TV presenter and health expert Dr Hilary Jones has initiated a significant new campaign aimed at improving the nation’s metabolic health. The “Boost Britain’s Metabolic Health” campaign is a response to the rising number of Britons suffering from lifestyle-related diseases, often referred to as ‘the four horsemen of the West’ – heart disease, dementia, cancer, and type-2 diabetes. These conditions collectively account for over two-thirds of all deaths in the UK, despite being largely preventable with lifestyle changes.
Dr Jones is urging the government to prioritise public health by promoting simple steps to enhance metabolic health. The campaign centres around the benefits of sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, which has shown promise in clinical studies. Dr Jones serves as an independent adviser to SmarterNaturally, a company that produces a special variety of broccoli called GRextra, which contains high levels of sulforaphane.
“Our metabolism converts food into energy and helps repair our bodies,” said Dr Jones. “When this process malfunctions, it can lead to chronic inflammation, internal imbalances like high blood sugar or cholesterol levels, and weight gain. These issues significantly increase our risk of serious health conditions.”
He added that factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, a poor diet, and ageing can impair metabolism. While lifestyle changes are challenging and often expensive, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis, recent research suggests a growing interest among consumers in healthy foods. However, national health data indicate that this interest has not yet translated into widespread improvements in public health.
Dr Jones recommends incorporating sulforaphane into the diet to support metabolic health. While supplements are available, they can vary in effectiveness. One of the best sources is GRextra broccoli, featured in SmarterNaturally Soup, which provides a concentrated dose of sulforaphane. “Clinical trials indicate that consuming this super-broccoli once a week can lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and aid weight loss,” said Dr Jones.
The benefits of a healthy metabolism extend beyond preventing type-2 diabetes and heart disease; they may also alleviate high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and reduce cancer risk. SmarterNaturally is conducting further clinical trials to explore the full range of potential health benefits.
Sulforaphane works by activating antioxidant genes regulated by the protein NRF2, which plays a role in blood sugar control. This helps to lower blood glucose levels and prevent the accumulation of sugar in the body, similar to how servicing a car improves its performance.
Dr Kingsley Betts, a general practitioner, noted, “There is growing scientific evidence that a diet rich in sulforaphane can help reduce oxidative stress and offer various general health benefits, including improved blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, and potentially slowing the ageing process. SmarterNaturally Soup is the best source of sulforaphane I’ve encountered.”
Dr Karen Irvine, another GP, highlighted the potential impact on pre-diabetic individuals: “Most pre-diabetics are simply advised to change their diet and exercise more, but compliance is often low. If we can use a simple food product that tastes good and needs to be eaten just once a week to reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, it could have a hugely positive impact.”
SmarterNaturally, owned by The Smarter Food Company – a spin-out from the Quadram Institute, one of the UK’s leading food and health research organisations—is excited about the potential of their GRextra broccoli. CEO Laura Knight stated, “We are thrilled about the possibilities our research and clinical trials could unlock for metabolic health and other chronic conditions.”
Dr Hilary Jones’s campaign aims to make metabolic health a national priority, offering a science-based, accessible solution to some of the UK’s most pressing health challenges.
