Posted on 02/08/2006 3:16:55 PM PST by blam
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower: the vegetables that may prevent cancer
· Foods contain chemicals that help repair DNA
· Study backs link between diet and disease
Ian Sample, science correspondent
Wednesday February 8, 2006
The Guardian (UK)
Natural chemicals found in soya beans and vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower boost the body's ability to repair damaged DNA and may prevent cells turning cancerous, scientists said yesterday. Studies have suggested that eating vegetables appears to provide some protection against certain cancers, but until now the reason why has been a mystery.
Researchers at Georgetown University in Washington DC believe the answer lies with two naturally occurring compounds. The first, indole-3-carbinol or I3C is abundant in vegetables including broccoli and cabbage, while the second, genistein, occurs naturally in soya beans.
The researchers found that when the chemicals were added to cells they boosted the activity of two genes, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, both of which play a crucial role in detecting damaged DNA and marshalling a cell's response to fix it. Mutations in either of these genes often lead to breast, ovarian and prostate cancer because they are unable to prevent damaged DNA being passed on to the next generation of cells.
Writing in the British Journal of Cancer, the researchers said that since very low levels of BRCA proteins are seen in cancerous cells, higher levels might prevent cancer developing.
"We know that one of the functions of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is to maintain genomic integrity, and to do that, they first have to be able to detect DNA damage and signal to the cell that it is there, and then become involved in repairing it," said Eliot Rosen, the lead author of the study.
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
>>I like them all,but I could fill a tanker truck with gas if I get anywhere near this stuff
I think we might have solved our foreign oil crisis then.
"More broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower please. No gas-x for me, I'm doing it for the children ..."
Phytochemical: Genistein
Synonyms: 5, 7-dihydroxy-3- (4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 4', 5, 7-trihydroxyisoflavone
Description: Genistein is an isoflavone belonging to the group of flavonoids. Because of this similarity of the structure of genistein to that of estrogen genistein is also a phytoestrogens, together with daidzein. Genistein is the aglycone (without sugar component) of the glycoside genistin.
Distribution: The main source of genistein are soybeans. Other legumes, such as chickpeas, contain small amounts of genistein.
Action of Genistein: Genistein works on several fronts: it acts as a phytoestrogens and as an antioxidant.
The estrogenic activity of genistein has been confirmed in many studies. Of all the isoflavones, genistein has the strongest estrogenic activity.
Genistein is a strong antioxidant. Genistein removed damaging free radicals and reduces lipid peroxidation. Only oxidized LDL cholesterol is absorbed by the arterial cells. Prevention of the oxidation of LDL cholesterol will reduce the risk for arteriosclerosis. Gensistein prevents the formation of hearth attacks and strokes by acting as anticlotting agent. Genistein increases the activity of other antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase. Studies have shown that genistein can also influence the growth of cells which are not hormone-dependent. Genistein seems to inhibit the activity of tyrosine kinase, which plays an important role in cell growth. Reduction of tyrosine activity will result in a reduced cancer risk.
Genistein seems to reduce the risk for some hormone related cancers, principally breast cancer and prostate cancer. Epidemiological studies show that consumption of isoflavones may protect against breast and prostate cancer. High dietary intake of soy products China and Japan are linked with low incidence of these cancers. There are lots of theories to explain the anti-cancer action of genistein: inhibition of angiogenesis, inhibition of tyrosine kinases, antioxidant property, and anti-estrogen action (it is known that estrogen increases risk for certain cancers). Genistein binds with estrogen receptors, preventing the estrogen from binding and initiating cancer growth.
The estrogenic effect of genistein may also explain its protective action against osteoporosis.
Genistein is also used to ease menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes.
Facts about Genistein: The main source of genistein is the glucoside genistin. Before genistein can act it first needs to be released from genistin. This normally happens in the stomach (acid hydrolysis) and intestine (action of bacterial enzymes). Some genistein supplements contain genistein which has been hydrolysed in a chemical process.
Publications: Abstracts about Genistein
"You'll just be an OFFENSIVE old man :)"
Some would argue that I already am. ;)
I hate brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale are OK though.
You left the last two steps off of the recipe:
Pour cooked sprouts into the dispos-all and order a pizza.
Mr. Inspectorette and I love them all, and cook them by steaming for 6-7 minutes, then saute with olive oil and garlic. Great for Brussels sprouts too! Magnifico!
KAPUSTA PING!!
Ah-ha the key word here is butter! I agree, but then again I'm of the frame of mind you can put butter on a (insert word of choice here). and it'd probably taste wonderful.
From this, one could conclude that breaking wind will prevent cancer. In particular, cabbage gives me the wind something fierce, and a foul wind it is.
Also, sprinkling a good amount of bread crumbs sauteed in butter on top of them (brussel sprouts) helps.
Broccoli and cauliflower in small quantities, chopped up, add a lot to the taste of minestrone soup.
The only way I will eat them is if they are in tempura and I drink copious amounts of sake. That seems to take the edge off.
You must be Polish.Pierogi with kapusta...is there a better food in this world? I don't think so.
yep, 1/2 polish 1/2 serbian. Kapusta is the best especially in the winter. My grandfather and dad made their own, I did a few times but it's easier to buy the bagged stuff. Ever have it fried with pork chops and onion?
Talk about greenhouse gasses!
Bump for later.
Not to be eaten if you are on coumadin.
Mmmmm, broccoli . . . with butter and something from the spice rack, maybe a little lemon pepper or basil . . . or cheese . . .
Ditto what I just said for Brussels sprouts. Butter those bad boys and pass 'em my way!
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