Researchers at the University of Warwick have suggested that eating broccoli could undo the damage caused to heart blood vessels by diabetes. They found that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, can prevent biochemical dysfunction induced by hyperglycemia in cultured endothelial cells. People with diabetes have a particularly high risk of heart disease and stroke, which are linked to damaged blood vessels.
Sulforaphane may also trigger production of thioredoxin, which protects against cell damage in the heart.
Studies have also linked consumption of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, with decreased incidence of ischemic stroke.
It has also been reported that 3,3′-diindolylmethane and indole-3-carbinol, other compounds found in cruciferous vegetables, may have anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
