Superbroccoli'

The vegetable looks the same as normal broccoli but contains boosted levels of a health-giving nutrient.

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Research suggests the plant chemical, glucoraphanin, may protect the body against heart disease and some types of cancer.

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The new broccoli, called Beneforte, contains two to three times more glucoraphanin than standard broccoli.

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It will be sold at Marks & Spencer stores from today and make an appearance on the shelves of other supermarkets in the  next few months.

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Beneforte was developed by British scientists using conventional breeding techniques rather than genetic engineering.

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Work on the project began after a wild broccoli variety was discovered in 1983 with naturally raised levels of glucoraphanin.

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The nutrient is converted in the gut into the bioactive compound sulphoraphane, which circulates in the bloodstream.

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Evidence indicates that sulphoraphane has beneficial effects such as reducing chronic inflammation.

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Stopping uncontrolled cell division associated with early-stage cancer.

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It also boosts the body's antioxidants.

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Compared with normal broccoli, eating Beneforte broccoli raises sulphoraphane levels two to four times.

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Broccoli is believed to protect against some cancers, especially bowel and prostate. 

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Studies have shown that men with broccoli-rich diets have a reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

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Other research suggests broccoli can help prevent heart attacks and strokes by reducing inflammation and keeping blood flowing freely through arteries.

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Beneforte broccoli was developed at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) and John Innes Centre, both based in Norwich.

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Professor Richard Mithen, from the IFR, said: ''Our research has given new insights into the role of broccoli and other similar vegetables in promoting health.

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It has shown how this understanding can lead to the development of potentially more nutritious varieties of our familiar vegetables.

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Now there will also be something brand new for consumers to eat as a result of the discoveries made.