Glucosinolates are organic sulfur compounds found in plants like broccoli and kale that reportedly detoxify the human body of possible carcinogens. They contain enzymes and antioxidants that help fight cancer but can interfere with animal health. Derivatives like isothiocyanates and sinalbin offer additional health benefits. Animals can suffer adverse effects from high levels of glucosinolates, including goiter, liver damage, and growth retardation.
Glucosinolates are nutrients, or organic sulfur compounds, often found in various plants in the Brassica genus. The organic compounds found in glucosinolates reportedly detoxify the human body of possible carcinogens. Most humans can consume the compound by eating cruciferous vegetables in their normal diet. Derivatives such as isothiocyanates, goitrin, and sinalbin also provide additional health benefits when consumed by humans. Research has indicated, however, that glucosinolates sometimes interfere with animal health.
Scientists generally describe glucosinolates as thioethers, a term in organic chemistry that refers to organic sulfur compounds. Properties often include a sulfuric malodour, and a pungent, bitter taste similar to horseradish or mustard. They also consist of a sugar substance known as thioglucose, according to Cornell University’s Department of Animal Science.
According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, glucosinolates contain enzymes and antioxidants that help the body fight breast, lung, and colon cancer, as well as cancer of the esophagus, stomach, and prostate. Glucosinolates work with chemicals like folic acid, flavonoids, and vitamin C to cleanse the body of free radicals and other toxins. Recommended servings of glucosinolate-rich cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts remain unknown, but experts suggest eating up to five servings per week in addition to other fruits and vegetables. Other vegetables rich in glucosinolates include leafy greens, such as kale, cabbage, and collard greens and mustard, as well as arugula, bok choy, and turnips.
Glucosinolate derivatives include isothiocyanates, sinalbin, and goitrin. Isothiocyanates provide additional health benefits via Brassica vegetables, while sinalbins offer a glucosinolate derivative found primarily in mustard seeds. Goitrin also contains sulfur-based compounds and can be found in Brussels sprouts or cabbage. Most of the derivatives and enzymes of these organic compounds are broken down every time people cut or chew the vegetables.
Glucosinolate compounds tend to benefit humans due to their availability in cruciferous plants, but animals suffer adverse effects. Research indicates that high levels of the organic compounds interfere with normal thyroid function. Farm animals like pigs and poultry, for example, can be subject to glucosinolate poisoning, according to Cornell. Symptoms of adverse reactions include goiter, liver damage, and growth retardation, as well as poor egg production in poultry. Efforts to prevent poisoning include adding iodine to animal feed to prevent antithyroid effects.
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