Scientists think the broccoli works by turning on certain body signals that reduce cholesterol, but this idea comes from mouse studies, not from proof in people.
Scientific Claim
The proposed mechanism by which high glucoraphanin broccoli reduces LDL cholesterol—via Nrf2/PTEN/AMPK pathway modulation—is a hypothesis based on animal studies and not proven in humans.
Original Statement
“The probable mechanism by which glucoraphanin reduces LDL-C is through the induction of nrf2... Several animal studies suggest... Thus, it is possible that diets rich in HG broccoli are able to reduce plasma LDL-C through modulating the redox status... This proposed mode of action... is consistent with... animal model systems.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
The authors present the Nrf2/PTEN/AMPK pathway as a probable mechanism, but the study design does not test this pathway in humans. This is an overstatement of evidence.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (0)
Contradicting (1)
Diet rich in high glucoraphanin broccoli reduces plasma LDL cholesterol: Evidence from randomised controlled trials
This study shows that eating a special kind of broccoli lowers bad cholesterol in people, but it didn’t check how or why it works—so we still don’t know if the proposed body pathway is real in humans.