Broccoli can prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma

Researchers have identified genes that control accumulation of phenolic compounds in broccoli.

Consumption of phenolic compounds is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, type-2 diabetes, asthma and several types of cancer.

‘Phenolic compounds have good antioxidant activity, and there is evidence that this affects biochemical path ways affiliated with inflammation. People whose diets consist of a certain level of these compounds will have a lesser risk of contracting these diseases,’ explained geneticist Jack Juvik.

By identifying genes involved in accumulating the phenolic compounds, researchers are closer to breeding broccoli and cabbage with huge doses of phenolic compounds.

Until then, including the broccoli available now is good enough to prevent a host of diseases!