The benefits of fruits and vegetables with respect to heart disease is well-established. The Lancet (Vol. 367, Issue 9507, 28 January 2006, Pages 320-326) published a meta-analysis supporting the cardiovascular benefits of produce; and there have been many other studies along this line. A recent study, published in the Journal of Nutrition (October 2007, Volume 137) was conducted on an extract from broccoli and it’s effect on cells. Apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB) is found in LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), and is responsible for placing cholesterol in tissue. In short, apoB is linked to the plaque formation in heart disease.

A substance found in broccoli, called indole-3-carbiol, reduces the secretion of apoB by 56%. This shows that there may be some cardiovascular benefit to broccoli. Broccoli is part of a group of vegetables called cruciferous vegetables, which includes cauliflower and other pungent vegetables that contain sulfur. Previous research has shown cruciferous vegetables to protect against a variety of cancers. Now we are seeing some cardiovascular benefits.