Study Finds Compound in Broccoli Helps Clear Damaged Lungs
Posted on April 14, 2011
New research has found that broccoli can help the immune system remove harmful bacteria from your lungs. The vegetable contains a chemical called sulphoraphane that helps restore NRF2, a chemical pathway in the lungs that is involved in macrophage activiation. Macrophages help clear debris and unwanted bacteria from the lungs. Sulphoraphane may be particularly helpful for smokers and people suffering from COPD.
Sulphoraphane was found to be effective in boosting the NRF2 pathway in 43 people suffering from COPD. Researchers also found that sulphorance helped increase bacterial clearance in mice that had been subjected to weeks or months of smoke.
You can read more about the study in New Scientist. New Scientist says new clinical trials are underway to test the compound, but results will be three years away. A press release about the study says broccoli sprouts are the richest source of sulforaphane.
Note: A 2016 study reported in Daily Mail says the best way to eat broccoli to get the most benefit is to chop it into small pieces, let it sit for 90 minutes and then gently stir-fry it.