Broccoli blocks MAJOR health threats

I love my veggies.

Especially cruciferous vegetables like kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

And it turns out, this healthy indulgence could be a powerful antidote to one of the fastest growing threats to public health…

A powerful compound

Researchers at Texas A&M recently found that a natural compound called indole—one of the main phytonutrients in cruciferous veggies—may help fight non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

NAFLD is one of the fastest growing epidemics in this country—rising right alongside obesity. It’s marked by excessive fat buildup in the liver that isn’t caused by alcoholism or medication use. And it’s now the most common form of chronic liver disease in the world.

In fact, global rates of diagnosed NAFLD have reached as high as 25 percent. And this trend is most certainly contributing to higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, and early death.

This study looked at 137 Chinese subjects and ultimately found that participants with a higher body mass index (BMI) tended to have lower blood levels of indole. Plus, those with lower indole levels also showed higher levels of fat deposits in their livers.

That’s not surprising. But they landed on some pretty promising results…

Researchers used animal models to mimic fatty liver disease in mice—then treated them with indole. And results showed that this phytonutrient was able to decrease liver fat accumulation and inflammation.

Further experiments on individual cells showed a similar pattern. Not only did indole SLASH fat in liver cells, but it also acted on intestinal cells responsible for sending out signals that silence inflammation.

More broccoli, please!

If something as simple as an extra serving of veggies can help combat NAFLD—by supercharging protective indole activity—I’d say that merits some pretty enthusiastic headlines, wouldn’t you?

So, in addition to eating lean protein and healthy fats this summer, be sure to add plenty of cruciferous vegetables to the menu.

After all, there are many ways to enjoy these disease-fighting veggies!

For example, I like to top fried eggs with some broccoli sprouts, add large kale leaves to soup, make cauliflower-crust pizza, and more.

For some fresh inspiration, order yourself a copy of The A-List Diet, which has various healthy recipes.

Source:

“Natural compound in vegetables helps fight fatty liver disease: New research shows how indole can reduce inflammation, fatty deposits.” Science Daily, 02/07/2020. (sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200207123746.htm)