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Broccoli Fights Lung Disease – The New Superfood
It seems that the humble vegetable, Broccoli, may in fact be one of the best super foods as far as lung health is concerned. Broccoli, as well as being a “leafy green vegetable”, meaning that it is already known for having bountiful supplies of quality nutrients, it also contains a substance called sulforapane, which can help to reduce cell damage caused by serious lung disease.
The suforapane works by increasing the activity levels of the NRF2 gene, which is present in human lung cells. This gene protects lung cells from damage caused by toxins. In one study sulforapane was able to restore reduced levels of NRF2 in cells exposed to cigarette smoke.
Lead researcher at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine said that;
“Future studies should target NRF2 as a novel strategy to increase antioxidant protection in the lungs and test its ability to improve lung function in people with COPD.” Dr Shyam Biswal, 2008.
Suforapane is also linked with the reduction in risk of heart attacks and stroke, as it helps to protect blood vessels. Research has shown that it can also help with cell damage caused by diabetes.
“This is an important study for the 3 million people in the UK with COPD because of its findings about the imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants in the lungs. We know broccoli naturally contains important compounds but studies so far have taken place in the test tube and further research is needed to find if you can produce the same effect in humans.” British Lung Foundation.
Broccoli is possibly one of the most abundant superfoods, along with tomatoes, and is very versatile in cooking. Popular in both stir fry dishes, steamed, in soups or stewed, there is really no reason to leave broccoli off your superfood menu.
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