Broccoli sprouts could boost battle against Type 2 diabetes
UQ School of Human Movement Studies PhD student Christine Houghton said the broccoli-derived sulforaphane compound has many health benefits.
“The health benefits are a response to activating a range of antioxidant and other protective genes,” she said. “Activating these genes has been shown to reduce the degree of oxidative stress, a contributor to a number of diseases, including Type 2 diabetes.”
Ms Houghton is working with other UQ researchers to conduct clinical trials designed to develop a new intervention for the disease.
“Other studies have shown that sulforaphane from broccoli sprout powder might reduce the signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. However, this will be the first time a characterised broccoli capsule will be used in a clinical trial,” she said.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers between 18 and 45 are invited to participate in the study.
Application details can be found at www.easydiab2.com.
For more information:
Caroline Day
UQ School of Human Movement Studies
Tel: +61 7 3365 6764
Email: caroline.day@uq.edu.au