Broccoli Enhances Protection Against Asthma
Written by WTJ on March 3, 2009 – 8:15 am -
Oxidant pollutants have pro-inflammatory effects and lead to cellular oxidative stress, hence causing asthma. Researchers at University of California, Los Angeles, showed that broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables (like cabbage) help in mediating respiratory inflammation, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Sulforaphane, a compound in these vegetables, appears to have a potent biologic effect in the stimulation of antioxidant response in humans. The study involved 65 volunteers. They were given either broccoli sprouts or alfalfa sprouts. Alfalfa sprouts do not contain any sulforaphane, so they are used as placebo. Researchers found that those who consumed broccoli sprouts had two to three fold increases of antioxidant enzymes in upper airway of human. Maximum dosage of broccoli sprouts yielded 101% increase of the antioxidant enzyme GSTP1 and 199% increase of enzyme NQo1 in the nasal airway cells of human subjects. The result is published in the latest journal Clinical Immunology. Authors are Riedl MA, Saxon A, and Diaz-Sanchez D.
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Tags: Alfalfa sprout, allergic rhinitis, antioxidant, antioxidant enzyme, asthma, broccoli, broccoli sprout, broccoli sprout homogenate, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, clinical immunology, cruciferous vegetable, Diaz-Sanchez D., Dr Marc Riedl, GSTP1, NQo1, Riedl MA, Saxon A, Sulforaphane, University of California, vegetable | 7 Comments »
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I’m glad I came across this mention of the helpful nature of broccoli and cruciferous vegetables. I have always sort of stayed away from broccoli because it tends to give me a massive stomach ache when eaten raw, cooked is better. I am on my quest to find the most asthma helpful veggies.
thanks.
March 31st, 2009 at 12:05 am
I read about this study elsewhere and am wondering exactly what “broccoli sprout homogenate” is. Are the sprouts ground up and drunk? When they say “sprouts” do they mean the little babies, sprouted seeds? I think it’s important to know what exactly these folks ate.
April 7th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
It was a surprise for me…
July 27th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
my girlfriend has Asthma and this disease really annoys her. Her asthma is usually triggered by pollens or dust mite.
September 8th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
i have a mild Asthma which comes and go. my doctor just prescribes me with Corticosteroids to alleviate the symptoms of Asthma. i am still looking for a natural and alternative way to control asthma.
October 18th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
my sister is also suffering from Asthma and she is using Inhaled glucocorticoids to relieve the symptoms.
January 6th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
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