When it comes to broccoli, people either hate it or love it, with broccoli, there is no in-between. And that is the same case with mushrooms and spinach.
But, a person that hates broccoli and has type 2 diabetes might just change their mind.
According to one new research, the consumption of broccoli can be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes. And statistics note that nowadays around 10 % of Americans have type 2 diabetes.
And worldwide there are around 300 million people with this disease. This condition may cause a limb amputation, stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and blindness.
Those with this condition are aware that the treatment is not easy. Metformin leads to several side effects such as stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. In addition, people that have poor function of their kidneys may not take it.
And the poor function of the kidney is actually a common complication for those with type 2 diabetes. But hopefully, this drug that is quite risky soon could be changed with food such as the extract of broccoli sprout.
According to the researchers, it might be very useful for those that have prediabetes. They have a higher level of blood sugar than the usual level but are not that high to be diagnosed with diabetes.
Extract from Broccoli Sprout Reduces Fasting Blood Glucose
In Science Translational Medicine, there was a placebo-controlled and randomized study that came to the discovery that sulforaphane (complex found in broccoli) is good for obese patients that have poor regulation over their type 2 diabetes.
In this study, there were 97 obese participants, and the researchers looked at them for 12 weeks. The participants took broccoli sprout that was concentrated. These participants had a notable drop in their fasting blood sugar levels. In comparison to those participants that took a placebo.
Moreover, the researchers came to the discovery that this complex may help prevent glucose intolerance from developing. And also just as metformin help reduce the levels of blood sugar.
The researchers witnessed a drop in the glucose of 10 %. This decrease is sufficient to reduce complications in the eyes, kidneys, and blood. And another important thing is that sulforaphane unlike the metformin did not cause any gastrointestinal problems and did not have any side effects.
However, in the study, the participants took around 11 pounds of broccoli on a daily basis. Therefore, future treatments would require a concentrated form. And when we choose broccoli we should choose organic broccoli, simply because it is among the healthiest foods with many benefits.
According to the lead author of the study, professor at Lund University Diabetes Center and the University of Gothenburg, Andres Rosengren, broccoli is highly beneficial. It may be useful because it does not have any side effects and because you can easily make a shake or drink from broccoli.
Also, the complex sulforaphane is present in other vegetables such as cabbage and Brussels sprouts which sounds promising for treating diabetes.
To Fight Diabetes We Need to Make a Lifestyle Change
Dr. Rosengren notes that for those with type 2 diabetes an essential therapy remains the lifestyle changes. That means healthy nutrition and a lot of physical activity.
Many people successfully manage type 2 diabetes by avoiding processed foods and refined sugars, eating healthy food, getting sunshine on a regular basis, and exercising.
The Centers for Disease Control i.e. CDC predicts that 1 out of 3 people will have this condition in their life. That is why safe treatments are urgent. It is positive when the researchers discover natural ways that can help alleviate this condition.
Source Natural News | Live Science | Medical News Today | AJC | Daily Mail | PBS | Medical News Today