During childhood our parents would always encourage us to eat our
greens, and how we wouldn’t grow up to be big and strong without them!
The benefits of green vegetables may be bigger than we first thought
however, after researchers discovered that not only can general health
and development be boosted, but eating one or two cups of lightly
steamed broccoli per day could act as a treatment for those suffering
with asthma.
The study, led by a research team based
at the University of Melbourne, showed how consuming vegetables from the
cruciferous family — which also comprises of kale, cabbage, brussels
sprouts, cauliflower and bok choy — may help to reverse lung damage and
protect against inflammation causing asthma symptoms. The key is the
naturally occurring sulforaphane that is found in broccoli and the other
green vegetables.
In Britain alone there are an estimated 5.4 million asthmatic, which
includes 1.1 million children. However, the lung condition is rife in
many parts of the world, with numerous factors linked to the development
of it such as being exposed to tobacco smoke – especially if the mother
was smoking during pregnancy – and a family history of asthma or other allergic conditions means you are more likely to get it.
Moreover, aspects of modern lifestyles are believed to play a role in
an increased risk of asthma. A diet high in processed foods, living in
an area with high air pollution and being raised in a home where there
is a pet – especially a cat – are all believed to be contributing
factors.
“In Australia, asthma affects one in ten people and it’s something
that is on the rise,” said University of Melbourne honours student Nadia
Mazarakis, who undertook research on the topic with supervisor Dr Tom
Karagiannis.
“Laboratory tests have shown that consumption of broccoli changes the
formation of the airway and may make clear breathing easier for those
who suffer from asthma and allergies,” said Ms Mazarakis.
“Blockages in the airway were reversed almost entirely. Using
broccoli to treat asthma may also help for people who don’t respond to
traditional treatment.”
The findings come as there are increasing studies into healthcare
that try to involved diet together with prescription medication
treatments.
It has been stressed though that research is still in an early stage
and at no point during an asthma attack or breathing difficulties should
usual medical advice be disregarded. Basically, asthma inhalers are
still a must!
Ms Mazarakis will be presenting the findings of the study at the 2014
Undergraduate Research Conference about Food Safety in Shanghai, China.
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