Rochester CEO: Sprouts Have Positive Impact on Cancer Cells

Boston native Elizabeth Riley started on the assembly line of a growing sprout business and worked her way to the very top, recently becoming the CEO of Jonathan Sprouts in Rochester.

For the past 45 years, Jonathan Sprouts has been a local, family-owned and operated business that has pioneered the sprout industry in New England, and with Riley at the helm, the SouthCoast has gained access to a clean, powerful source of nutrition for your body and skin. Believe the hype because sprouts can help with health ailments and wrinkles.

Riley stopped by Michael and Maddie to share her research on the health benefits of sprouts.

Thanks to the hard work of her aunt and uncle, Barb and Bob Sanderson, in the 1970s, when they introduced sprouts and microgreens to supermarkets, New England has become the mecca of sprout production.

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“More sprouts are consumed in New England than anywhere else in the country,” Riley said.

So, What's the Hype All About With Sprouts?

Sprouts contain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that the human body needs. In fact, it contains more nutrients than your standard vegetable because it is at its maximum nutrient density.

“You would have to eat a lot of broccoli to match a little bit of broccoli sprouts,” explained Riley.

There is a phytochemical in every type of sprout that growing research suggests has the power to heal, like sulforaphane, which studies are suggesting has an incredible effect on cancer cells.

“It’s been shown to have a curative effect on internal cancers,” shared Riley. She was able to lose a significant amount of weight and quit smoking, and she credits that to adding sprouts into her diet.

The Power of Sprouts in Skincare

Through her research, Riley discovered how to put the benefits of sprout extract into a bottle.

“About 10 years ago, I saw an article about using broccoli extract on your skin, and that it was shown to be helpful for skin cancer," she said. She now has two impressive lines of skincare products derived from sprouts that help fight signs of aging, protect, and rejuvenate skin cells.

Forty-five years ago, Riley’s aunt and uncle probably didn’t expect to pair their sprouts with skincare, but thanks to Riley’s passion for the product, the SouthCoast can live a healthier lifestyle by grabbing Jonathan Sprouts from the supermarket shelves.

Listen to the Full Interview with Michael and Maddie: