Broccoli may help against COPD

COPD is often the result of long term smoking. There is no cure for this deadly disease, and current drugs do not slow its progression.

In COPD there is a critical loss of antioxidant systems which protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

A compound in broccoli called sulforaphane has been shown effective in restoring antioxidant gene activity.

The study appears in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Scientists say the finding is important because it could lead to new ways to treat the problem.