Eating broccoli could reverse the damage caused by diabetes to heart blood vessels, research suggests.

A University of Warwick team believe the key is a compound found in the vegetable, called sulforaphane.

It encourages production of enzymes which protect the blood vessels, and a reduction in high levels of molecules which cause significant cell damage.

Brassica vegetables such as broccoli have previously been linked to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Our study suggests that compounds such as sulforaphane from broccoli may help counter processes linked to the development of vascular disease in diabetes. People with diabetes are up to five times more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes; both are linked to damaged blood vessels.

The Warwick team, whose work is reported in the journal Diabetes, tested the effects of sulforaphane on blood vessel cells damaged by high glucose levels (hyperglycaemia), which are associated with diabetes. They recorded a 73% reduction of molecules in the body called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Hyperglycaemia can cause levels of ROS to increase three-fold and such high levels can damage human cells. The researchers also found that sulforaphane activated a protein in the body called nrf2, which protects cells and tissues from damage by activating protective antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes.

Countering vascular disease

Lead researcher Professor Paul Thornalley said: “Our study suggests that compounds such as sulforaphane from broccoli may help counter processes linked to the development of vascular disease in diabetes. “In future, it will be important to test if eating a diet rich in brassica vegetables has health benefits for diabetic patients. We expect that it will.” Dr Iain Frame, director of research at the charity Diabetes UK, stressed that research carried out on cells in the lab was a long way from the real life situation. [BBC NEWS]

California has become the first US state to ban restaurants and food retailers from using trans-fats, which are linked to coronary heart disease.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said the new legislation, which will take effect in 2010, represented a “strong step toward creating a healthier future”.

Violations will incur fines of between $25 (£13) and $1,000 (£502). Trans-fats are chemically altered vegetable oils, used to give processed foods a longer shelf-life. Some cities, like New York City, Philadelphia and Seattle, have already banned the fats. Many food makers and restaurant chains have also been experimenting with replacements for oils and foods that contain them.

TRANS-FATS Overview:
* They are partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, turning oily foods into semi-solid foods.
* Used to extend shelf life of products.
* Put into pastries, cakes, margarine and some fast foods.
* Can raise levels of “bad” cholesterol.
* Even a small reduction in consumption can cut heart disease.
* They have no nutritional benefit.

‘Tremendous benefit’
Trans-fats are produced artificially in a process called hydrogenation which turns liquid oil into solid fat. They can be used for frying or baking, or put into processed foods and ready-made mixes for cakes and drinks like hot chocolate. Trans-fats are used because they are cheap, add bulk to products, have a neutral flavour and give products a long shelf-life. They have no nutritional value. [BBC NEWS]

All Bodylastics Home gym systems can create over 140 of the greatest exercises from the best
equipped health clubs and gyms. We’re not talking about make shift exercises that kind of do the same thing as the $20,000 machines, we are talking about the same exact exercises.

The Best Home Gym You Will Ever Own! Bodylastics is a complete home gym system. We designed this system in 1996 to outperform the most popular and expensive large bulky home gyms.

Smoothest Resistance - When we were first developing the Bodylastics Home Gym System, we searched for the smoothest source of resistance on the planet. Well, we found it - Elastic tubing. Not only is elastic tubing super smooth when you stretch it, but it is incredibly light and flexible. That means it is easy to store - no extra room needed!

Once we decided that elastic tubing would be our resistance “engine”, we set out to design a system that could create several levels of tension. This would enable users of all strength levels to get the best results possible. So, we created the Bodylastics Quick Clip System. Our elastics have solid aluminum clips secured to the ends so that they can be easily attached to handles and ankle straps. This simple yet effective design gives users the ability to generate from 15 to 94 levels of tension (depending on which set you order)

Click Here>> Bodylastics