Broccoli reputation as a superfood seems no doubt anymore. So much research that shows how natural foods are rich in substances that are beneficial to health.
A recent study in the UK that broccoli has a vital substance that is able to repair and restore the function of blood vessels damaged by diabetes. Researchers from the University of Warwick believes, a substance called sulforaphane, has a major role in restoring the blood vessels.
As reported in the journal Diabetes, sulforaphane can stimulate the production of enzymes that protect blood vessels and reducing the molecules that cause cell damage significantly. Type of brassica vegetables such as broccoli before is associated with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.
People who suffer from diabetes - diabetes have a greater risk of carrying up to five times more cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke; were both also associated with damage to the blood vessel cells.
In his research, a team from the University of Warwick, examined the effect of sulforaphane on blood vessel cells damaged by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which is closely related to diabetes.
They noted a 73 percent reduction of molecules in the body called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Hyperglycaemia can cause levels of ROS to increase three-fold and the high levels of these molecules can damage body cells. Researchers also found that sulforaphane activated a protein in the body called nrf2, which can protect cells and tissues from damage by activating protective antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes.
"Our research indicates that substances like sulforaphane in broccoli may help block the process associated with the development of vascular disease in diabetes. Going forward, it is important to perform research to test if eating brassica vegetables provide benefits for diabetic patients. We hope it will happen, "said lead researcher Professor Paul Thornalley.
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