Friday, March 13, 2009

Cruciferous: the Cancer Fighting Carb

Research has brought the Cruciferous vegetable family to the forefront of cancer-fighting foods. And yes, they are carbohydrates (moderate starch, low glycemic load). Cruciferous compounds have produced positive data for bladder, breast, colorectal, esophageal, lung, prostate, pancreatic, and stomach cancers.

A recent study performed by Kaiser Permanente showed that subjects who ate raw or slightly cooke cabbage annd sauerkraut more than three times per week were 72 percent less likely to develiop breast cancer than those who had 1.5 or fewer servings.

The growth of cancer is linked with a group of proteins in the body that silences genes relating to natural, programmed cell death. Synergistic chemicals specific to Cruciferous vegetables interfere with this protein group and restores natural cell death, thus harmonizing epigenetic pathways.

A Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology study suggests exposure of a fetus to common carcinogens during the late stages of pregnancy could lead to cancer in childhood. A diet rich in cruciferous vegetables may lessen the toxic impact.

High cruciferous intake may enhance the elimination of dietary carcinogens such as heterocyclic amines (the black char on cooked foods such as meat) and alter the metabolism or activity of hormones (such as bad estrogen) in ways that inhibit the development of hormone-sensitive cancers.

Cruciferous vegetable intake may reduce breast cancer risk, especially in those with a GSTP1 genotype, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Cruciferous vegetables are always the least contaminated by pesticide contamination for good reason. Their anti-carcinogenic chemical structure is so strong that it prevents much of the pesticide residue from absorbing into its tissue. Here is a list of the vegetable equivalents to the "Nutritional League of Justice."

Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Chard
Chinese cabbage
Collard Greens
Daikon
Kale
Kohlrabi
Maca Root
Radishes
Rutabagas
Turnips
Watercress
Mustard greens

Raw cruciferous vegetables contain thyroid inhibitors known as goitrogens. People who have hypothyroid function should consider limiting and steaming cruciferous vegetables.

In addition, because of the power cruciferous vegetables possess, they can accelerate the metabolism of certain medications. If this is not the desired effect, speak with you pharmacist about potential interactions

Other important nutrients found in cruciferous: folate, vitamin C, potassium, selenium, fiber, lignans, phytosterols.Epidemiological studies suggest that adults should aim for at least five weekly servings of cruciferous vegetables.

If you cannot stand Cruciferous vegetables, you can receive benefit from taking Maca Root supplements.

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