Superbroccoli fights cancer and heart disease

A new variety of ‘superbroccoli’ that fights cancer and heart disease is going on sale in the UK. It looks and tastes like normal broccoli, but has been developed by scientists through cross-breeding strands of wild broccoli found to contain higher than normal levels of the chemical glucoraphanin. The new broccoli has three to four times the amount of glucoraphanin normally found in the vegetable – a chemical thought to reduce inflammation and inhibit cell division in some early stage cancers.

The scientists carried out the work out the Institute of Food Research in Norwich. The chemical glucoraphanin, which appears in such high doses in the new broccoli, converts to the bioactive compound sulphoraphane during digestion. This is carried in the blood and may also boost the body’s antioxidants.

Professor Richard Mithen, from the IFR, said: "Our research has given new insights into the role of broccoli and other similar vegetables in promoting health, and has shown how this understanding can lead to the development of potentially more nutritious varieties of our familiar vegetables.

"Now there will also be something brand new for consumers to eat as a result of the discoveries we have made."

The broccoli – labelled as Beneforte broccoli – will go on sale in Marks and Spencers before spreading to other supermarkets.

Published: Thursday, 13th October 2011 by Ellen Haggan