Promoting Gut Health (Research)

Broccoli may be good for the gut

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Problem

Can everyday foods help prevent inflammatory diseases such as colitis and Crohn's?

Findings

Researchers found that when mice ate broccoli, they were better able to tolerate digestive issues that can lead to serious disease.

Impact

Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, such as brussels sprouts and cauliflower, maintain a healthy balance in gut flora by strengthening the intestinal barrier that keeps out toxins and harmful microorganisms. Compounds in these vegetables may help prevent diseases such as heart disease, various cancers, and Crohn's disease.

Research Area: Integrated Health Solutions

Research Credit

Team

Gary Perdew, Troy D. Hubbard, Iain Murray, Robert Nichols, Kaitlyn Cassel, Michael Podolsky, Guray Kuzu, Yuan Tian, Philip Smith, Mary Kennett, and Andrew Patterson

Participating Departments

Veterinary and Biomedical Science

Competitive Funding

National Science Foundation; Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences; Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences

Federal and State Appropriations

USDA NIFA Hatch Project PEN04608, Accession #1010032

Emerging Discoveries

Like it or not: Broccoli may be good for the gut

October 13, 2017

Cruciferous vegetables -- such as broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage -- may help trigger a receptor in the gut that can improve gut function. In a study on mice, eating broccoli led to a better ability to withstand digestive irritants. The researchers also suggest that the mechanism might improve barrier function -- keeping nutrients in and toxins out of the intestinal lining -- and that could limit the damage of inflammation.