Anti-Cancer Effects of Broccoli Ingredient Explained

[Elmore Furth]

Broccoli has been shown to have anti-cancer properties stems from Sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol which protect against prostate, bladder, colon, pancreatic, gastric, breast and other hormone-related cancers. Here is a more detailed biochemical analysis of how it works in the genetics of prostate cancer.

http://www.dole.com/NutritionInstituteLanding/NI_Articles/NI_NutritionNewsDesk/NI_NutritionNewsDesk_Details/tabid/990/Default.aspx?contentid=5889

Light has been cast on the interaction between broccoli consumption and reduced prostate cancer risk. Researchers writing in BioMed Central's open access journal Molecular Cancer have found that sulforaphane, a chemical found in broccoli, interacts with cells lacking a gene called PTEN to reduce the chances of prostate cancer developing.

Richard Mithen, from the Institute of Food Research, an institute of BBSRC, worked with a team of researchers on Norwich Research Park, UK, to carry out a series of experiments in human prostate tissue and mouse models of prostate cancer to investigate the interactions between expression of the PTEN gene and the anti-cancer activity of sulforaphane. He said, "PTEN is a tumour suppressor gene, the deletion or inactivation of which can initiate prostate carcinogenesis, and enhance the probability of cancer progression. We've shown here that sulforaphane has different effects depending on whether the PTEN gene is present."

The research team found that in cells which express PTEN, dietary intervention with SF has no effect on the development of cancer. In cells that don't express the gene, however, sulforaphane causes them to become less competitive, providing an explanation of how consuming broccoli can reduce the risk of prostate cancer incidence and progression.

According to Mithen, "This also suggests potential therapeutic applications of sulforaphane and related compounds."


Anti-Cancer Effects of Broccoli Ingredient Explained

[Historic NY]

1. Steaming or microwaving is the preferred cooking method for maximum benefit.

[Warpy]

3. Those are also the ways to make it taste the best

and don't forget to peel and slice those stems, they're the best part.

[drm604]

2. I loooove broccoli. n/t

[Bitwit1234]

4. Sometimes it don't work people.

I got breast cancer and I love broccoli, I fix it at least every two weeks. Sometimes every week. Because My son loves it also, and I never have leftovers.

[Celebration]

6. every two weeks?

That's hardly any, probably less than most people eat it. But of course it doesn't always work, even if you ate it every other day.

I have it about twice a week and I don't even consider that a lot.

[Quantess]

14. I'm sorry, lady. You did some of the right things to prevent cancer,

but unfortunately, you got cancer anyway. That doesn't mean that broccoli does not prevent cancer, though.

[Liberation Angel]

5. It always helps to learn more. k&R!

Many valuable anticancer foods are there if we only eat them (and can afford them). Groundhogs are eating my broccoli this year dammit.

[flamingdem]

7. Broccoli gives me terrible gas! Any suggestions ways to reduce that?

I think this is true for cauliflower too but that never gets on my plate!

[Enthusiast]

8. Split the head, peel the stems, brush with

olive oil and grill over charcoal. It is wonderful, our favorite way to enjoy broccoli. Allow the floweretts to blacken a bit.

[undeterred]

9. Trees. My favorite vegetable.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

10. Uh oh, more propoganda from the Big Veggie cartel!

Ha, kidding, I love broccoli! :)

[conscious evolution]

11. Brocoli sprouts have the highest sulforophan levels

according to a doctor who gave a talk on cancer fighting foods that I attended last year.

[snagglepuss]

12. I have a persoanal storythat I've told for years about broccoli and a breast tumor.

When I was about 23 I was utterly compelled to eat broccoli daily. THe craving was irresistable, so everday I had a broiled pork chop and steamed broccoli. Anyway that year I discovered a large breast tumor but it turned out to be begnign. Since the 80s I've been telling people about broccolli. May needless to say po-poohed any connection, perhaps attitudes will change.

[Celebration]

13. great story n/t