Broccoli Compund May Reverse Diabetes Vascular Damage

Filed in archive Diet , Research on August 6, 2008

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Konstantin Yemel\'yanov

People with diabetes are far more at higher risk of developing heart disease and stroke - both conditions are linked to heart blood vessel (vascular) damage.

The compound found in broccoli - sulforaphane - has been found to be able to reverse the damage done by diabetes to the heart blood vessels.

Such were the findings of a research team from University of Warwick led by Professor Thornalley who tested effects of Sulforaphane on blood vessel cells damaged by high glucose levels (hyperglycaemia).

His team observed a significant reduction of molecules in the body called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Hyperglycaemia can cause levels of ROS to increase three-fold and such high levels can damage human cells. The results of the study showed that sulforaphane reversed this increase in ROS by 73 per cent.

They also found Sulforaphane activated a protein in the body called nrf2, which protects cells and tissues from oxidative stress by activating protective antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes. The study showed the presence of Sulforaphane in human microvascular cells doubled the activation of nrf2.

As I have always said, broccoli is indeed a vegetable that is good for our health. There goes another reason why we should eat more broccoli.

Read more details from University of Warwick.