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Powerful cancer-prevention punch

Did You Know...

... that broccoli sprouts can prevent cancer, the second leading cause of death in the United States? These humble young plants that look like alfalfa and taste peppery (like radishes) pack a powerful cancer-prevention punch.

Nutritional cancer prevention is gaining increasing attention, since according to the National Cancer Institute, at least 35% of cancer deaths are connected to diet. And while you've already heard that broccoli is one of the most powerful cancer-fighting super foods available, numerous studies have confirmed that broccoli sprouts offer even more intense benefits than the mature plant.

That's because broccoli's cancer-fighting compounds -- such as sulforaphane -- are most concentrated in the sprouts. For example, just one ounce of broccoli sprouts contains more sulforaphane than two pounds of broccoli.

Sprouts Contain 20 to 50 Times or More
Cancer-Protective Compounds

     "Three-day-old broccoli sprouts consistently contain 20 to 50 times the amount of chemo protective compounds found in mature broccoli heads, and may offer a simple, dietary means of chemically reducing cancer risk," says Paul Talalay, M.D., J.J. Abel, Distinguished Service Professor of Pharmacology.

     Talalay's research at John Hopkins included a study with rats. One group received broccoli sprouts while the control group received nothing. Both groups were exposed to a carcinogen, dimethylbenzanthracene. The broccoli sprouts group not only developed far fewer tumors, but the tumors that did develop were smaller and grew much more slowly.

     "In animals and human cells, we have demonstrated, unequivocally, that this compound (sulforaphane) can substantially reduce the incidence, rate of development, and size of tumors," said Talalay.

Carcinogenic Detox

The John Hopkins study is just one example of a huge body of important research on similar theories. To date, more than 700 studies have examined the link between cruciferous vegetables, sulforaphane, and cancer prevention.

     In another such study, 100 individuals were given broccoli sprouts and 100 others were given a placebo. The broccoli sprouts group showed a significant decrease in a biomarker for DNA damage. This decrease strongly suggests enhanced carcinogenic detoxification. Put simply, those who ate the broccoli sprouts were cleansed of cancer-causing substances.

Preventing Stomach Cancer

In yet another series of studies, Japanese researchers discovered an exciting link between broccoli sprouts and Helicobacteri pylori (H. pylori) infection. H. pylori is known to cause gastritis and believed to be a major factor in peptic ulcer and stomach cancer. The researchers found that a diet rich in broccoli sprouts significantly reduced Helicobacteri pylori (H. pylori) infection among a group of 20 individuals.

     "Even though we were unable to eradicate H. pylori, to be able suppress it and relieve the accompanying gastritis by means as simple as eating more broccoli sprouts is good news for the many people who are infected," said Akinori Yanaka, the study's lead investigator.

Stopping the Spread of Cancer with 13C

Broccoli and Brussels sprouts may also help stop the spread of cancer, because consuming them prompts the body to produce a substance known as 13C (indole-3-carbinol). Researchers at the Ohio State University have found exciting evidence for 13C's ability to fight cancer cells' proliferation.

     The research was published recently in Cancer Prevention magazine, and focused on breast cancer cells. Nearly half of breast cancer patients -- especially those with advanced, life-threatening cancer -- have escalated levels of a molecule called Cdc25A. "Cdc25A is present at abnormally high levels in about half of breast cancer cases, and it is associated with a poor prognosis," said study leader Xianghong Zou, assistant professor of pathology at the Ohio State University Medical Center.

     But the good news is that 13C attacks and destroys both Cdc25A and breast cancer cells. What's more, researchers believe 13C can also fight other cancers and possibly even reverse Alzheimer's disease.

Easy to Grow, Easy to Eat

You can easily grow broccoli sprouts at home, if you wish. Many health food markets and co-ops carry broccoli seeds, and all you need to do is soak the seeds for a few days, keeping them moist and rinsing them once a day. By day 3, the seeds will sprout. In 3 more days, the sprouts will attain their maximum carcinogen detoxifying properties.

     Broccoli sprouts are easily incorporated into your cooking repertoire. Just add the sprouts to salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or spreads, or use them as edible garnishes. Meanwhile, you can take heart in knowing that you're enjoying some of nature's strongest possible cancer prevention!