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Study Confirms Broccoli and other Vegetables Prevent Cancer

January 30, 2011 by Bruce Wilson 13 Comments

 Broccoli and other vegetables are extremely healthy and have the ability to fight cancer. They contain antioxidants among other health benefits. For the first time, researchers have discovered how vegetables are blocking the genes that cause cancer. The result of the study has been published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

To get maximum benefit, it is imperative that broccoli is cooked the right way. Broccoli has to be steamed lightly, in order to have the cancer-preventive component, sulforaphane, present in it. Too many people are overcooking the broccoli, which is destroying the enzyme myrosinaise, and losing its efficiency. Combining the powder supplement with broccoli sprouts maximizes the benefits and makes it twice as efficient to fight cancer. While broccoli sprouts contain a lot of myrosinase, the powder supplement carries the precursor to sulforaphane.

Scientists examined the metabolites in plasma and urine in four men after they had eaten four meals of only broccoli sprouts, then powder supplements only and finally a combination of both. Three hours after consumption, the effect of the broccoli sprouts and the powder supplements was showing, with an increase of sulforaphane absorption, while a combination of both showed plasma and urine metabolites much earlier and at much higher levels than when either was consumed separately.

Other foods that increase health benefits in combination with broccoli are mustard, radishes, arugula and wasabi.

The study was conducted by a team of scientists led by Jenna Cramer from the University of Illinois. Based on the new information, scientists are optimistic about the development of new drugs to treat cancer.