Diet rich in high glucoraphanin broccoli reduces plasma LDL cholesterol: Evidence from randomised controlled trials

Abstract

ScopeCruciferous-rich diets have been associated with reduction in plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), which may be due to the action of isothiocyanates derived from glucosinolates that accumulate in these vegetables. This study tests the hypothesis that a diet rich in high glucoraphanin (HG) broccoli will reduce plasma LDL-C.Methods and resultsOne hundred and thirty volunteers were recruited to two independent double-blind, randomly allocated parallel dietary intervention studies, and were assigned to consume either 400 g standard broccoli or 400 g HG broccoli per week for 12 weeks. Plasma lipids were quantified before and after the intervention. In study 1 (37 volunteers), the HG broccoli diet reduced plasma LDL-C by 7.1% (95% CI: –1.8%, –12.3%, p = 0.011), whereas standard broccoli reduced LDL-C by 1.8% (95% CI +3.9%, –7.5%, ns). In study 2 (93 volunteers), the HG broccoli diet resulted in a reduction of 5.1% (95% CI: –2.1%, –8.1%, p = 0.001), whereas standard broccoli reduced LDL-C by 2.5% (95% CI: +0.8%, –5.7%, ns). When data from the two studies were combined the reduction in LDL-C by the HG broccoli was significantly greater than standard broccoli (p = 0.031).ConclusionEvidence from two independent human studies indicates that consumption of high glucoraphanin broccoli significantly reduces plasma LDL-C.

Dietary broccoli protects against fatty liver development but not against progression of liver cancer in mice pretreated with diethylnitrosamine

“…Recently it was shown that a broccoli diet could lower plasma LDL cholesterol in humans, suggesting that hepatic trafficking of lipids may be altered by broccoli (Armah et al, 2015). Our previous study using mice support this finding, showing decreased lipidosis by supplemental dietary broccoli in mice consuming a Westernized diet (Chen, Wallig, & Jeffery, 2016).…”

Biosynthesis and bioactivity of glucosinolates and their production in plant in vitro cultures

“…Moreover, sulforaphane also prevent cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension or atherosclerosis in rats prone to suffer spontaneous hypertensive strokes (Wu et al 2004;Senanayake et al 2012). In humans, Armah et al (2015) demonstrated that the dietary intake of broccoli with a high content in glucoraphanine resulted in a high decrease of LDL cholesterol, which is related with coronary diseases.…”

Analysis on the polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activities of broccoli

“…It possesses both nourishing and healthcare functions. In addition, its edible parts are also rich in ascorbic acid, which can enhance the detoxification ability of liver and improve immunity; Polyphenols can effectively eliminate free radicals in the body, improve blood circulation, reduce cholesterol, inhibit low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), cholesterol oxidation and so on [3][4][5]. Free radicals are harmful substances that are produced by oxidation.…”