Broccoli sprouts may seem small, but the science behind them is extraordinary. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Jed Fahey, nutritional biochemist and former Johns Hopkins researcher who pioneered work on sulforaphane, and Doug Evans, entrepreneur and author of The Sprout Book. Together they explain why sprouts are among the most nutrient-dense foods we can grow, and how to incorporate them safely and affordably into daily life.
We explore what sulforaphane is and how it works in the body, the evidence behind broccoli sprouts in cancer prevention, autism, diabetes, air pollution, and more, plus very practical advice for sprouting at home. Jed and Doug also share the importance of seed quality and third-party testing, how to avoid common pitfalls, and why sprouting may offer a solution to food access and equality.
What We Cover
- What sprouts are and why broccoli sprouts are unique
- Sulforaphane: how it forms and what it does in the body
- The strongest areas of human evidence, from cancer to air pollution
- Dosing: how much is useful and how often
- Sprouts vs supplements: which is best and when
- Food safety and how to sprout safely at home
- Practical tips for sprouting and easy ways to eat them
- Accessibility, cost, and the role of sprouts in food justice
Sprouts are not a silver bullet, but they are a rare combination of evidence-based, affordable, and practical nutrition. This episode shows how to take advantage of their benefits and why a small daily habit can make a big difference.
You can connect with Doug through Instagram, where he shares insights on health, wellness, and sprouting. Explore more of his work at The Sprouting Company, and follow The Sprouting Company on Instagram for practical tips and inspiration to bring sprouting into your daily life.
If you want to hear more from Dr Jed Fahey, you can access his website and connect with him on Twitter. He has lots of exciting things in the works.
- Why Sprouts Stayed a Garnish: History, Culture & the Profit Problem (00:00:00)
- Are Vegetables Less Nutritious Today? (00:10:16)
- Can Sulforaphane and Sprouts Help Prevent Disease? (00:25:09)
- Broccoli vs Sprouts: How Sulforaphane Is Formed and Absorbed (00:40:26)
- How Does Sulforaphane Protect the Body? (00:49:01)
- Can Broccoli Sprouts Prevent Cancer, and How Much Do We Need? (00:57:08)
- Can You Trust Sprout Supplements? (01:04:14)
- Sulforaphane’s Role in Viruses, Pollution, Autism & Parkinson’s (01:13:30)
- Sprouts for Short-Term vs Long-Term Health (01:26:54)
- Making Sprouts Accessible For Everyone (01:37:30)
- How Do You Grow Sprouts Safely at Home? (01:52:58)
- Are Homegrown Sprouts Safe From Contamination? (01:58:47)
- Science Meets Mission: Sprouts, Purpose, and Prevention (02:08:51)
Resources and links:
- Preeclampsia to COVID-19: A journey towards improved placental and vascular function using sulforaphane
- Effects of Sulforaphane on SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and NF‑κB dependent expression of genes involved in the COVID‑19 ‘cytokine storm’
- Sulforaphane is a reversible covalent inhibitor of 3-chymotrypsin-like protease of SARS-CoV-2
- Sulforaphane exhibits antiviral activity against pandemic SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal HCoV-OC43 coronaviruses in vitro and in mice
- Use of sulforaphane in COVID-19: Clinical trials are needed
- Sulforaphane inhibits the expression of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 induced in bronchial epithelial IB3-1 cells by exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
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More about Dr Jed Fahey
Dr Fahey is a nutritional biochemist with extensive background in plant and human nutrition and phytochemistry. Dr Fahey was an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins Medical School, where he directed the Cullman Chemoprotection Center, a leading center for the study and development of plant-based protective agents. He had faculty appointments in three departments at Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine and Public Health where he conducted laboratory and clinical trials, taught graduate courses, and mentored students since 1993. He spent the first 15 years of his career in agricultural biotechnology research and industrial process development. Dr Fahey “retired” in mid-2020 to focus his attention entirely on outreach and educational efforts which include podcasts, writing, and lecturing widely. He maintains adjunct appointments at JHU and elsewhere and may be available to consult for socially responsible food and supplement companies and foundations.
More about Doug Evans
Doug Evans is a leading voice in plant-based nutrition for over 25 years. He is the founder and CEO of The Sprouting Company, a direct-to-consumer brand making at-home sprouting simple and accessible. In 2019, Evans authored the national bestseller The Sprout Book, which popularized sprouts as a practical, ultra-nutritious “kitchen garden” food.
Before launching The Sprouting Company, Evans co-founded Organic Avenue, one of New York’s plant based nutrition retailers and ecommerce businesses. In 2012, the company was sold to private-equity firm in partnership with KKR. He subsequently founded Juicero, the first countertop cold-press system that delivered a unique fresh experience.
Evans’ advocacy for sprouts is rooted in his personal health journey and a belief that fresh, living foods can be grown anywhere, in days, without soil or sunshine. He now lives near Joshua Tree, CA at Wonder Valley Hot Springs, and continues to champion sprouts as a low-cost, high-impact way to improve public health.
A former paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, Evans brings a disciplined, mission-driven approach to entrepreneurship and education. He appears regularly on podcasts and stages around the world to share evidence-informed, step-by-step guidance for growing and eating sprouts.
