The best vegetable for metabolic health, according to an endocrinologist

 Of course your incompetent? doctor hasn't had the dietician create any form of diet protocol for you, right? So this won't show up in your hospital food or your suggested diet at home!

The best vegetable for metabolic health, according to an endocrinologist

One vegetable that checks all the boxes for metabolic health is broccoli.

Reviewed by Dietitian Jane Leverich, M.S., RDN

Key Points

• Metabolic health consists of how well our cells are process glucose and inflammatory compounds.
• According to an endocrinologist, broccoli is the best vegetable to support metabolic health.
• Broccoli delivers antioxidants that help combat inflammation and fiber that supports gut health.

Unlike heart health or gut health, metabolic health can feel a bit more abstract. “When we talk about metabolic health, we’re really talking about how efficiently our body’s cellular engines are functioning,” says Chhaya Makhija, M.D., DipABLM, a triple-board certified endocrinologist.  Another way to think about it, she says, is how well our cells process glucose, fats, cholesterol and inflammatory compounds and carry out the many functions required to maintain energy and overall health.

One of the best ways to support those cellular engines is by eating more vegetables. “Different vegetables provide different fibers, antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals that work together to support our health,” says Makhija. But one vegetable that may be particularly beneficial for metabolic health is broccoli. Read on to learn why broccoli earned an endocrinologist’s top pick.

Related: I Test Kitchen Gear for a Living—These Are the Amazon Deals I’d Never Pass Up, and You Have Hours to Grab Them

Why Broccoli Tops the List for Metabolic Health

It Contains Compounds That Fight Inflammation

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are two factors that can interfere with metabolic health. Though inflammation progresses quietly, it is linked to various chronic diseases and can make it more difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. The good news is that eating broccoli may help keep inflammation in check. 

Broccoli contains a variety of bioactive compounds—including sulforaphane, quercetin and flavonoids—that have been associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, says Lauren Harris-Pincus, M.S., RDN. This mighty green veggie is also a surprisingly rich source of vitamin C, another potent antioxidant. In fact, a ½-cup serving of cooked broccoli provides more than half of the Daily Value for vitamin C.,

It Supports a Healthy Gut Microbiome

“The gut microbiome plays a much larger role in metabolism than many people realize, influencing everything from glucose regulation to inflammation and overall health,” says Makhija.

Eating more veggies like broccoli is one of the best ways to support gut health. For starters, broccoli is a good source of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome—creating a more favorable metabolic environment, according to Makhija.

In fact, 1 cup of cooked broccoli provides an impressive 5 grams of fiber. What’s more, research suggests that eating broccoli may positively influence the composition of the gut microbiome. Because broccoli contains prebiotic fiber, it may help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

It’s a Great Choice for Heart Health

When metabolic health is impaired, it can create a domino effect that increases the likelihood of high blood pressure, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, high triglycerides and elevated blood sugar levels, all of which are associated with a greater risk of heart disease. Broccoli provides several nutrients and compounds that may help support these aspects of cardiometabolic health.

For starters, the fiber in broccoli may help lower cholesterol and support healthy blood sugar levels. The glucosinolates and polyphenols in broccoli also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect blood vessels from oxidative stress. Finally, this cruciferous vegetable naturally contains nitrates, compounds that can help support healthy blood flow and blood pressure. In other words, adding broccoli to your plate may offer multiple benefits for heart health.

It Supports a Balanced Plate

Another reason to add broccoli to your plate is that it can help create a more balanced eating pattern. “I frequently encourage patients to build their plates around vegetables first, because doing so naturally helps reduce reliance on highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates and foods with hidden sugars,” says Makhija. 

One helpful rule of thumb is to fill at least half of your plate with nonstarchy vegetables like broccoli. “In many ways, vegetables are foundational to metabolic health because they nourish both our cells and our gut while supporting healthier eating patterns overall,” she adds. 

Ways to Enjoy Broccoli

Ready to add more broccoli to your plate? Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it: 

• Toss it into a salad. Broccoli makes a sturdy, fiber-rich base for salads and holds up well in the fridge without getting soggy. Pair it with a creamy or savory dressing and plenty of toppings, like nuts and cheese. 
• Mix it into pasta or casseroles. If broccoli’s strong flavor has been holding you back, try adding it to mixed dishes like pasta or casseroles instead of serving it as a stand-alone side.
• Roast it. Toss raw broccoli florets with olive oil and seasonings, then roast until tender with crispy edges and deeper flavor. For an easy dinner, roast broccoli on the same sheet pan as potatoes and your protein of choice.
• Blend it into soups. Steam broccoli until soft and blend it into soups and stews. You can also blitz it in a food processor to make a higher-fiber broccoli pesto for pasta.

Other Tips for Supporting Metabolic Health

Eating more broccoli—and more vegetables in general—is a great first step toward supporting metabolic health. Here are a few other habits that may help:

• Focus on fiber. “Approximately 95% of Americans miss the mark on fiber intake, which is an important factor in gut health and the prevention of lifestyle diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Focus on fiber-rich plant foods, including produce, whole grains, beans/pulses, nuts and seeds,” says Harris-Pincus.
• Prioritize sleep. Diet isn’t the only factor that influences metabolic health—sleep matters too. “Sleep disruption affects multiple hormonal pathways and can contribute to insulin resistance, higher cortisol spikes, increased appetite, blood pressure changes and greater glucose variability,” says Makhija. She recommends maintaining a consistent sleep schedule with regular bedtimes and wake-up times to help support adequate rest.
• Manage stress. Don’t overlook the negative health effects of chronic stress. Like inadequate sleep, ongoing stress can affect many of the same hormonal pathways involved in metabolism, says Makhija. “This doesn’t mean eliminating stress—which is impossible—but rather building tools to manage it more effectively.”

Our Expert Take

If there’s one vegetable that stands out for metabolic health, it’s broccoli. This tasty and versatile veggie delivers antioxidants that help combat inflammation, fiber that supports a healthy gut and key nutrients that promote heart health. Still, as much as broccoli has to offer, it’s important to keep in mind that no single food can transform your metabolic health on its own. “Metabolic health is not built through one food, one supplement or one exercise program. It is the result of daily habits that support our hormones, our metabolism and our overall well-being,” says Makhija.

Read the original article on EatingWell

11 Foods That Help Unclog Arteries and Prevent Heart Attack

Useless, not a single one gives you amounts. 

11 Foods That Help Unclog Arteries and Prevent Heart Attack

11. Chia Seeds

Once used by Ancient Aztec warriors, this tiny seed packs a super health punch. Incorporating chia seeds into your diet is an easy way to manage your cholesterol levels. Chia seeds help maintain healthy serum lipid levels. Thanks to the presence of phenolic acid and omega 3 and omega 6 oils! Phenolic acids work as an antioxidant, which prevents cellular damage from free radicals in the body. Omega 3 and omega 6 oils prevent blood clotting and inflammation. Excessive inflammation can result in heart disease and diabetes. Add some chia seeds to your smoothie, cereal, oatmeal, or salad today!

10. Avocado

Avocados are all the rage right now because they are not only tasty but they are packed with almost 20 vitamins and minerals. Like their yellow friend, bananas, avocados are rich in potassium; potassium helps regulate and control blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level for your age, height, and weight is essential in preventing a heart attack. Avocados are low in sugar and rich in fiber thus they keep you full between meals. Whether eaten as a spread on toast, as a dip in guacamole or sliced onto a salad there is no wrong way to enjoy avocado.

9. Fish

An excellent alternative to red meat and poultry, fish is a low-fat and high-quality protein. Full of heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B2, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium, fish is another super food. The vitamins and minerals in fish can lower blood pressure, reduce the chance of stroke, as well as prevent heart attacks. The omega 3’s in fish aid in maintaining a healthy heart by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of a sudden heart attack. Fish also plays an essential role in regulating blood clots and vessel constriction. This is important if you have a history of familial blood clots or stroke caused by blood clots.

8. Coconut Oil

We all have heard how great coconut oil is for hair, skin, and nails, but a beautiful outside starts with a beautiful inside. Coconut oil really does all that! If you have been looking for oil that can help boost your good HDL levels and help lower your bad LDL levels, this is it. HDL or, high-density lipoprotein, is considered good because it is the “protective” type of cholesterol. LDL, or, low-density lipoprotein is the “bad” cholesterol. Knowing your levels of each is important before incorporating new diets or lifestyle changes. Even though saturated fat has a bad rap over the years, it is an essential fat for a healthy diet. Coconut oil should still be used sparingly as it is rich in saturated fats. Even with studies showing its cholesterol friendly benefits, it is wise to use sparingly.

7. Green Tea

Drinking green tea reduces the amount of cholesterol digested and absorbed by the body. Green tea has also been shown in certain studies to reduce the risk and development of coronary heart disease by lowering blood glucose levels and body weight. Green tea is also rich in polyphenol. It blocks cholesterol absorption in the intestines and detoxes the body from bad cholesterol. After a long day, unwind with a good book and hot cup of heart-healthy green tea.
Related: 11 Useful Remedies Hidden In A Tea Bag

6. Broccoli

Oh, broccoli, every child’s worst nightmare. Hopefully, at this point in life, you have expanded your palette because broccoli is not only delicious, it’s great for your heart. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin K. It prevents the hardening of your arteries. Sulforaphane, which is found in raw broccoli, has shown to decrease inflammation and reduce blood pressure. Broccoli is also rich in fiber which helps keep you full longer and prevents snacking in between meals. Fiber also has been shown to promote healthy digestion and healthy digestion is the key to staying regular. Eating broccoli raw is the best way to get all the nutritional benefits this vegetable has to offer. If you do not enjoy raw broccoli, try lightly steaming it and using nutritional yeast for flavor.

5. Cinnamon

You don’t have to do the cinnamon challenge that swept the Internet to get the nutritional benefits from this simple spice. Just one teaspoon added to your daily coffee, oatmeal, smoothie, or cereal along with a healthy diet and exercise plan could reduce your cholesterol levels. Cinnamon also increases blood circulation, which ultimately prevents blood clots that lead to heart attack. Just a dash of cinnamon can provide you with the antioxidants necessary to fight free radicals in the body. Some people do experience a slight sensitivity to the spice in cinnamon, but it is important to remember that only 5-6 grams a day are what is recommended to reap the health benefits.
Related: Lower Your Blood Sugar Level Instantly with These Foods

4. Asparagus

 Asparagus is often known as the vegetable that makes your urine smell funny. The good news is, only you can smell that strange smell when you urinate after eating asparagus. There is no bad news about asparagus; it is all positive! Since asparagus is rich in folate and other B vitamins, it helps to regulate and lower homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid found in meat, and high levels of it are linked to heart disease. Chomping on asparagus is not enough to completely reverse the adverse side effects caused by consuming heavy amounts of meat. However, it has been shown to regulate the amino acid that has been linked to heart disease. Try swapping out your regular buttered asparagus with something more heart healthy like coconut oil or olive oil.

3. Turmeric

Don’t be put off by the bright, natural color of Turmeric because it is jam-packed with heart-healthy benefits. The chemical curcumin and other naturally occurring chemicals in Turmeric decrease swelling and inflammation in some. Excess inflammation can cause heart disease, stroke, or heart attack over an extended period of time. You can add turmeric to soups, meats, poultry, fish, and smoothies. A hot new trend hitting the scene recently has been turmeric lattes. Why not step a bit outside of your comfort zone and try a turmeric latte today?
Related: Turmeric Health Benefits

2. Persimmons

Hot on the scene in the produce section is the humble persimmon. Native to China the persimmon has a soft, fibrous texture and a light but tangy taste. According to a study on tropical fruits, which included persimmons, they found that this simple fruit could improve lipid metabolism and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Compared to tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and guava, persimmons proved to be the healthiest for managing cholesterol levels.  Persimmons also contain high levels of fiber as well as high levels of polyphenols and tannins. Both polyphenols and tannins are an excellent source of antioxidants. By adding persimmons to your grocery list, you might lower your risk of heart disease or heart attack.

1. Spirulina

Spirulina is an algae-based supplement loaded with vitamins and nutrients your body needs. Phycocyanin, the compound that gives spirulina its pigmentation, has antihypertensive effects. Spirulina reverses endothelial dysfunction in metabolic syndrome; an increasingly common cause for the development of heart disease in Americans today. Spirulina also decreases LDL levels during an eight-week trial study. Since spirulina is mostly available as a powdered form, it is easy to incorporate into your everyday diet. Sprinkle some in your tea, mix with water, or add to a smoothie.

These are the real 'superfoods' you should be eating more of, according to science

Pretty much a totally useless piece of information. We need EXACT amounts, PROTOCOLS, not just the lazy and incompetent 'more'.
https://www.businessinsider.com/healthy-food-list-2018-8

Thanks to some of the scientists at America's foremost public health institution, you don't have to search too hard to find them. The folks at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked the following items in order of how much nutrition they pack per calorie. Not only do studies suggest that people who eat more of these foods tend to be thinner and live longer than those who rarely or never eat them, they are also linked with a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes . So start adding them to your diet.

1/17

Cabbage is a good source of calcium, iron, fiber, folate, and vitamins.

Flickr/VJLawson2001

Cabbage and its cousin Chinese cabbage are rich in calcium, iron, fiber, folate, and vitamins, and very low in calories — 22 for a cup of the regular variety served raw and just nine for a cup of the Chinese variety served raw.

2/17

Cauliflower packs in the fiber and folate.

Dig Inn

Cauliflower is rich in fiber and folate, vitamins B6, C, K, and potassium. A cup of chopped, raw cauliflower has just 27 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of protein. Toss some in your next curry.

3/17

Kohlrabi is high in vitamins C, B6, and potassium.

Shutterstock

Kohlrabi — an off-white veggie you've probably never heard of — is high in fiber, folate, vitamins C and B6, and potassium. A cup of it raw packs just 37 calories but a whopping 5 grams of fiber. Try it baked.

4/17

Scallions are flavorful sources of vitamins A and C.

Weight Watchers

Scallions, known for their crunchy texture and poignant flavor, are low in calories (just 32 for a whole cup ) but high in nutrients like vitamins A and C. Try chopping up a few and adding them to salads.

5/17

Brussels sprouts contain compounds also found in other leafy greens like broccoli that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Flickr / jules

A member of the cabbage family, brussels sprouts contain compounds called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, according to a study published in the Journal of Food Science.
Brussels are also high in fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, K, and B6, iron, and potassium. A cup of them boiled has around 56 calories and packs some protein too.

6/17

A cup of pumpkin has more potassium than a banana.

LATAM

The naturally deep orange hue of a pumpkin is a good indication of its richness in beta-carotene or vitamin A, which plays a key role in preserving our vision, especially at night . Plus, they're high in potassium (a cup of boiled, mashed pumpkin packs more than a banana), fiber, vitamins B6, C, E, and iron, and they can be baked into a yummy fall gratin.

7/17

Broccoli packs a mean folate punch.

Ruslan Mitin/Shutterstock

Several studies suggest a link between crunchy veggies like broccoli and a reduced risk of certain cancers and other chronic diseases.
Plus the miniature trees are high in vitamin C and folate, which is especially important for women who'd like to get pregnant one day. So try tossing a few stalks in your next stir-fry.

8/17

Zesty arugula may help improve digestion.

Flickr/Alpha

This spicy green is a delightful addition to a salad or pizza. Like its cousins broccoli and kale, arugula has many nutrients that have been linked to disease prevention and improved digestion . Plus, it's a good source of zinc, calcium, and iron. Toss it on your next pizza.

9/17

Bell peppers provide 300% of your daily allowance of vitamin C.

Kelly Dickerson

A great source of vitamins A and C, bell peppers are a crunchy addition to salads and stir-fry. A cup of raw bell pepper provides nearly 100% of your daily allowance of vitamin A and 300% of your daily allowance of vitamin C. They're also a great source of vitamin B6.

10/17

Collard greens have your vitamins covered from A to Z, literally.

Flickr/Meal Makeover Moms

As great sources of fiber, folate, magnesium, vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc, collard greens have your nutrients covered from A to B.

11/17

A cup of kale gives you nearly 700% of your daily allowance of vitamin K.

Vons

Sure, it's trendy now, but kale has been good for you since long before it was cool.
A cup of raw chopped kale gives you more than 200% of your daily allowance of vitamin A plus a whopping 684% of your allowance of vitamin K. It's also high in vitamins C, B6, calcium, and potassium. Like broccoli, kale also contains high levels of glucosinolate plant compounds, which may be helpful in protecting against certain types of cancer .

12/17

Chives contain lots of fiber and vitamins.

Delicious on a baked potato, chives are rich in fiber, vitamins A, B6, C, and K, as well as folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.

13/17

Don't dismiss lettuce.

Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

Next time someone disparages a salad as "just lettuce," remind them how good for you leaf lettuce is. With just five calories per cup, leaf lettuce also packs in vitamins A, B6, C, and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, fiber, iron, and potassium.

14/17

Parsley and chicory are good sources of fiber and vitamins.

Flickr/Jeffrey W.

Both parsley and chicory are great sources of vitamins, folate, and zinc. And they're very low in calories — just 22 for a cup of raw parsley and seven for a cup of raw chicory greens.

15/17

Spinach may be a true power food.

Spinach contains several plant compounds, like kaempferol, which studies suggest plays a role in protecting against cancer and other chronic diseases. In fact, a 2011 study suggested that some of these components helped cyclists use less oxygen over the course of a ride. And a 2014 study found that another spinach compound called tyrosine helped to improve reflex speed.

16/17

Swiss chard is rich in iron and magnesium.

A row of colorful swiss chard.

Ulga/Shutterstock

Rich in fiber, vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium, swiss chard is also low-calorie, with just seven calories per cup . Both its dark green leaves and juicy stalks are completely edible.

17/17

Watercress could help reduce your risk of diseases like diabetes.

Shutterstock

Although often overlooked, watercress is a nutrient-dense alternative to plain old lettuce that can be eaten raw or cooked. Plus, a large review of five studies published in the European Journal of Nutrition suggested that watercress and other leafy greens were among the standout foods with the strongest links to reducing risk of type 2 diabetes.

Broccoli Can Stimulate Brain Regeneration, New Research Suggests

Send your doctor after this to find out how true this is and update your diet protocol. Not to be done on your own. Way too dangerous to eat broccoli on your own. 

Broccoli Can Stimulate Brain Regeneration, New Research Suggests

Written By:

Sayer Ji, Founder

This article is copyrighted by GreenMedInfo LLC, 2017
For decades it was believed that brain regeneration was not possible. But an accumulating body of research now reveals that common foods such as broccoli contain compounds capable of stimulating the repair and renewal of nerve tissue.

Ever since Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the father of neuroscience, declared “nothing may be regenerated” in the adult brain, the idea that you can repair or regenerate damaged brain tissue was precluded by this central dogma. But compelling evidence for brain regeneration began to surface in the 1960’s with a report by MIT scientist Joseph Altman that the hippocampus of adult rats and guinea pigs and the cortex of cats indeed underwent a process termed neurogenesis,¹  i.e. the growth and development of nervous tissue.

In the decades that followed, more and more evidence began to amass showing the brain is in a continually dynamic state of self-repair and self-regeneration, relying on neural stem cells to replace and repair damaged and aged tissue. Clearly, in an era of widespread neurodegenerative disease which the conventional medical establishment claims are incurable, this discovery is encouraging. If the brain can regenerate, the the key is to find out how to prevent interference with this process and/or ascertain methods to increase and support its innate self-healing capacity.

In a previous report, we looked at research on a compound found in turmeric known as aromatic-tumerone. This fat soluble component appears to be an ideal candidate for enhancing the brain’s natural regenerative process. Learn more by reading How WHOLE Turmeric Heals The Damaged Brain.

But this is just scratching the surface. We have indexed over 45 natural substances with putative neuritogenic properties which can be viewed here: Pharmacological Action: Neuritogenic.

The newest addition to this list is sulforophane, an incredibly powerful sulfur-containing biomolecule found in cruciferous vegetables. Our sulforophane database contains research on its potential therapeutic value in about 200 different conditions. You can read our recent review on this amazing healing food component here: Top 10 Reasons to Eat Your Cruciferous Veggies.

Now, a new study published in the journal Genesis entitled, “Effects of sulforaphane on neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation,” reveals that sulforaphane may have significant ameliorative properties against the underlying pathological disturbances found in common neurodegenerative diseases such as increased oxidative stress, inflammation, perturbed calcium homeostasis, and neuronal death.  The authors of the study theorized that sulforaphane may mitigate these factors, along with stimulating neural stem cells (NSC) activity. An already robust body of literature exists indicating that sulforaphane has the following beneficial pharmacological actions:

• Up-regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which increases innate antioxidant mechanisms.
• Suppressing of interleukin-1b (IL-1b), to exert its anti-inflammatory effects.

In contradistinction, the new study sought to evaluate if sulforphane is capable of protecting, and regulating neural stem cells in such a way as to confer neuroprotective properties. It also sought to determine if sulforophane’s therapeutic properties depend in some way on its Wnt signaling properties, which has been identified as a key molecular pathway involved in tissue regeneration.

The Promising Study Results

First, the researchers determined the optimal concentration range of sulforophane in promoting neural stem cell (NSC) growth without harming neurons. The researchers determined that “Concentrations of less than 5 mM did not induce cytotoxic effects, but rather potentially promote the growth of NSCs.”

Second, the researchers determined that sulforophane indeed modified genes in the WnT signaling pathway.

Finally, the researchers determined that exposing NSCs to sulforaphane resulted in their differentiation to neurons, lending powerful support to the hypothesis that sulforaphane could stimulate brain repair. 

The researchers concluded:

“In summary, we demonstrated that the crucifer-derived SFN can effectively stimulate NSC proliferation and differentiation by modifying genes in Wnt signaling pathway. Due to its lipophilic property and low molecular weight, SFN has a high bioavailability as an orally administered drug (Houghton, Fassett, & Coombes, 2013). SFN represents a food-derived compound that has been successfully translated from lab bench to clinics. (Bahadoran et al., 2012). It can be expected that SFN would see a shorter clinical path toward the market. Our data indicate that SFN is not only an Nrf2 inducer, but also a Wnt activator, which places SFN in a category distinct from other phytochemicals. The effects of SFN in restoring Wnt signaling provides a wealth of opportunities for the treatment of stem-cell-related diseases characterized by suppressed Wnt signaling. Further clinical studies are warranted to corroborate the neuroprotective effects of SFN in patients.”

I believe this research provides compelling evidence that the consumption of sulforophane-containing foods may have therapeutic value in brain degenerative disorders. Considering that sulforophane is a naturally occurring biomolecule which has been part of the human diet since time immemorial, it is likely that its regular consumption via culinary practices delivers physiologically significant quantities in a delivery system -- food -- that is safe and effective in the prevention of disease. Also, it is an astounding feature of this biomolecule that it has been identified to have potential value in preventing and/or treating about 200 different health conditions. This means that the side benefits of consuming it are orders of magnitude higher than one would anticipate if one were simply looking to consume it for one specific concern. That's the amazing thing about healing with whole foods: their health benefits are too vast to bottle-neck into simply one or two applications. 

What is the best way to obtain sulforphane?

While all Cruciferous vegetables contains significant amounts of sulforaphane, the sprouts of broccoli have several orders of magnitude higher concentratiuons of sulforaphane versus the mature broccoli plant, gram-per-gram. Learn more by watching the informative video below:

Scientists have just discovered that this one green vegetable might be the key to staying young - broccoli

I bet your hospital isn't adding broccoli to your coffee, you probably aren't even getting coffee even though there are many many benefits of coffee. 110 posts on coffee here. Bet your doctor still won't create a diet stroke protocol. Your are fucking screwed for the lack of knowledge your doctor has to get you 100% recovered. NOTHING LESS THAN 100%! AND NO  'All strokes are different, all stroke recoveries are different' is not a valid response. That is just a fucking stupid answer and shows the intellectual capacity of your doctor, not in a good way.
http://hellogiggles.com/vegetable-staying-young-broccoli/
 
It’s not exactly the fountain of youth, but promising new research shows that there’s one particular enzyme that can actually slow down the onset of some of the chronic issues that come with age. Where can we find this enzyme, you ask? Well, in broccoli for starters.

Love it or hate it, we have several compelling reasons to give broccoli some serious respect: lately, it’s been proving it’s a pretty incredible little vegetable. From having some incredibly good effects for the skin, and even being added to coffee to boost your intake of antioxidants, broccoli is kind of the hero veggie of the moment.

In a paper published in Cell Metabolism, a Washington University School of Medicine-led research team found a way to make cells behave as though they’re younger than they actually are.

Now, the cells the researchers were working on were in mice, not humans – but it’s still a pretty exciting find. The agent that makes cells act younger is called nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), and it’s involved in the production of another compound. That compound is necessary for energy metabolism.
When the researchers gave mice (who were aging normally) infusions of NMN, the bodies of these mice made more of that second compound – and, most importantly, some of the issues that go hand-in-hand with aging basically disappeared. The mice treated with NMN showed improvement in their eyesight and blood sugar levels, and a lowering in age-associated weight gain.

Dr. Shin-Ichiro Imai, who is the senior author of the paper as well as a professor of developmental biology and medicine at Washington University says: “It’s clear that in humans and in rodents, we lose energy with age. We are losing the enzyme NMN. But if we can bypass that process by adding NMN, we can make energy again. These results provide a very important foundation for the human studies.”

NMN is also found in cabbage, edamame, and cucumbers as well as broccoli – however, it’s probably unlikely that you’d be able to eat yourself young naturally.

According to Dr. Imai, “If you do the math, I wouldn’t say it’s impossible entirely but probably very difficult to get the whole amount [you need] simply from natural foods.”

Part of the research team is based at Keio University in Tokyo and will begin an early study by giving NMN supplements to human participants in pill form. Until then, though, we have to say: Pass the broccoli.

Surgeons test stroke patients(SAH) drug based on chemical in broccoli

You had better hope your stroke hospital has been reading and applying research if you have a SAH. 

Surgeons test stroke patients(SAH) drug based on chemical in broccoli  

Surgeons are trialling a new drug based on a chemical found in broccoli to try to improve outcomes for stroke patients.
Diederik Bulters, a consultant neurosurgeon at Southampton General Hospital, and his team will assess the effect of experimental drug SFX-01 on patients who have received treatment for a bleed on the brain known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), which is a type of stroke.
SFX-01 is a synthetic form of sulforaphane, a small molecule that occurs naturally in the vegetable and is part of a group of chemicals found in plants - phytochemicals - that are strong antioxidants and can help regulate some of the body's functions.

+1

Surgeons at Southampton General Hospital are testing a drug based on a chemical found in broccoli to try to improve outcomes for stroke patients

Mr Bulters said: "It is essential we work to improve outcomes for patients who have a subarachnoid haemorrhage as many of those who survive are left disabled and suffer long term cognitive and emotional problems, changing their lives forever.
"Despite the need, there have been no significant clinical developments since the introduction of nimodipine more than 20 years ago, so we are absolutely delighted to offer patients the opportunity to be involved with this exciting new treatment."
He added: "This is also a significant moment for me and the team as, having researched the potential benefits of sulforaphane in this patient group, we were frustrated that there was no practical way to administer it - until the development of SFX-01."
More than 6,000 people in England - mainly aged between 45 and 70 - are admitted to neuro-intensive care units with the condition every year.
Around half of all cases are fatal, while 50% of survivors suffer some long-term impairment such as epilepsy, brain dysfunction or emotional issues.
Initially, patients who develop SAH, which is normally caused by a weakness in the wall of a blood vessel that bursts open, undergo a surgical procedure to repair the bleed.
They then receive medication in the form of drug nimodipine to prevent common complication cerebral ischaemia, which restricts blood flow to the brain through narrowing of the arteries and commonly occurs in the first few days after a haemorrhage.
Nimodipine, which was successfully trialled at Southampton General Hospital in a landmark study published in 1989(27 years and I've only seen one mention of this anyplace), is currently the only drug proven to improve outcomes for patients who have suffered SAH. (Is this in a protocol at your hospital?)
SFX-01 will be taken in capsule form, either by mouth or nasogastric tube, in 300mg doses in combination with nimodipine during the trial, which will involve 90 patients over two years.
It is hoped the drug could help to prevent complications after SAH by improving blood flow to the brain.
Ardalan Zolnourian, a neurosurgical clinical research fellow and part of the study team, said: "SFX-01 contains a synthetic and stable version of sulforaphane, a known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that was first discovered in broccoli.
"With SFX-01, we now have a reliable way of delivering what we hope will be an effective dose in a pharmaceutical formulation."
He added: "We hope that, when used in conjunction with current treatment nimodipine, it will further reduce the complications by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow."

Eat Your Broccoli—Choline in the Brain

I wrote about this in Oct. 2011 and I bet not one doctor in the world has taken the research to heart and created a stroke protocol for it. YOU are going to have to demand protocols that work because your doctor won't do it without pressure.

A chronic treatment with CDP-choline improves functional recovery and increases neuronal plasticity after experimental stroke

A blogger writing about it here:

http://psychneuro.wordpress.com/2014/04/17/eat-your-broccoli-choline-in-the-brain/

How much broccoli should you be eating on a daily basis? How long before your hospital has broccoli smoothies for you whenever you want them?