Heart-healthy broccoli
A study just published by the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reports on the role of broccoli as a cardioprotector. Broccoli contains high concentrations of selenium and glucosinolates, especially isothicyanate sulforaphane. Both selenium and sulforaphane are shown to protect the heart and the cardiovascular system. Sulforaphane induces the redox regulator protein, thioredoxin, which has a cardioprotective role by reducing oxidative stress.
A clinical study reported that eating fresh broccoli sprouts for a week lowered serum low density lipoprotein levels and a prospective study in Iowa showed a strong association between broccoli consumption and a lowering of the risk of coronary heart disease.
As reported earlier Ohio State University has recently completed organoleptic research indicating that the majority of individuals in three age groups (children, teens and adults) are most likely to eat broccoli when allowed to add sufficient salt to overcome broccoli's natural bitterness.
Here is a clear case of salt indirectly contributing to better heart health.
