Broccoli has always been a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber that may protect against cancer. The new study led by Dipak K. Das has found that it may benefit the heart.

The team conducted the research using rats where they gave broccoli extract to lab rats for one month and examined its effects on the rats'heart muscle.

The findings revealed that broccoli-fed animals had improved heart function and reduced heart muscle damage when deprived of oxygen compared to control group that ate a regular diet.

Researchers believe that broccoli's beneficial effects are likely due to its high concentrations of certain substances that seem to boost levels of a heart-protective protein called thioredoxin.

The study is scheduled to be published in Jan 23 issue of ACS'Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.