British Scientists Discover How Broccoli Protects Arteries
Experts at Imperial College London have found evidence that a chemical present in broccoli and other leafy greens could develop a defense mechanism that protects the arteries and reduces the risk of heart attacks.
This group of researchers conducted a laboratory study on mice, which found that sulforaphane, a compound present in broccoli and other vegetables, could “trigger” a protective protein that is inactivated in certain parts of the arteries vulnerable to blocks.
Paul Evans, a scientist at the National Heart and Lung Imperial College, said that although it is known that vegetables are good for health, “the molecular mechanisms by which they are good have been unknown for many years,” and this study “provides a possible explanation of how the consumption of green vegetables can promote a healthy heart.
Experts already knew that the arteries are not blocked a single form, and there are areas of blood vessels that are more prone to plaque formation. Evans said the latest research found that a protein called Nrf2, which is usually inactive, can protect these regions.
“What our study showed is that sulforaphane can protect Nrf2 activating these regions,” said the expert. The results of this study published in the journal came Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, and was performed with purified sulforaphane, not broccoli. From here, the officials said the next step is to evaluate the effect of chemicals such as is found in plants.
“Now we need to go and evaluate this in broccoli and compare the effect of purified sulforaphane,” said Evans, who said that if the plant form prove less effective, this Pordio then be a good argument for the development of sulforaphane as pills supplement.