Super Food Broccoli "May Reverse Diabetes Damage"

by Christina 123 | August 6, 2008 at 12:30 pm

1888 views | 0 Recommendations | 20 comments

It has been today revealed that broccoli may help in diabetes.

Lead researcher Professor Paul Thornalley said: "Our study suggests that compounds such as sulforaphane from broccoli may help counter processes linked to the development of vascular disease in diabetes.

"In future, it will be important to test if eating a diet rich in brassica vegetables has health benefits for diabetic patients. We expect that it will."

Dr Iain Frame, director of research at the charity Diabetes UK, stressed that research carried out on cells in the lab was a long way from the real life situation.

However, he said: "It is encouraging to see that Professor Thornalley and his team have identified a potentially important substance that may protect and repair blood vessels from the damaging effects of diabetes.

"It also may help add some scientific weight to the argument that eating broccoli is good for you."

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RELATED INTERNET LINKS Full research paper Diabetes UK University of Warwick The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

Eating broccoli could reverse the damage caused by diabetes to heart blood vessels, research suggests.
A University of Warwick team believe the key is a compound found in the vegetable, called sulforaphane.
It encourages production of enzymes which protect the blood vessels, and a reduction in high levels of molecules which cause significant cell damage.
Brassica vegetables such as broccoli have previously been linked to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Our study suggests that compounds such as sulforaphane from broccoli may help counter processes linked to the development of vascular disease in diabetes
Professor Paul Thornalley
University of Warwick

People with diabetes are up to five times more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes; both are linked to damaged blood vessels.
The Warwick team, whose work is reported in the journal Diabetes, tested the effects of sulforaphane on blood vessel cells damaged by high glucose levels (hyperglycaemia), which are associated with diabetes.
They recorded a 73% 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 researchers also found that sulforaphane activated a protein in the body called nrf2, which protects cells and tissues from damage by activating protective antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes.

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truesunn

at 16:31 on August 7th, 2008

Me with my 2008 Broccoli harvest. Broccoli is easily grown either from seeds or from starts available at your local greenhouse!

truesunn has contributed a photo to this story.

Therealpeanut

at 17:13 on August 7th, 2008

July 8th, 2008
Burnaby B.C.

Therealpeanut has contributed a photo to this story.

de.mcdonough

at 17:24 on August 7th, 2008

I've always loved broccoli

I bought a new camera and didn't have anything to shoot so I went to a local grocery store. I can't believe they didn't kick me out.

de.mcdonough has contributed a photo to this story.

mystarfalling

at 17:25 on August 7th, 2008

Not only is it healthy but it can be aesthetically pleasing to your minds eye. The better food looks the more likely you are to truly enjoy it.

mystarfalling has contributed a photo to this story.

Inspirational Sheila

at 19:08 on August 7th, 2008

Broccoli is a staple in my diet. Along with the onions, I add spinach to it and then eggs. This photo was taken as part of a series I'm doing - a photo a day/theme for the week and posting on my blog - http://www.photographyandtransformation.com

Inspirational Sheila has contributed a photo to this story.

CoopGirlKiz

at 20:02 on August 7th, 2008

What can I say? I love broccoli!

CoopGirlKiz has contributed a photo to this story.

wezern

at 21:31 on August 7th, 2008

I grew this broccoli in my garden, my first attempt. In January I weighed 209 pounds and my cholesterol was 277. I increased my vegetable intake and decreased my meat intake and so far have lost 45 pounds. There is a family history for Diabetes but I am confident that when I return to my family physician for a physical and cholesterol check, my risk will be lessened.
Dewese Milstead

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yugenro

at 22:05 on August 7th, 2008

I took this photo at a really cool "hands-in-the-dirt permaculture playshop" at Armstrong Park in Redmond, WA, on Sunday, June 29, 2008. Tom and Helen Armstrong have a fantastic permaculture garden out there, as well as "the nation's largest raw food store." They are really nice people. Check out their website here:

http://www.rawvegansource.com/

yugenro has contributed a photo to this story.

snuddandet av fingret mot

at 22:20 on August 7th, 2008

snuddandet av fingret mot has contributed a photo to this story.

pEtPIG Tran

at 01:36 on August 8th, 2008

Broccoli is going well with Basa Fish

pEtPIG Tran has contributed a photo to this story.

digital.kq

at 04:31 on August 8th, 2008

Scott Downing raised this broccoli in Southwestern Ohio and sold it at the Oxford Farmers' Market http://oxfordfarmersmarket.com.

digital.kq has contributed a photo to this story.

Janny_s_Cooking_Diary

at 07:16 on August 8th, 2008

I love broccoli. I at least consume a pound all by myself. It's delicious, crunchy and easy to cook. For the recipes detail, you can check it at .

Janny_s_Cooking_Diary has contributed a photo to this story.

Alyss

at 08:42 on August 8th, 2008

Recipe for the chicken (I added broccoli to the dish) here:
http://www.recipezaar.com/130073
More info on the super awesome lunch box here:
www.laptoplunches.com

Alyss has contributed a photo to this story.

Christina 123

at 09:25 on August 8th, 2008

Note to Self: Must eat more broccoli.

rpshen

at 09:57 on August 8th, 2008

Thank you to everyone for your amazing photos!

rachyu

at 10:50 on August 8th, 2008

Broccoli is pleasing to your eyes and good to your health. I like to make cold salad, hot soup, or mixed vegetable drink with broccoli, as much as you know how to cook, it always tastes good!

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myboogers

at 00:27 on August 9th, 2008

close up of organically grown broccoli

myboogers has contributed a photo to this story.

brendatomic

at 10:59 on August 9th, 2008

This beautiful stalk of broccoli came from my home garden. It is truly satisfying to grow your own food, especially something as tasty and nutritious as broccoli!

brendatomic has contributed a photo to this story.

cacahuete_sr

at 11:10 on August 13th, 2008

The photo of the broccoli caraway soup comes from Au Naturel which is a foodblog based on only natural and healthy recipes.

Kevin45 (not verified)

at 02:02 on September 6th, 2008

Broccoli is good for diabetes but make sure not to develop a false sense of security by eating it. The most important thing with diabetes is to control your blood sugar levels by eating in a way the doesn't spike insulin levels. Eating broccoli is great but don't let that think you can get away with any type of diet if you eat it. Take a look at this diabetes prevention diet for more information.