Johns Hopkins study discovers that broccoli may be good for those with autism

Many good things have been said about broccoli over the years, and the well-loved vegetable is set to prove once again that it is indeed the real deal-- the ultimate wonder food.

Broccoli, which is rich in vitamin C and phytochemicals, has long been praised for its anti-cancer properties.

And now, another study shows the other facet of this wonder food, putting it at the forefront of foods with truly amazing health benefits.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, together with the Mass General Hospital for Children, conducted a study on the effects of broccoli sprouts to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Results of the study showed that a chemical known as sulphoraphane from broccoli sprouts improved ASDs, and "may alleviate classic behavioural symptoms in those with ASDs," a report published at the Science Recorder said.

This was based on a test involving 40 teenage boys and young men, ages 13 to 27, with moderate to severe autism.

Results of the test revealed that "those with a daily dose of the chemical sulforaphane which is found in broccoli experienced substantial improvements in their social interaction and verbal communication, and decrease in repetitive, ritualistic behaviors, compared to those who received a placebo."

Two thirds of the participants were less irritable, lethargic, better motivated, able to communicate and had less repetitive movements, based on News Reports.

Overall, 17 of the 26 participants, who received sulforaphane were judged by their care givers to have improvements in behaviour, social interaction and calmness while on active treatment, according to News Reports.

Paul Talalay, MD, professor of pharmacology and molecular sciences said, "We believe that this may be preliminary evidence for the first treatment for autism that improves symptoms by apparently correcting some of the underlying cellular problems."

According to the National Institutes of Health, roughly one in 88 children in the United States has autism. Roughly 36,500 out of every 4 million children born each year in the United States will have autism.