"The compound in broccoli may be one of the strongest
anti-cancer fighters we have"
Researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State
University have found that a compound found in cruciferous
vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy and brussel sprouts, has
strong anti-cancer properties.
This
compound, called sulforaphane, is even higher in broccoli
sprouts - the tiny, thread-like broccoli sprouts sold in health
food stores next to the alfalfa sprouts.
The
main area of interest to the researcher, Emily Ho, is on the
dietary prevention of prostate cancer. The Asian diet could be a
key in this prevention. White males born in the United States
have dramatically higher rates of prostate cancer than Asian
men. But when Asian men live in the U.S. for five years or more,
their rates of prostate cancer rise significantly, according to
Emily Ho.
Ho
stated that vegetables containing sulforaphane (and broccoli and
broccoli sprouts have the highest amounts) have the same ability
as drugs classified as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors,
which are being looked at as potentially preventing cancer.
She
said "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."
While Ho said the research is not at the point where she can
make a specific recommendation on how much broccoli or bok choy
to eat, she personally tries to have two servings of cruciferous
vegetables a day.
She
said "The compound in broccoli may be one of the strongest
anti-cancer fighters we have."
May 18th 2007 - Conference "Diet and Optimum Health", Portland,
USA. Emily Ho, researcher with the Linus Pauling Institute and
assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise
Sciences at Oregon State University