow mustard, oregano, and green teas. Additionally, herbs can work synergistically to activate Nrf2. For example, while compounds in ashwagandha, rosemary, and sophora japonica flowers are well-known activators of Nrf2 pathway, the effect is increased when these plants are taken together. Activating the Nrf2 pathway can simply be done by adding common household herbs, spices, and cruciferous microgreens to the everyday menu.