Attention all allergy sufferers!
A substance found in broccoli sprouts, mature broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale, cabbage and bok choy, and has originally been linked to reducing some cancers, may now be a new aid in helping to prevent respiratory inflammation due to allergies, COPD, and asthma!
This substance, sulforaphane, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body, and is naturally occurring in cruciferous veggies.
The researchers who conducted this study at UCLA (and published in this month's journal of Clinical Immunology), noted, "This strategy [offering study participants broccoli sprouts] may offer protection against inflammatory processes and could lead to potential treatments for a variety of respiratory conditions." Broccoli sprouts were used in this study (compared to alfalfa sprouts, which contain no sulforaphane), as the broccoli sprouts contain the best concentration of this helpful chemical.
Do you currently suffer from allergies (allergic rhinitis), asthma or COPD? This is a preliminary study, and no exact dosage (or amount) of broccoli sprouts has been determined, in order to see results.
Does this new information persuade you to eat more of the green stuff, that is good for you in many other ways?
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Add a Comment5 Comments
Alysia, I'm with you on the brussels sprouts! I read an article once that says our ability to taste bitterness is quite different from person to person. My sister doesn't think brussels sprouts are bitter at all, and I can't get away from the bitterness. Very interesting to us since we're alike in so many other ways.
Interestingly, while I went off looking for that article, I found this one, which talks about the fact that folks with a high ability to taste bitterness may be at higher risk for certain diseases simply because they don't like the vegetables that can help prevent them:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/sci_tech/2003/denver_2003/2765251.stm
Good thing we both like our broccoli!
March 16, 2009 - 8:40amThis Comment
Interesting, Tina. Who would have thought broccoli would make you feel better with a cold. I never feel like eating anything but chicken soup, lol!
March 13, 2009 - 4:32pmThis Comment
Great information. Each time I get a cold, I always eat a little broccoli and it makes me feel better within about 30 minutes. I had no idea this was due to the sulforaphane. I was under the impression broccoli was a good source of vitamin C. Thanks for the great information and like the anonymous poster above, it's something I'm definitely -- given all of my allergies -- going to load up on.
March 13, 2009 - 10:25amThis Comment
This is cool, thanks for sharing. I'm now on my way to the store to buy broccoli...
March 12, 2009 - 7:36pmThis Comment
I love broccoli, especially with mayonnaise. My hubby likes brussels sprouts. Does anyone know how to make brussels sprouts not taste bitter?
March 12, 2009 - 7:06pmThis Comment