Broccoli, Food Important For Diabetes

Predicate broccoli as a superfood like no doubt. So much research that shows how these natural foods rich in substances that are beneficial to health.
A recent study in England indicates broccoli has an important substance that is able to repair and restore the function of blood vessels damaged by diabetes. Researchers from the University of Warwick believes, is a substance called sulforaphane, has a major role in restoring the blood vessels.

As published in the journal Diabetes, mempu sulforaphane stimulates the production of enzymes that can protect blood vessels and lowering the molecules that cause cell damage significantly. Type of brassica vegetables like broccoli is associated previously with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.

People with diabetes have a greater risk of carrying up to five times more cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes; who both also associated with damage to blood vessel cells.

In his research, a team from Warwick University, tested the effect of sulforaphane in the blood vessel cells damaged by high blood sugar levels (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-fold and high levels of these molecules can damage body cells. 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.

"Our research indicates that substances like sulforaphane in broccoli may help block the process associated with the development of vascular disease in diabetes. Going forward, it is important to perform research to test if eating a diet rich in brassica vegetables provide benefits for diabetic patients. We hope it will happen, "said lead researcher Professor Paul Thornalley.

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