However, it seems like new wonders in broccoli keep getting discovered, probably to give us another reason to eat our vegetables and hopefully to convince our children to love eating them too.

Personally, I do love broccolis (and cauliflowers too!). Unfortunately, they aren’t always available in markets where I live. But on few occasions that they are, I make sure we get some even if in our household, broccolis and cauliflowers (like most vegetables) only “sell” to me and my mother. Our other household members (two teeners and a 4-year old) don’t like them veggies that much.

So we know already know that broccoli and the likes have strong anti-cancer agents that will help us be protected from various cancers.

Now, it has been found that another compound called sulforaphane are found in these cruciferous veggies and yes, the compound has anti-cancer properties.

But broccoli sprouts contain more of sulforaphane, according to researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

The tiny, thread-like broccoli sprouts sold at stores next to alfalfa sprouts have more than 50 times the amount of sulforaphane than found in mature broccoli.

Emily Ho, a researcher with the Linus Pauling Institute and an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences at OSU even claimed that same effects of inhibiting HDAC might be obtained by consumption of cruciferous vegetables.

[drugs classified as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are being looked at as potentially preventing cancer]

According to Dr. Ho:

“I would say if you’re at all worried about cancer or at high risk of cancer, especially of prostate or colon cancer, then increasing your dietary intake of broccoli and other vegetables could be a good idea.

It certainly can’t hurt. And drugs can have negative side effects and be difficult to administer

The compound in broccoli may be one of the strongest anti-cancer fighters we have.”

The new study findings by Dr. Ho and her team have been published in the Journal of the Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine.

Going back to cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy and brussels sprouts…lucky you if they’re always available in your market. So go get them and eat them too…always.

Read the full report from Oregon State University.

Post from: Blisstree

Like Eating Broccoli? Better Eat Broccoli Sprouts

Such were the findings of a research team from University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute led by Shivendra Singh, Ph.D, professor of pharmacology and urology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Phytochemicals called called isothiocyanates (ITCs), more specifically the phenethyl-ITC (PEITC), has been found to be highly effective in suppressing the growth of human prostate cancer cells at concentrations achievable through dietary intake.

According to Dr. Singh:

“The contribution of diet and nutrition to cancer risk, prevention and treatment has been a major focus of research in recent years because certain nutrients in vegetables and dietary agents appear to protect the body against diseases such as cancer.

From epidemiologic data, we know that increased consumption of vegetables reduces the risk for certain types of cancer, but now we are beginning to understand the mechanisms by which certain vegetables like broccoli may help our bodies fight cancer and other diseases.”

The study’s findings have recently been presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, held April 14-18, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Read the full report.

Post from: Blisstree

Phytochemicals in Cruciferous Vegetables Suppress Human Prostate Cancer Cells