A new type of “super broccoli” that lowers blood sugar and reduces disease risk is being developed in the UK.
According to the Telegraph, this broccoli is called GRextra, and is primarily grown in Fife, England. Research results show that it can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, lower blood sugar levels, and is rich in vitamins.
Super broccoli promises to be a nutritious biofortified food that reduces disease and blood sugar levels. (Photo: Telegraph).
The inventors of GRextra assert that this vegetable can combat nutritional deficiencies and make dieting more scientific.
Through the process of biofortification, GRextra contains glucoraphanin (a cell-protective compound) five times more than regular broccoli. However, it does not lose its delicious taste thanks to selective breeding for nutrient density, which is completely different from genetically modified foods.
Specifically, the process of biofortification is performed through specialized breeding. In contrast, genetic modification involves inserting a DNA sequence into the plant’s genome to alter its traits.
Professor Cathie Martin from the John Innes Centre (where GRextra was initially developed) shared: “People are gradually realizing we are deficient in micronutrients and plant-based nutrition in our diets. Therefore, biofortified broccoli will become a growing trend.”
Meanwhile, David Cavan, an endocrinologist in London, commented: “While I’m not sure this food will have a significant impact, it could encourage healthier eating habits. It helps people lower their blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.”
According to research from the University of Leicester, increasing green vegetable portions by 1.5 times can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 14%. The primary causes of this disease are lifestyle and unhealthy diets. In the UK, approximately 4 million people suffer from type 2 diabetes.
More and more genetically modified foods are being researched and produced through biofortification to combat diseases. (Photo: Telegraph).
A food company named Smarter Naturally is currently ramping up production of this new broccoli strain. Additionally, the company is researching various supplements, extracted from GRextra such as capsules and dried GRextra… to help users increase their micronutrient absorption.
Besides GRextra, other foods developed through the biofortification process include mushrooms and tomatoes. These vegetables are also richer in vitamin D than usual.
Furthermore, a new tomato variety, developed through gene editing, has recently hit the shelves in Japan. It is called Sicilian Rouge, known as the “first CRISPR (gene-edited) food to be launched on the market.”
Sicilian Rouge contains a high level of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter). Studies have also shown that it can lower blood pressure in users.
CRISPR technology has also been applied in recent experiments in the UK to create wheat with low asparagine content. This is significant because asparagine is a carcinogen formed when bread is baked.
