What if one of the most powerful tools for detoxification, brain health, hormone balance, and healthy aging was something you could grow in your kitchen?
In this science-packed episode of The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast, Dr. Anna Cabeca sits down with renowned nutritional biochemist Dr. Jed W. Fahey — the pioneering researcher behind the discovery of the extraordinary chemoprotective power of broccoli sprouts.
After 27 years at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he directed the Cullman Chemoprotection Center, Dr. Fahey explains why sulforaphane — derived from glucoraphanin found abundantly in broccoli sprouts — activates your body's own protective systems at the cellular level.
Dr. Anna shares her personal clinical experiences using sulforaphane-rich compounds to support detoxification pathways, immune resilience, abnormal Pap smears, skin health, neurocognitive protection, and hormone balance — especially in midlife women.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What sulforaphane actually is (and why it matters)
How it activates phase II detoxification pathways
Why broccoli sprouts are more potent than mature broccoli
Neuroprotective and brain benefits
Research around skin and melanoma protection
Dosage guidance for sprouts vs. supplements
How to safely incorporate them into your daily routine
This isn't about trendy superfoods.
It's about turning on your body's built-in defense systems.
Small daily choices. Powerful cellular protection.
00:01 – Welcome & why broccoli sprouts matter
03:14 – Broccoli sprouts vs. mature broccoli: what's the difference?
06:21 – What exactly is sulforaphane?
09:24 – Phase II detoxification explained simply
15:23 – Dr. Anna's powerful clinical case using sulforaphane
17:31 – Brain health & neurocognitive benefits
24:43 – How much should you take daily?
31:24 – Skin health & melanoma research
33:35 – Food vs. supplement: dosage considerations
42:13 – One big takeaway for healthy aging
"This isn't about complicated science. It's about small daily choices that protect your cells."
"Sulforaphane switches on your body's own protective systems."
"Broccoli sprouts are foundational — not optional — for longevity."
"We want to help and do no harm."
"You were made for vitality."
Dr. Jed W. Fahey
🌱 Website: https://www.jedfahey.com/
Dr. Fahey serves as scientific advisor to several companies utilizing glucoraphanin, sulforaphane, and broccoli sprouts:
Brassica Protection Products LLC
https://brassica.com/company-info/
Food Nerd
https://www.foodnerdinc.com/
The Sprouting Company
https://www.thesproutingcompany.com/
PhytoSmart
https://phytosmart.com/
Website: Dranna.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor
✨ Stay nourished. Stay connected.
And remember — you were made for vitality.
