Broccoli shown to help asthmatics

Eating one or two cups of steamed broccoli every day could be a new treatment to help asthmatics, according to Melbourne researchers.

That's because the sulforaphane that occurs naturally in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may help protect against respiratory inflammation that can cause asthma.

"In Australia, asthma affects one in ten people and it's something that is on the rise," said University of Melbourne honours student Nadia Mazarakis, who undertook research on the topic with supervisor Dr Tom Karagiannis.

Laboratory testing by the university revealed eating vegetables from the cruciferous family - which also includes kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and bok choy - reduces and even reverses lung damage.

"Our research could help those people in particular that are resistant to the current treatment options."

Ms Mazarakis said the research was still in the experimental phase and during an asthma attack or severe breathing issues normal medical advice must be followed.