Sulforaphane, found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and collards, may help reduce the risk of respiratory inflammation that leads to chronic diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a new study from the University of California, Los Angeles. Study participants received escalating oral dosages of broccoli sprouts. Researchers found that those at the highest dose had as much as three times as many antioxidant enzymes in their upper airway cells compared to baseline. No effect was seen in the placebo group. These protective antioxidant enzymes help fight against common environmental pollutants.

Riedl MA, Saxon A, Diaz-Sanchez D. Oral sulforaphane increases Phase II antioxidant enzymes in the human upper airway. Clin Immunol. 2009;130:244-251.

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