A broccoli can help the diabetic patients as the recent research done by a University of Warwick have shown that it undo the damage to heart blood vessels caused by diabetes. People with diabetes are up to five times more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes which further damages blood vessels.

It was found that a compound called sulforaphane present in the broccoli encourages production of enzymes which protect the blood vessels, and a reduction in high levels of molecules which cause significant cell damage.

The research work reported in the journal Diabetes states the tests conducted for the effects of sulforaphane on blood vessel cells damaged by high glucose levels (hyperglycemia), which are associated with diabetes.

They recorded a 73% reduction of molecules in the body called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Hyperglycemia can cause levels of ROS to increase three-fold and such high levels can damage human cells.

Professor Paul Thornalley from University of Warwick said, “Our study suggests that compounds such as sulforaphane from broccoli may help counter processes linked to the development of vascular disease in diabetes.”

Also it was found that sulforaphane activates a special protein in the body called nrf2, which protects cells and tissues from damage by activating protective antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes.

Earlier, Brassica vegetables like broccoli have been linked to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. In short, the diabetic patient should try more and more Brassica vegetables in their meal.