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Broccoli can have a protective effect against colon cancer, study reveals
Medical Xpress / BMC Gastroenterology ^ | Aug. 21, 2025 | Sanjukta Mondal / Bo Lai et al

Posted on 09/12/2025 3:48:35 PM PDT by ConservativeMind

A recent systematic review found that people who consumed more cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, had a 20% lower risk of colon cancer compared to those who consumed less.

The researchers analyzed data from over 17 studies, comprising a total participant pool of 639,539, with 97,595 cases of colon cancer. Including 20–40 grams of cruciferous veggies has the best protective effect per gram.

Apart from being a rich source of beneficial phytochemicals, including flavonoids, fiber, vitamin C, and carotenoids, cruciferous vegetables are also packed with glucosinolates. When chewed, these compounds break down into bioactive isothiocyanates, particularly sulforaphane (SFN)—a molecule responsible not only for the vegetables' strong, distinct odor but also for their protective, chemopreventive effects.

Isothiocyanates exhibit their cancer-protective role through multiple mechanisms: they can block enzymes that activate carcinogens, trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) in malignant cells, inhibit the formation of new blood vessels at tumor sites, and arrest the cell cycle, thereby preventing uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.

The researchers analyzed data from seven cohorts and 10 case–control studies to explore the dose–response relationship and determine whether higher vegetable intake corresponded to a greater reduction in risk, and, if so, the specific amounts at which this effect became significant.

They found that the sweet spot where the protective effect of eating the veggies started to appear was at around 20 grams a day. The greatest risk reduction per gram was observed between 20 and 40 grams, but no significant improvement was seen beyond 40 grams per day. The protective effect plateaued between 40 and 60 grams, with no additional benefits above this range.

The study also revealed that geography may play a role. The protective effect was particularly noticeable in studies from North America and Asia, but less clear in Europe or Australia.

(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...


TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: broccoli; cancer; colon; eatyourbroccoli
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Try to get at least 20 grams of cruciferous veggies in a day, for a likely 20% reduction in colon cancer risk.
1 posted on 09/12/2025 3:48:35 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
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To: Mazey; ckilmer; goodnesswins; Jane Long; jy8z; ProtectOurFreedom; matthew fuller; telescope115; ...

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List

This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

2 posted on 09/12/2025 3:49:17 PM PDT by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
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To: ConservativeMind

Out, damned brain worm!

3 posted on 09/12/2025 3:54:44 PM PDT by philman_36 (Pride breakfasted with plenty, dined with poverty and supped with infamy. Benjamin Franklin)
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To: ConservativeMind

“Vile weed!” -Newman


4 posted on 09/12/2025 3:54:55 PM PDT by gundog (The ends justify the mean tweets. )
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To: ConservativeMind

Broccoli sprouts are best for that.

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Cooking broccoli can destroy the enzyme myrosinase, which is essential for forming sulforaphane, a compound that has cancer-fighting properties. To retain its health benefits, it’s best to steam broccoli for a short time or use techniques like chopping and waiting before cooking.
nutritionfacts.org


5 posted on 09/12/2025 3:56:43 PM PDT by jimwatx
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To: gundog

Newman meant asparagus.


6 posted on 09/12/2025 3:57:30 PM PDT by Oystir ( )
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To: ConservativeMind

“Broccoli can have a protective effect against colon cancer...”

Too bad it’s made of broccoli.


7 posted on 09/12/2025 4:00:23 PM PDT by KingLudd
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To: ConservativeMind

Thanks for the link, I have heard that before on intestinal health and conditions websites.


8 posted on 09/12/2025 4:04:23 PM PDT by Irish Eyes
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To: jimwatx

To retain its health benefits, it’s best to steam broccoli for a short time
or to chop and wait before cooking.......... nutritionfacts.org


I have been known to eat broccoli raw-——in salads.


9 posted on 09/12/2025 4:05:33 PM PDT by Liz (May you be in Heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead (Irish blessing))
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To: ConservativeMind

A long time ago I heard that broccoli is a natural “sweeper” of your entire digestive system. Love broccoli.


10 posted on 09/12/2025 4:27:43 PM PDT by MayflowerMadam (It's hard not to celebrate the fall of bad people. - Bongino)
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To: ConservativeMind

How much broccoli cheese soup would you have to eat to get 20g in you?


11 posted on 09/12/2025 4:33:18 PM PDT by decal (They won't stop, so they'll have to be stopped)
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To: ConservativeMind

Why can’t it ever be chocolate chip cookies or mac and cheese?


12 posted on 09/12/2025 4:33:45 PM PDT by mikey_hates_everything
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To: ConservativeMind

Still getting collards and kale in the ground....


13 posted on 09/12/2025 4:41:58 PM PDT by gundog (The ends justify the mean tweets. )
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To: Oystir
I can’t imagine he’s a fan of asparagus, but the vile weed was, indeed, broccoli.
14 posted on 09/12/2025 4:48:37 PM PDT by gundog (The ends justify the mean tweets. )
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To: ConservativeMind

Broccoli is great raw or steamed.

Boiled, not so much.

Just depends on how you fix it.


15 posted on 09/12/2025 4:54:21 PM PDT by mewzilla (Swing away, Mr. President, swing away! 🇺🇸 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿)
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To: mikey_hates_everything

Chopped broccoli is great in mac and cheese. :-)


16 posted on 09/12/2025 4:55:08 PM PDT by mewzilla (Swing away, Mr. President, swing away! 🇺🇸 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿)
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To: gundog

Broccoli - nature’s intestinal broom!


17 posted on 09/12/2025 5:04:01 PM PDT by Noumenon (Duty is as heavy as a mountain; death is as light as a feather. KTF)
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To: ConservativeMind

Broccoli is natures broom.

CC


18 posted on 09/12/2025 5:29:23 PM PDT by Celtic Conservative (*This is a test of the emergency tagline system. This is only a test*)
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To: ConservativeMind

Great advice. We love all on the list!


19 posted on 09/12/2025 6:49:52 PM PDT by telescope115 (Ad Astra, Ad Deum…)
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To: Liz

I luv raw broccoli…


20 posted on 09/12/2025 6:52:58 PM PDT by telescope115 (Ad Astra, Ad Deum…)
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