Broccoli really can help you defeat cancer.
Scientists have pinpointed the amazing chemistry which enables broccoli to help overcome prostate cancer, according to a report in the journal BioMed Central, Molecular Cancer.
The chemical called sulforaphane in broccoli (and other greens like brussels sprouts*) counteracts a genetic fault that can lead to prostate cancer, in effect it dampens the effect of cells which could trigger cancerous growth.
It's official, broccoli beats cancer
The research laboratory at the Institute of Food Research in Norwich commented,
“This may explain how diets rich in broccoli, the dietary source of sulforaphane, can reduce the risk of incidence of prostate cancer and the progression of localised prostate cancer to more aggressive forms of this disease.”
Research is ongoing as to how sulforaphane may inhibit breast cancer too.
Prostate cancer effects 36,000 men a year – it is hoped that this scientific breakthrough will lead to new medical treatments.
Broccoli extract can already be bought in tablet form as Comvita Broccoli Extract – this contains glucoraphanin which the body makes into sulforaphane.
* Sulforaphane is found in brassicas like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, bok choy and rocket. (For those interested in sprouting seeds, it is also reported that sulforaphane is 20 times more concentrated in broccoli sprouts than in the mature vegetable.)
