Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Study shows how broccoli fights cancer

Just a few more portions of broccoli each week may protect men from prostate cancer. British researchers believe a chemical in the food sparks hundreds of genetic changes, activating some genes that fight cancer and switching off others that fuel tumors, The study published in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS One is the first human trial investigating the potential biological mechanism at work, Researchers split into two groups 24 men with pre-cancerous lesions that increase prostate cancer risk and had them eat four extra servings of either broccoli or peas each week for a year. The researchers also took tissue samples over the course of the study and found that men who ate broccoli showed hundreds of changes in genes known to play a role in fighting cancer. The benefit would likely be the same in other cruciferous vegetables that contain a compound called isothiocyanate, including brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, rocket or arugula, watercress and horse radish, they added. Broccoli, however, has a particularly powerful type of the compound called sulforaphane, which the researchers think gives the green vegetable an extra cancer-fighting kick. The broccoli eaters showed about 400 to 500 of the positive genetic changes with men carrying a gene called GSTM1 enjoying the most benefit. About half the population have the gene.

Steve - cruciferous vegetables are incredible. However, many of us find it difficult to eat them regularly. Please make this a priority. There other alternative would be to supplement with Maca Root, DIM, or Indole-3 Carbinol.

No comments: