UCLA Finds that Broccoli Aids in the Prevention of Asthma and COPD

As if there are not already a million and one reasons to eat broccoli, the University of California-Los Angeles has now found that broccoli also aids in the prevention of respiratory conditions including asthma and COPD. The recent UCLA study found that a key compound found in broccoli could help to protect the lungs against respiratory inflammation which causes asthma and COPD. The study was based on findings of sulforaphane which is a naturally occurring chemical found in broccoli that triggers increased antioxidants in human airways.

What this All Means for Asthma and COPD sufferers:

In the future, broccoli may be commonly prescribed as a means to help prevent COPD and asthma or other respiratory inflammatory diseases especially in areas where there is high pollution. The increased antioxidant enzymes in human airways have been noted by the UCLA study to offer protection from free radicals which are very common in polluted air.

During the study, patients were given either broccoli sprouts or alfalfa sprouts for a period of three days. The broccoli sprouts were given as a high source of sulforaphane while the alfalfa was given as a placebo to control the experiment. Nasal airway lab tests were taken at the beginning and the end of the study to determine the amount of antioxidant enzymes in all patients. The result was a more than 100% increase in certain antioxidant enzymes in those who were given the broccoli sprouts.

The UCLA study has concluded that broccoli sprouts or broccoli in general may be an effective way to help block the harmful impact of free radicals on the respiratory system. While it is not concluded exactly how much broccoli is necessary to prevent such diseases as Asthma or COPD the UCLA assistant professor of clinical immunology and allergy Marc Riedl says that further studies will follow regarding the positive effects that broccoli and the chemical sulforaphane can have on inflammatory respiratory diseases.

Other Foods that May Help in the Prevention of Asthma or COPD:

The UCLA study finds that many cruciferous vegetables are a good source of sulforaphane and could help to promote a reduced risk of respiratory illness. So what are cruciferous vegetables? They include kale, collard greens, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, radishes, bok choy and rutabaga to name a few. A diet rich in these cruciferous vegetables is considered a good starting point for reducing the impact that free radicals play on the respiratory system.

Sources:

Broccoli May Help Protect Against Respiratory Conditions Like Asthma, www.newsroom.ucla.edu

Cruciferous Vegetables, www.wikipedia.com