Scientists Uncover Potential Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts for Diabetes and Metabolic Health

Tiny, nutrient-rich vegetables known as microgreens may offer potential benefits for blood sugar regulation, inflammation and metabolic health, according to a new scientific review. Researchers suggest that carotenoids and other natural compounds found in broccoli, cabbage, kale and mustard microgreens could play a role in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, the narrative review conducted by researchers in Canada examined existing evidence on carotenoids, their absorption, and their potential effects on metabolic disorders.

Carotenoids are natural pigments found in fruits and vegetables that support various biological functions. Previous research has linked higher carotenoid levels with lower obesity rates, improved insulin sensitivity and better metabolic health.

Researchers focused on Brassicaceae microgreens, including broccoli, cauliflower, radish, cabbage and kale, which contain carotenoids alongside beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, glucosinolates and sulforaphane.

The review found that these compounds may influence fat metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation through cellular pathways involved in energy regulation.

Importantly, small clinical studies involving broccoli sprouts reported encouraging results.

In studies involving adults with type 2 diabetes, consuming 5–10 grams of broccoli sprout powder daily for four weeks was associated with reductions in insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.

Another study involving 40 overweight adults found that consuming 30 grams of fresh broccoli sprouts daily for 10 weeks reduced inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein.

Animal studies also reported improvements in glucose tolerance, body fat accumulation and triglyceride levels following supplementation with Brassicaceae sprouts or microgreens.

However, researchers cautioned that most human evidence concerns broccoli sprouts rather than microgreens, and benefits cannot be attributed specifically to carotenoids.

The review highlights the potential of nutrient-rich microgreens as part of a healthy dietary pattern, while emphasising the need for larger clinical trials to confirm their long-term metabolic benefits.

REFERENCE: Siribaddanage, R., Nandasiri, R., Semenko, B., & Suh, M. (2026). Carotenoids in metabolic disease modulations: Role of Brassicaceae microgreens. British Journal of Nutrition. 1–15. DOI: 10.1017/S000711452610868X