Summary of A True “Superfood” – New Study Indicates That Eating Broccoli Protects Gut Lining, Reduces Disease:
According to a study by Penn State, broccoli contains molecules that bind to a receptor in mice, protecting the lining of the small intestine and inhibiting the development of Disease. The study also found that broccoli can reduce the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes. The molecules in broccoli, called aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands, bind to aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a type of protein called a transcription factor that affects the functions of intestinal cells. Mice in the study that were not fed broccoli had compromised gut health in ways associated with Disease.
*****
Broccoli could help improve gut health, says Penn State University study
Scientists at Penn State have discovered a molecule in broccoli that interacts with a receptor in mice, promoting the health of their gut lining and staving off Disease. The molecules identified, called aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands, bind to a protein called a transcription factor in the mice’s bodies, triggering mechanisms that benefit gut health. These findings add to the growing evidence pointing to cruciferous vegetables as superfoods beneficial to overall well-being.
Broccoli contains specific molecules that promote gut health in mice.
The small intestine’s lining lets in beneficial nutrients while preventing harmful bacteria and food particles from entering the body. Cells found in the intestine help prevent this balance by working together to ensure the intestine functions as it should. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a protein found in mice and humans, is essential in maintaining the balance within the intestine’s functioning.
The Penn State researchers’ study, published in the journal Laboratory Investigation,’ focused on the molecules found in broccoli, which bind to AHR. Previous studies have found that consuming broccoli reduces the chances of developing cancer and type 2 diabetes. The premise for the Penn State study was that if broccoli has such a positive impact on the body, what mechanisms are involved?
The study revealed that the molecules found in broccoli increased AHR activity in the intestine and helped create a balance in the number of cell types present in the animals. The mice given a lab diet without broccoli had fewer goblet cells secreting mucus on the intestinal wall due to the lack of AHR activity. They also had a decreased number of enterocyte cells, responsible for absorbing nutrients, and Paneth cells, which secrete lysosomes that contain digestive enzymes. This lack of essential cell types is typically associated with disease development.
Broccoli could be used as a natural source of AHR ligands.
Perhaps the most significant discovery made by Penn State researchers is that the AHR ligands found in broccoli could be used as a natural source of AHR ligands. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are excellent sources of these compounds. The researchers believe diets rich in AHR ligands could help keep the intestine resilient and reshape the gastrointestinal tract’s cellular and metabolic repertoire.
According to Gary Perdew, who is the H. Thomas and Dorothy Willits Hallowell, Chair in Agricultural Sciences at Penn State, the research is helping to uncover the mechanisms for how cruciferous vegetables benefit health in mice. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health Grants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Penn State Cancer Institute, provides strong backing for categorizing broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables as superfoods, a
Broccoli should be a part of a normal healthy diet.
Perdew stated how broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and Brussels sprouts, should be part of a normal healthy diet. “Our research is helping to uncover the mechanisms for how broccoli and other foods benefit health in mice and likely humans. It provides strong evidence that cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, should be part of a normal healthy diet,” he stated.
The latest study provides a greater understanding of why cruciferous vegetables like broccoli benefit human health. As scientists continue to uncover the mechanisms responsible, it remains to be seen what role cruciferous vegetables will play in our overall health and well-being. However, the evidence suggests they will have a significant role.
In conclusion, the research adds to the growing evidence that broccoli is a superfood, rich in compounds that promote gut health. With further investigation, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables will likely cement their status as go-to foods for anyone looking to stay healthy.
Comments are closed