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An active ingredient in broccoli, known as sulforaphane, produces enzymes that protect blood vessels by reducing tissue damaging substances triggered by high blood sugar levels. Supplements were born from studies like this.
Technically referred to as ‘activation of NF-E2-related factor-2reversal of biochemical dysfunction of endothelial cells induced by hyperglycemia linked to vascular disease’, broccoli, in short, helps prevent vascular disease in diabetics.
A major complication of Type 2 diabetes, vascular disease, if left unchecked, can lead to heart disease, strokes, damage to small vessels of the eye (blindness), kidney failure and circulation to extremities, leading to possible amputation.
Sulforaphane works by activating genes that regulate antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes.
Additional broccoli studies confirm that other compounds in this vegetable help boost genes that prevent damaged genetic information from passing to future generation cells, helping to reduce cancer.
One cancer risk in particular, prostate cancer, was found to be cut by 45% in men who ate just one broccoli serving per week.
The most recent study linking a diet rich in brassica vegetables (broccoli) was conducted at the University of Warwick (England) and first reported in Diabetes, a British medical journal.
Diabetics are five times more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, than non-diabetics.
High blood sugar levels in diabetics are directly linked to damaged blood vessels, which, in turn cause these related disease complications.
Professor Paul Thornalley, lead researcher on the Warwick study noted that “our study suggests that compounds such as sulforaphane from broccoli may help counter processes linked to the development of vascular disease in diabetes."
Brassica oleracea species or broccoli is part of the cabbage family, dating back to Ancient Rome.
Grown in cool weather climates, this green vegetable is high in natural Vitamin C and soluble fiber containing multiple nutrients with strong anti-cancer properties including Vitamin B6, Folate, Potassium, Vitamin B2, Vitamin K and others.
It can be found in three commonly grown types. The most familiar in the United States is Calabrese with green heads and thick stalks. Other varieties include Roamesco broccoli, which is yellow-green in color, and purple cauliflower, with a head shaped like cauliflower.
For highest nutritional values, broccoli should be steamed or eaten raw as boiling dramatically lowers anti-cancer compounds.
In addition to the growing body of research showing the beneficial value of broccoli in reducing cardiovascular problems and cancer, it has also been shown to enhance the immune system, with anti-viral, anti-bacterial activities. It all leads to how supplements support the weaknesses in our daily diets.