Friday August 22, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study published on August 4, 2008 in the journal of Diabetes suggests eating broccoli can ward off vascular disease.

Diabetics are two to four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared to those without the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.  Sixty five percent of diabetes patients die from heart attack or stroke.

The study led by Paul J. Thornalley and colleagues from The University of Warwick Hospital and the University of Essex in the U. K. found sulforaphane activates the protein nrf2 and increases antioxidant response element linked gene expression leading to 3 to 5 fold increase in expression of transketolase and glutathione reductase.

Nrf2 protein counteracts with reactive oxygen species, which is boosted by hyperglycemia, but can be prevented by sulforaphane.

Sulforaphane can also prevent hyperglycemia-induced activation of the hexosamine and protein kinase C pathways and prevent increase in cellular accumulation and excretion of the glycating agent, methylglyoxal.

The results suggest that sulforaphane protect the blood vessels.