Cauliflower may be a "miracle cure" for people with autism.

A new scientific study published on the website of the Child Neurological Society (PNAS) suggests that broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage may be a "miracle cure" for people with autism.

Illustrative image. (Source: Daily Mail)

In this study, scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Johns Hopkins University in the US discovered that the chemical sulforaphane, found in cruciferous vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and cabbage, may help people with autism calm down and integrate better into society.

Scientists conducted a trial with 44 male adolescents aged 13 to 27 with moderate to severe autism. These individuals were randomly assigned to receive either a sulforaphane-containing medication or a placebo daily for four weeks. Of the 40 respondents after the trial, 26 who received the sulforaphane medication showed significant behavioral improvements compared to those who received the placebo. Co-author of the study, Professor Andrew Zimmerman, stated that the level of social integration among those with autism who received the sulforaphane medication improved significantly compared to the group that did not.

Previous autism medications typically targeted specific aspects related to controlling symptoms such as hyperactivity, agitation, or sleep disturbances. Scientists hope this new research will open new avenues in developing drugs that incorporate sulforaphane to help people with autism improve their social integration and communication skills.

In 1992, scientists first discovered that sulforaphane can help protect the body against stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. People with autism tend to suffer from various cellular abnormalities, including inflammation and DNA damage.

According to Vietnam+