eating broccoli or cabbage could limit skin allergies, study finds

Eating broccoli or cabbage would limit the severity of skin allergies, according to a study presented Tuesday, May 16 by the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). The researchers emphasize the importance of a balanced diet for patients suffering from these skin reactions.

In this study published in the English-language scientific journal eLiferesearchers from nserm and the Institut Curie first showed that the absence in the diet of compounds found in certain vegetables, in particular broccoli and cabbage, could aggravate the skin allergies in animal models.

Cruciferous crucifers

In their work, the scientists were specifically interested in food compounds that act on a molecule present in the body, called “aromatic hydrocarbon receptor” (AhR). These nutrients are naturally present in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli.

They showed that the absence of these nutrients in mice was associated with an increase in the state of inflammation in the skin and an aggravation of the skin allergy, which was not the case for mice having received a diet containing these compounds.

“Our results suggest that an unbalanced diet may increase allergic skin reactions in humans”commented Elodie Segura, researcher at Inserm, quoted in a press release.