Yippee! 
What a joy it was to read this in today's
article, since broccoli's one of my fave vegies!
Broccoli scores
again
-
Research shows that the vegetable protects the
heart against high blood pressure, heart disease,
stroke
THE goodness of broccoli is a well-known fact. It is a rich source
of calcium and has
anti-cancer properties. Now, researchers have found one more reason
to include the
vegetable in your diet.
In a study conducted at the University of Connecticut, researchers
have found
that it also protects the heart against ailments such as high blood
pressure, heart
disease and stroke.
A group of rats that was fed with broccoli had decreased blood
pressure and inflammation
in the heart as compared to a control group that was fed regular
rat food.
When the rats were put through an oxygen-deprivation test, those on
the broccoli
diet were found to have better blood-pumping ability, less heart
damage and
higher levels of heart-health chemicals.
According to Ms Nehal Kamdar, dietitian at Raffles Hospital,
broccoli contains
sulforaphane, a compound thought to trigger the body’s production
of the protein
thioredoxin, which protects against cell damage in the
heart.
Ms Kamdar said: “Broccoli is also rich in vitamins A and C, folic
acid, calcium and
fibre. It is a rich source of antioxidants that help protect
against cancer and a good
source of calcium for those who do not take dairy
products.”
In addition, the vegetable’s fibre content comprises both the
soluble and insoluble
varieties. So, a serving helps one meet one’s daily need for both
types of fibre.
Although there is no set rule as to how much broccoli one should
have,
Ms Kamdar advises having two to three servings of vegetables a
day,
broccoli being one of the greens to include in those daily
servings.
“You should vary the types of vegetables you eat as
different
coloured vegetables provide different vitamins, antioxidants
and
phytochemicals needed in your diet,” she said.
And while broccoli has a higher uric content than most vegetables,
it is still less
than that of meat and seafood. Thus, those with gout can still eat
broccoli in moderation
— half a cup of broccoli per week.
Broccoli is also more than just heart-friendly. It is also
beneficial for the entire
body.
“Broccoli is a great immune-booster because it’s high in vitamins —
it contains twice the amount of Vitamin C that spinach
has,” said Ms Kamdar. “Its high mineral content (potassium,
iron, magnesium and folic acid) also means
that it’s a good stress-buster, and the sulphurous compounds and
high-fibre content
makes it a good cancer-fighting food.”
— JOANNE YAP
* Taken from TODAY newspaper,
12/2/2008, page 12.
