Researchers have discovered a good reason why broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are good for the heart. They contain sulforapane that minimizes the development of atherosclerosis at bends in coronary arteries where it is most likely to occur.
... arteries do not get clogged up with these plaques in a uniform way.
Bends and branches of blood vessels - where blood flow is disrupted and can be sluggish - are much more prone to the build-up.
The latest study has shown that a protein that usually protects against plaque build up called Nrf2 is inactive in areas of arteries that are prone to disease.
However, it also found that treatment with a chemical found in green "brassica" vegetables such as broccoli can activate Nrf2 in these disease-prone regions.
How greens may protect the heart