According to recent research from Johns Hopkins Medical School, a decrease in lung concentrations of specific antioxidants leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These researchers revealed that broccoli is a rich source of these antioxidants.
Broccoli is rich in sulforapane, a phytochemical/antioxidant that boosts NRF2-dependent antioxidants in humans lung cells. Smokers have very low levels of NRF2-dependent antioxidants which appears to be the underlying cause of COPD.
The pytochemicals in broccoli dramatically enhance the production of NRF2-dependent antioxidants which are the lung cells primarily defense system against injury. The findings were published in the second issue for September of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society.
Along with the heart, your lungs form the cardio-respiratory system. It doesn’t matter how big your biceps are, without a strong set of lungs, you won’t curl much more than a toothpick. For optimum lung health, eat your broccoli.
