Product WriteUps

Broccoli

Broccoli is of the cabbage family known as Brassicaceae. It is believed to be one of the first plants to evolve from the wild species of kale. Broccoli is a cold weather crop, originating from Italy, originally cultivated by the Romans. It is very high in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K and soluble fiber. Broccoli also contains phytochemicals namely glucoraphanin and the indoles, compounds that have aroused some interest due to their involvement in cancer studies. Traditionally broccoli was believed to serve as a supplement for reproductive health. Modern science has brought this belief to the forefront in recent years. Since its first cultivation in 1922, broccoli has become a very familiar vegetable at dinner tables all over the world. However, many do not recognize the truly vast benefits of this common vegetable.

The components of broccoli induce many of the health benefits that it is widely known for. Vitamins A and C are recognized as potent antioxidants. Vitamin A is a yellow fat soluble antioxidant belonging to a group of compounds known as retinoid. It plays an essential role in vision, bone growth, cell proliferation, and immune system regulation. Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid serves an array of purposes in the body. Vitamin C is an important participant in hydroxylation and is therefore necessary in collagen formation in connective tissue. It is also partly responsible for noradrenalin, adrenaline, and dopamine synthesis in the nervous system. Vitamin K is absolutely essential is maintaining blood health. Without it the blood would not clot. Individuals experiencing vitamin K deficiency suffer from increased bruising and bleeding. Vitamins A, C, and K are all quite necessary and found in abundant concentrations in broccoli; however the indoles and glucoraphanin are the major reasons to take notice of this unique vegetable.

In recent years cancer has become the forerunner for scientific study. Many compounds both plant and animal derived have been subject to intensive studies. Broccoli, it seems, is no exception. In a 7 cohort study 56% of the cases showed an inverse relationship between broccoli consumption and cancer risk at various sites (Verhoevan, 1996). The compounds responsible for this activity have been extracted and studied to better understand broccoli's anticancer properties.

Glucoraphanin or more importantly its breakdown product sulforaphane is believed to have some chemoprotective activities. In a study performed at Rutgers University this year, researchers found that sulforaphane suppressed enzymes called kinases that are expressed in with colon cancer (Hu, 2006). Another study in 2004 concluded that sulforaphane inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation, even in advanced stages (Jackson, 2004). The proposed mechanism for this anticarcinogenic activity involves sulforaphane's ability to increase glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme activity. This enzyme is known to detoxify many carcinogens therefore resisting the onset of cancer. The properties of sulforaphane are matched by those of the indoles.

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is another naturally occurring compound that acts as an anticancer agent. A study published in the December issue of Cancer evaluated I3C's effects on cell cycling progression and cancer cell proliferation in human prostate cancer cells. In specific doses I3C was able to suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells by inhibiting essential steps in the in the cells cycling process. It also inhibits the production of a specific type of antigen that is indicative of prostate cancer.

Phytonutrients in broccoli also contribute to other health effects. Broccoli enhances cell detoxification; helps repair sun damaged skin, is one of the few foods that contributes significantly to reduced heart disease risk, protects against ulcers, helps build stronger bones, and is an immune system booster. Broccoli has many properties that make it the perfect supplement.

References

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences May 2002:28;99

Washington Post May 28, 2002; Page A04

Hu R, Khor TO, Shen G, Jeong WS, Hebbar V, Chen C, Xu C, Reddy B, Chada K, Kong AN. Cancer chemoprevention of intestinal polyposis in ApcMin/+ mice by sulforaphane, a natural product derived from cruciferous vegetable. Carcinogenesis. 2006 May 4; [Epub ahead of print.

Jackson S, Singletary K. Sulforaphane inhibits human mcf-7 mammary cancer cell mitotic progression and tubulin polymerization. J Nutr. 2004 Sep; 134(9): 2229-36.

Zhang J, Hsu B, Kinseth B, Bjeldanes L, Firestone G. Indole-3-carbinol induces a G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibits prostate-specific antigen production in human LNCap prostate carcinoma cells. Cancer. 2003 Dec 1; 98(11): 2511-20.

Disclaimer: The statements here in have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.