Broccoli
Extracts May Fight Prostate Cancer, Pittsburgh Researcher Says
Source:
psa-rising.com/eatingwell/broccoli_extracts_dec_2003.html
 Dec.
22, 2003, –In the United States, only 1 out of 5 adults eat the recommended
five or more fruits and vegetables per day. Fruits and vegetables are good for
overall health, and a newly funded study may show that certain vegetables, such
as broccoli, also offer protection against prostate cancer.
UPCI researcher
Shivendra Singh, Ph.D., has received a $1.7 million grant from the National
Cancer Institute to study this vegetable for prostate cancer prevention.
"Clearly, what
we eat has an effect on the development of diseases such as cancer," said
Dr. Shivendra Singh, professor of pharmacology and urology at the University of
Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "However, we know little about the
mechanisms by which certain edible plants like broccoli help our bodies fight
prostate cancer and other diseases. Our goal with this study is to better
understand the function and relationship of substances in broccoli that appear
to be linked to inhibiting prostate cancer growth."
Phytochemicals
called isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are generated in broccoli and other
vegetables when they are chewed. ITCs significantly reduces the risk for
prostate cancer, studies suggest.
Dr. Singh's
laboratory has found that some naturally occurring ITCs are highly effective in
suppressing the growth of human prostate cancer cells at concentrations that are
achievable through dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables such as watercress
and broccoli.
In his current
study, Dr. Singh seeks to find out more about how ITCs induce apoptosis, or
cancer cell death. He hopes to gain insight into the key structural
relationships between ITCs and cell processes and to identify potential
biomarkers that could be useful for future intervention trials involving ITCs.
"The knowledge
we gain from this study will help guide us in formulating practical and
effective nutritional strategies for the prevention and treatment of prostate
cancer," said Dr. Singh. In addition to studies involving broccoli, Dr.
Singh also is examining the effect of garlic on prostate cancer prevention.
Although every other
week we go to Costco and buy a 3 pound bag of fresh broccoli Florets by Eat
Smart we still supplement with Dim-Plus.
 
Nature's Way Dim-Plus
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