Can a molecule in cruciferous vegetables guard against lung infections?

Can a molecule in cruciferous vegetables guard against lung infections?

Cruciferous Vegetables: Boosting Immunity and Preserving Lung Health

Cruciferous Vegetables

For a very long time, doctors have urged people to eat more vegetables. Not only are they nutritious, but previous research shows that adding more veggies to a person’s diet can help reduce obesity risk, improve mental health, lower heart disease risk, and boost gut health.

Research has shown that consuming a variety of vegetables provides a number of health benefits when consumed[^1]. A recent study further highlights the importance of vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables like leafy greens and broccoli, in bolstering immunity and preserving lung health[^2].

In a study conducted by researchers from the Francis Crick Institute in London, they discovered that molecules naturally found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, can boost the activity of a protein called aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)[^2]. This protein supports the lungs in maintaining a healthy barrier against viral and bacterial infections, thus protecting the lungs from illness[^2].

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a cellular protein that plays a crucial role in gene regulation and the metabolism of certain enzymes[^3]. Additionally, AHR is known to play an active role in regulating the immune system and stem cells[^4]. Scientists have studied the use of AHR as a potential target for prevention and therapies for various diseases, including autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and cancer[^4].

In the study, the researchers aimed to understand how AHR benefits lung health by focusing on the natural lung barrier that protects against pollution and infection[^5]. The lung barrier consists of endothelial cells and epithelial cells, which prevent the entry of viruses and bacteria while allowing oxygen to enter the lungs[^5].

Dr. Andreas Wack, the lead author of the study and the principal group leader of the Wack Lab Immunoregulation Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute, explained that they decided to study the effect of AHR on lung barriers because it has been extensively studied in other barrier sites such as the skin and the gut, but not as much in the lung[^5].

During their experiments using a mouse model, the researchers observed that when AHR was overactivated, there was less blood in the lung spaces, indicating that it helped prevent the lung barrier from leaking[^6]. This suggests that AHR has a protective effect on lung health.

Furthermore, the study showed that mice with increased AHR activity experienced less weight loss when infected with the flu virus[^7]. These mice also exhibited enhanced resistance to bacterial infection and better ability to fight off the flu virus[^7]. Interestingly, mice that consumed an AHR ligand-rich diet during infection had better lung barrier integrity and less lung damage compared to those on a control diet[^7]. This highlights the importance of maintaining AHR activity through a healthy and varied diet.

The findings of this study support the role of diet in maintaining lung health. Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, an assistant professor of medicine specializing in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, stated that this data provides biological plausibility to support future clinical research on the impact of diet on clinical outcomes[^8]. Previous clinical studies have already shown that a healthy diet has positive effects on lung health[^8].

To incorporate more cruciferous vegetables into your diet, consider adding these nutrient-rich options: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, arugula, radish (including horseradish), turnips, bok choy, and wasabi[^9]. These vegetables provide essential vitamins such as C, E, K, and B9 (folate), along with dietary fiber[^9]. Moreover, cruciferous vegetables contain phytonutrients, which possess anti-inflammatory properties and have been associated with cancer treatment and prevention[^9]. They also naturally contain glucosinolates, which have been linked to potential cancer protection and the prevention of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases[^9].

In conclusion, a healthy and varied diet that includes cruciferous vegetables can bolster immunity and preserve lung health. The molecules found in these vegetables activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), supporting the healthy functioning of the lung barrier. It is recommended to consume 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily as part of a balanced diet to reap the numerous health benefits they offer[^9]. So, next time you’re planning your meals, make sure to include some of these mighty cruciferous veggies for the well-being of your lungs and overall health.

References

  1. Research shows consuming a variety of vegetables provides a number of health benefits. [^1]
  2. Molecules naturally found in cruciferous vegetables can boost the activity of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the lungs, protecting against infection. [^2]
  3. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays a role in gene regulation and enzyme metabolism. [^3]
  4. AHR also regulates the immune system and stem cells, making it a potential target for disease prevention and therapies. [^4]
  5. AHR helps maintain the natural lung barrier, preventing the entry of viruses and bacteria while allowing oxygen to enter the lungs. [^5]
  6. Overactivation of AHR protects the lung barrier from leaking. [^6]
  7. Increased AHR activity in mice aids in fighting off bacterial and flu virus infections. [^7]
  8. Findings support the role of diet and its impact on lung health. [^8]
  9. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, are rich in nutrients, phytonutrients, and glucosinolates that contribute to lung health and disease prevention. [^9]