Glucoraphanin from broccoli and its sprouts becomes sulforaphane when chewed, switching on the body's antioxidant and detox systems. The most consistent human evidence shows faster clearance of environmental toxins; blood sugar and inflammation improve modestly. Inexpensive and well tolerated, its main catch is unreliable conversion. Any lasting longevity benefit stays unproven. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting Glucose & HbA1c | 75–90 mg/dL; HbA1c <5.4% | Tracks the glycemic benefit, strongest in dysregulated metabolism |
| Fasting Insulin & HOMA-IR | Insulin 2–5 µIU/mL; HOMA-IR <1.5 | Detects improvement in insulin resistance |
| hs-CRP | <1.0 mg/L (ideally <0.5) | Captures the anti-inflammatory response |
| ALT | 10–26 U/L | Monitors the liver-protective effect and general safety |
| TSH & Free T4 | TSH 0.5–2.0 mIU/L; free T4 mid-range | Safety check for any goitrogen effect at high doses |
| Oxidative-stress markers (8-isoprostane, MDA) | Lower is better | Reflects reduction in oxidative damage |
Cadence: Baseline, then re-check at 8–12 weeks, then every 6–12 months if continued; thyroid checks reserved for long-term high-dose use