American scientists believe eating broccoli can protect lungs against the damage caused by a chronic breathing disorder known as COPD.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, sulforaphane, an antioxidant found in broccoli, can protect the lungs against the damage caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by restoring the antioxidant imbalance in the tissue.

Compared to non-COPD individuals, smokers with severe forms of COPD have reduced lung concentrations of NRF2, a protein which defends the lungs against toxins and inflammation-related injuries, and DJ-1, a protein responsible for stabilizing NRF2 and preventing its degradation.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine hope NRF2 will become a novel agent which will boost antioxidant defenses in the lungs and improve lung function in COPD patients.

Previous studies had reported that the same compound in broccoli not only lowers the risk of developing heart attack and stroke but also protects individuals against diabetes-related vascular damage.

PKH/HGH