Single Protein Can Help Develop New Superfoods

According to a recent study, a single protein can help in the development of health supplements beneficial in treating diabetes and heart diseases. According to experts at Warwick Medical College, a certain protein called Nrf2 has properties that can help in promoting the healthy cells and aid in combating diseases. The protein makes rounds in and out of the cells' nuclei to monitor their strength and health. In case of any probable threat to the body, Nrf2 oscillates faster to increase the cells' defense mechanism, supplying an increased dose of anti-oxidants. The team is the first to record this continual movement cycle of protein Nrf2.Experts found that Nrf2's movement can be manipulated. The speed can be increased by artificially introducing sulforaphane and quercetin to Nrf2. Both sulforaphane and quercetin are beneficial components that can be derived from broccoli and onions respectively. The study concluded that with a boost of potential components, the conventional speed of Nrf2' can be raised from one round per 129 minutes to 80 minutes."The way Nrf2 works is very similar to sensors in electronic devices that rely on continual reassessment of their surroundings to provide an appropriate response," says lead researcher Professor Paul Thornalley."The health benefit of Nrf2 oscillating at a fast speed is that surveillance of cell health is increased when most needed, that is, when cells are under threat," he added.The research attempted to analyze the role of various compounds- present in fruits and vegetables. The findings derived from the study are being used to develop new food supplements which can help tackle risks associated with diabetes and heart disease."By understanding how this process works and increasing Nrf2's speed without putting cells under threat, new strategies for design of healthier foods and improved drugs can be devised. Current designs may have selected substances with suboptimal if not poor health benefits in some cases," Thornalley said.

Inputs from PTI