Not everyone loves broccoli. But it has been shown to have positive effects on health. Like other cruciferous vegetables, it is rich in nutrients. It may also reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes.
A recent study backs new reasons to eat broccoli. It shows that it can bind to receptors in mice to protect the lining of the small intestine. It improves digestive health and reduces the risk of disease.
Read on to find out why you should be adding broccoli to your diet.
The Study
Researchers at Penn State were not satisfied knowing that broccoli is good for you. They wanted to know why it provides benefits.
They focused on the small intestine lining which allows water and nutrients to pass into the body but prevents harmful food particles and bacteria from getting into the system. Cells that line the small intestine are responsible for this activity. They include:
- Enterocytes absorb nutrients and water
- Paneth cells secrete lysosomes that contain digestive enzymes
- Goblet cells secrete a protective layer of mucus on the intestinal wall
The cells work together to maintain a healthy balance in the gut.
The study, which was published in the Laboratory Investigation journal, revealed the aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands, which are found in broccoli molecules, bind to a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The binding causes activities that affect intestinal cell function.
The scientists experimented on a group of mice subdivided into two. One group was fed a diet of 15% broccoli which equals about 3.5 cups a day. The others were fed a diet without broccoli.
They studied the animal’s tissues to determine AHR activity, cell types, mucus concentrations, and other factors.
They found that AHR activity was diminished in mice that were not fed broccoli. Their intestinal barrier function was altered. The time it took for the food to reach the small intestine was reduced.
It also decreased Paneth cells, lysosome production, enterocyte cells, goblet cells, and protective mucus.
“The gut health of the mice that were not fed broccoli was compromised in a variety of ways that are known to be associated with the disease. Our research suggests that broccoli and likely other foods can be used as natural sources of AHR ligands and that diets rich in these ligands contribute to the resilience of the small intestines,” explained Gary Perdew, Ph.D. of veterinary and biomedical sciences at Penn State lead the study.
“These data suggest that dietary cues, relayed through the activity of AHR, can reshape the cellular and metabolic repertoire of the gastrointestinal tract,” stated study authors.
Other Broccoli Benefits
Broccoli is well known for offering an array of benefits including:
- Improves heart health
- Contains cancer-protective compounds
- Benefits eye health
- May support hormonal balance
- May boost immunity
With all the benefits broccoli has to offer, you can’t afford not to be adding it to your diet. What broccoli dishes will you be including on today’s menu?