Broccoli predicate as a great, seems indisputable. So much research that shows how this natural food, rich in substances that are beneficial to health.
A recent study in England shows that broccoli is an important substance that is able to repair and restore the function of blood vessels damaged by diabetes. Researchers at the University of Warwick believes that a compound called sulforaphane, has a major role in restoring blood vessels.
As published in the journal Diabetes, sulforaphane can stimulate the production of enzymes that protect blood vessels and reducing the molecules that damage cells significantly. Type of Brassica vegetables like broccoli is associated previously with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.
People with diabetes are at higher risk of carrying up to five times as many cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, two of which are also associated with damage to blood vessel cells.
University of Warwick research team has examined the effect of sulforaphane on blood vessel cells damaged by high blood sugar (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 times, and elevated levels of these molecules can damage cells. The researchers also found that sulforaphane activated a protein in the body called Nrf2, which protects cells and tissues against damage caused by the activation of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes.
"Our study shows that substances such as sulforaphane from broccoli may help prevent the disease process associated with the development of diabetes. The future, it is important to do some research to see if a diet rich in brassica vegetables to be beneficial in patients diabetics. We hope that will happen, "says lead researcher Professor Paul Thornalley.
