21 Oct 2022 --- A UK-based study is uncovering how nutrients in the oft-avoided broccoli vegetable can reduce the risk, rate and severity of prostate cancer. The findings show that the compounds accumulate in the prostate gland and may have a protective influence on the gland’s cells.
The findings are published as part of a clinical trial at the Quadram Institute in Norwich, UK, in conjunction with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
“Human studies conducted at Quadram Institute of Bioscience have reported that these sulfur compounds not only accumulate within the prostate tissue, but also reduce the number of genes involved in the cancer progression,” Gemma Beasy, researcher at the Quadram Institute, tells NutritionInsight.
“The mechanisms by which these compounds affect prostate cancer are relatively unknown, and it is key for future research to understand the molecular mechanisms of how these compounds regulate cancer metabolism.”
The Quadram Institute will continue to investigate how the accumulation of broccoli-derived nutrient compounds in the prostate gland influences prostate cells.
Open wide
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli have long been correlated with a reduction in the risk of prostate cancer development. Moreover, they have been found to stop the cancer’s progression. This is accomplished by the breaking down of sulfurous compounds by plant enzymes and bacteria in the gut microbiome. Adding two or three servings of broccoli a week to diets may prevent or slow the progression of prostate cancer.
The compounds are then converted into other biologically active compounds that then accumulate in the gland. These compounds have been shown to protect against the aggressive cancer in previous studies.
“Numerous epidemiological studies have reported that sulfur compounds found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli may prevent prostate cancer progression,” explains Beasy. “Much of this evidence has focused on the sulfur compounds, glucosinolates, which are broken down by myrosinase enzymes to the active compounds isothiocyanates.”
Probing the prostate
Dr. Tracey Livingstone, urologist and principal investigator of the study, further elaborates that until now the mechanism by which the prostate gland was exposed to the bioactive compounds was “largely unknown.” This is due to the fact that the compounds are barely detectable in the bloodstream after 24 hours.
Therefore, the randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial recruited 40 men who were scheduled to undergo prostate biopsies and were either known or suspected to have prostate cancer. The volunteers then took supplements containing glucoraphanin from broccoli, alliin from garlic or a placebo for a four-week period preceding their transperineal biopsies.The study found that the bioactive compounds in broccoli accumulate in the prostate and act as a protectant.
“The results demonstrate for the first time that the bioactive compounds attributed to this link, derived from broccoli, in particular, are indeed capable of accumulating within the prostate tissue to significantly higher levels than those consuming a placebo after only a short four-week intervention,” Livingstone underscores.
Down the hatch
According to the study published in Nutrients, this accumulation answers key questions about how dietary interventions, utilizing dietary nutrient compounds, can benefit patients suffering from prostate cancer.
The results reveal that the broccoli-derived supplement significantly supported an increase in the concentration of sulforaphane in all zones of the prostate. The alliin from the garlic was also detected, but in much smaller quantities, and not much higher than those who did not take a garlic supplement. This is possibly due to the difference in the compounds.
Adding two or three portions of broccoli per week as part of a healthy balanced diet would be optimal,” Beasy advises. “Regarding cooking, the best way to preserve the sulfur compounds within broccoli is by steaming for a few minutes and avoiding boiling.”
By William Bradford Nichols
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FAQs
Eat your broccoli, boys: Compounds in the cruciferous vegetable may save your life, experts flag. 21 Oct 2022 --- A UK-based study is uncovering how nutrients in the oft-avoided broccoli vegetable can reduce the risk, rate and severity of prostate cancer.
Why are people saying broccoli is bad for you? ›
Broccoli contains isothiocyanates which are goitrogens and can alter iodine uptake, functioning of thyroid gland and can cause hypothyroidism. In some people it may cause headaches, nasal congestion, wheezing and skin rashes.
What is the compound isolated from broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables that may render some carcinogenic compounds harmless? ›
Sulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. It has been widely studied for its potential as a neuroprotective and anticancer agent.
What are the side effects of eating broccoli? ›
Broccoli in general does not have any major side effects unless consumed in high quantities. The most common side effect is flatulence or irritation in the bowels which is mainly due to the high amounts of its fiber. In fact, all cruciferous vegetables can make one gassy, but the benefits outweigh the side effects.
Is broccoli bad for your gut? ›
Broccoli and the gut
Earlier studies on broccoli's health benefits had found that it reduces inflammation in the colon and decreases incidence of colon cancer, among other cancers.
What is the healthiest vegetable? ›
1. Spinach. Spinach is a leafy green vegetable and a great source of calcium, vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. Due to its iron and calcium content, spinach is a great addition to any meat- or dairy-free diet.
Why should you not eat cruciferous vegetables? ›
Most people can enjoy cruciferous veggies without any negative consequences. But others may be advised to watch their intake. In large amounts, cruciferous vegetables can cause gas or bloating for some people. And people who take blood-thinning medication like warfarin (Coumadin®), may need to limit their intake.
Is broccoli cancerous? ›
“With broccoli, specifically, there is a high amount of a phytochemical called sulforaphane, which is a cancer-fighting plant compound that has been linked to reducing the risks of prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and oral cancers.”
Which food is most likely to contain carcinogens? ›
Cancer causing foods
- Processed meat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is “convincing evidence” that processed meat causes cancer. ...
- Red meat. ...
- Alcohol. ...
- Salted fish (Chinese style) ...
- Sugary drinks or non-diet soda. ...
- Fast food or processed foods.
Introducing broccoli into your daily dietary routine can yield various health benefits. Its fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contribute to improved digestion, bone health, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Celery is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie food. Two stalks of celery contain only 15 calories. Aside from its low calorie count, celery contains dietary fiber, vitamin K, and small amounts of vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. Although celery also contains some natural sodium, it's still considered a low-sodium food.
Is broccoli good for the kidneys? ›
Broccoli is a medium potassium food, low in sodium and phosphorus, and suitable for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
What medications does broccoli interfere with? ›
2. Leafy greens and warfarin. Among the most well-known food-drug interactions is the anticoagulant warfarin (brand names Jantoven and Coumadin) and foods containing vitamin K, such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, seaweed and other leafy greens.
How many times a week should you eat broccoli? ›
Overall, one to two servings of broccoli per week is definitely something that we recommend as part of a healthy diet. Eating cruciferous vegetables in general and eating or drinking other 'bitter' foods every day will do you good. These bitter foods include: Olive Oil.
Why do people say broccoli tastes bad? ›
Bitterness: Some people have a heightened sensitivity to bitter flavors, including certain compounds naturally present in broccoli. Overcooking: Boiling or overcooking can make broccoli mushy and dull its flavor, resulting in a less pleasant experience.
Why can't I eat broccoli anymore? ›
Some people are allergic to broccoli because it contains proteins that are similar to those in a kind of pollen that they're allergic to. This is called pollen-fruit allergy syndrome (or oral allergy syndrome).
Is it true that broccoli has no nutritional value? ›
Broccoli is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Its health benefits range from potentially lowering blood sugar levels to aiding in cancer prevention and promoting joint health.
Are there any carcinogens in broccoli? ›
[6] Broccoli has numerous traces of pesticides, of which formaldehyde is carcinogenic. It may cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, nasal congestion, wheezing and headache in some people.
Adding two or three servings of broccoli a week to diets may prevent or slow the progression of prostate cancer.
The study found that the bioactive compounds in broccoli accumulate in the prostate and act as a protectant.