Recent research now says that you should be eating more broccoli
A mouse study has uncovered evidence that eating broccoli has surprising gut health benefits. These benefits come from molecules released in the gut, which help protect the lining. [i]
Gary Perdew conducted a study suggesting that cruciferous vegetables should be included in a healthy diet. Examples of these vegetables are broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts. The small intestine wall prevents harmful food particles and bacteria from entering the gut. In addition, enterocytes, goblet cells, and Paneth cells help maintain the gut’s health and stability. [i]
This research found that mice fed a diet with 15% broccoli (3.5 cups for humans) released molecules. These molecules bind to a type of protein called a transcription factor. This binding triggers a reaction. It affects the function of intestinal cells in various ways. These include producing specific proteins and expressing certain genes. [ii]
This reaction boosts cell production in the intestine. These cells help protect against bacterial and viral infections. Additionally, these molecules can increase the production of mucus and other substances that protect and lubricate the intestinal lining. These findings suggest consuming broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may benefit intestinal health. [ii]
The mice that were not fed broccoli had an inactive aryl hydrocarbon receptor. This receptor is responsible for controlling the body’s response to toxins in the environment. This lack of activation caused changes in the intestinal barrier. This led to food taking longer to reach the small intestine. [iii]
Additionally, there were fewer goblet cells responsible for producing protective mucus. These findings suggest that diets rich in broccoli can promote small intestine resilience. This occurs through the proper activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. [iii]
Furthermore, broccoli provides beneficial nutrients. These nutrients help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and promote the production of protective mucus. [iii]
References
[i] Xiaoliang Zhou et al., Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation Coordinates Mouse Small Intestinal Epithelial Cell Programming (Jan. 11, 2023)
[ii] Id.
[iii] Id.
