Former studies had proven that consuming a large amount of vegetables, like broccoli was a good option for bypassing heart disease or stroke, but Thornalley and his fellow researchers wanted to know the reasoning behind this.  Their theory was linked to the sulforaphane found within vegetables, which is a know activator of nrf2, a protein that helps increase antioxidants as well as protective and metabolic enzymes.

To test this, they cultured human microvascular HMEC-1 endothelial cells.  Some were low in glucose concentrations and others were high (3 and 30 mMole, respectively).  They analyzed the effects of adding sulforaphane to the mix in order to determine if the activation of nrf2 could prevent any damage to the heart blood vessels or have any result on the Reactive Oxygen Species molecules.

Based on the results, the researchers wrote, “Activation of nrf2 may prevent biochemical dysfunction and related functional responses of endothelial cells induced by hyperglycemia in which increased expression of transketolase has a pivotal role.”  The transketolase in their statement refers to an enzyme that converts harmful glucose byproducts so that they can be safely removed from the body.

In the study, the sulforaphane was able to double the amount of nfr2 typically activated, which in turn doubled the amount of antioxidants and enzymes.  The nfr2 itself reduced Reactive Oxygen Species molecules and prevented the increase of them by an impressive seventy-three percent. 

Regarding their findings, Thornalley said, “[The study] Suggests that compounds such as sulforaphane from broccoli may help counter processes linked to the development of vascular disease in diabetes.”

Although further studies will have to be done with human volunteers suffering from diabetes, even healthy skeptics see the importance of the work done at the University of Warwick.  Diabetes UK charity director of research, Dr Iain Frame said, “Professor Thornalley and his team have identified a potentially important substance that may protect and repair blood vessels from the damaging effects of diabetes.” 

Even the American Diabetes Association cites vegetables like broccoli as a good option for those with the disease.  They suggest eating three servings a day and even compiled a list of helpful tips in order to implore patients to heed their advice. 

Should further studies be conducted and people start taking their mothers’ old warnings to finish the vegetables from their plate, then perhaps the devastating effects of diabetes to the heart can be prevented.

Eighteen years ago, the leader of the free world made a bold declaration that sent shivers down the spines of health conscious consumers and broccoli lovers everywhere:  “I don’t like broccoli…I’m the President of the United States and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli.”

According to the U.S.D.A, the president’s denouncement of all things broccoli, and the subsequent ban he put on the cruciferous veggie in the White House (as well as Air Force One), was the precursor to a 15 percent decline in broccoli consumption across the country that year.     

Fast forward to today – a year in which the former president turns 84 and who’ll likely ring in his birthday celebration by skydiving again – and you have to wonder whether the former first lady has gotten her husband to eat his broccoli.

I say this because according to new research out of UCLA, eating broccoli may help to reinvigorate the body’s immune system, in effect slowing the aging process.

According to the research, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the age-fighting miracle worker found in broccoli is called sulforaphane.  Sulforaphane works in tandem with a protein the body makes naturally called Nrf2.  This protein and sulforaphane team up and increase the body’s ability to produce additional antioxidant genes and enzymes that ward off the hazardous effects free radicals have on the body.  Free radicals are byproducts of the various bodily functions the body goes through every day.  These free radicals are believed to be one of the largest contributors to the aging process and how quickly one ages.  This helps explain why some people in their mid 80s look younger and have more vitality than those in their 60s or 70s.

“Our defense against oxidative stress may determine at what rate we age, how it will manifest and how to interfere in those processes,” said the study’s lead investigator, Dr. Andre Nel, chief of nanomedicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.  Nel went on to say that this study may help in the discovery of new medicines that can aid the elderly in boosting immune system function as they age. 

Of course, if you’re taste preferences are similar to the former president’s, there are other vegetable options containing sulforaphane, including cabbage, kale, cauliflower, turnips, cabbage, brussel sprouts and bok choy.  But if you’re looking for the most sulforaphane bang for your buck, broccoli is your best bet – the sprouts, in particular. 

This isn’t the first time sulforaphane has made its strange name known to medical researchers.  Past research has shown sulforaphane to be an effective protection against UV radiation damage and as a cancer-fighting antimicrobial.

It may be that the former president hasn’t eaten his cruciferous vegetables and his vitality is attributable to something else entirely.  And if that’s the case – fine.  Just think: imagine the vigor you’ll have by the time you reach 84 – simply by eating broccoli!

After 30 days of feeding the rats broccoli extract and extra water on top of their regular rat chow diets the scientists analyzed their heart health. Some of the tests which were experienced were quite similar to a heart attack as they deprived the heart of oxygen. The tests results showed that the rats that had taken the broccoli extract over the water had three major heart benefits compared to the other group of rats. They experienced a better pumping ability, less heart damage during the oxygen deprivation test and higher levels of heart health chemicals during the oxygen deprivation tests. These are three very large benefits from a simple broccoli extract for only 30 days.

Broccoli’s key nutrients include selenium and sulforaphane, which has been studied in the past and may also have benefits in regards to cancer treatments and prevention as well. Broccoli is a simple vegetable, which provides many different benefits when eaten on a regular basis. The only one most people are familiar with is its fiber content but its advantages do not end here. With studies like this showing the effects of broccoli can have on your heart, many people can prevent heart diseases and attacks in their future simply by integrating broccoli into their diets on a regular basis.

Avoid overcooking broccoli as this can destroy its beneficial nutrient content. Another important tip to remember is that most vegetables should be consumed fully. Broccoli holds the most potent cancer-fighting properties of all the cruciferous vegetables so therefore it should be consumed on a daily basis if possible and should also be a part of any prevention method used to protect against disease.

With natural remedies and solutions such as a simple vegetable many people are able to reduce their risk of developing any future heart problems when they are younger simply by including broccoli as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. With so many different health benefits from one vegetable it is easy to see why so many people are choosing the natural remedies and prevention methods for their heart health.