Researchers at UCLA recently reported on a naturally occurring compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables that may protect the lungs from inflammation leading to asthma attacks. The compound, sulforaphane, can induce an increase in antioxidant enzymes in the airway passage which offer protection against triggers of asthma including pollen, tobacco smoke and polluted air. The researchers say, “A major advantage of sulforaphane is that it appears to increase a broad array of antioxidant enzymes, which may help the compound’s effectiveness in blocking the harmful effects of air pollution.” They are recommending broccoli or broccoli sprouts as part of a healthy diet, especially if you have asthma.
May 21, 2009
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Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
May 23rd, 2009 at 12:41 am
I love that stuff, I’ll give it my best shot!!!