Ok, so in an effort to stick to the PLAN to blog more, I am starting off the week with a "short one," not an epic blog. We'll see how it goes.

Headline at Web MD today relates that researchers at the University of Connecticut* (right in my back yard) have been studying the effects of the superfood broccoli on the outcomes of oxygen deprivation to the hearts of rats. Seems they fed broccoli extract to the rats along with their regular chow; the control rats got plain water. After a month they subjected the rats to oxygen deprivation to simulate a heart attack, and the rats that had been fed the broccoli extract faired better than the controls. When compared to the controls the broccoli fed rats had better heart pumping ability, less heart muscle damage, and higher levels of heart-health chemicals (no explanation of what was measured in this summary article) during the oxygen deprivation.

It's no surprise really that the broccoli extract was heart protective. Broccoli contains two strong antioxidants, selenium and sulforaphane ; there is also evidence that these antioxidants may help fight various types of cancer. So if you needed more evidence to eat your veggies to protect your heart, this study would support those healthy choices. Hate broccoli (especially cooked, like me)? Try shredding it into your salad, like cutting cabbage for slaw. How about one of these recipes? For more general tips for finding ways to increase your intake of these nutrient-rich foods here are some great tips for "sneaking" superfoods into your diet here.

* Reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Happy eating and disease fighting! Laurie


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