Research done at Babraham Institute in the UK has shown that diets low or void of certain vegetables leads to a weakening of the protective microbial layer of the intestinal tract causing higher chances of inflammation while reducing healing capacity.

Mustard, Broccoli & Other Veggies Key To Intestinal HealthThe researchers focused on intra-epithelial lymphocytes(IELs) which reside just below the epithelial cell layer that makes up the walls of the intestinal tract. IELs play an important role in the immune response to foreign invaders, they are essentially the first line of defense against bacteria trying to setup shop in the intestinal tract or penetrate the intestinal lining. Mice involved in the study were given a specific diet that was devoid of “cruciferous vegetables”. Those given this diet showed a reduction in the number of IELs residing in their gut. They also looked at mice that were genetically modified to not have IELs. Both mice groups showed similar problems with regards to being able to control the microbial flora in their digestive tract as well as showing a slowed ability to heal from damage to the intestinal tract. Continue reading “Mustard, Broccoli & Other Veggies Key To Intestinal Health” »