Research suggested that eating broccoli could reverse the damage caused by diabetes to heart blood vessels. One of the University team believes that the key is a compound found called sulforaphane. This encourages production of enzymes which protect the blood vessels, and a reduction in high levels of molecules which cause significant cell damage. Those brassica vegetables such as broccoli have previously been linked to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Diabetic people 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 team 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. Researchers also found out 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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