A special group of vegetables called cruciferous vegetables have excellent cancer fighting properties. Research suggests that these cruciferous vegetables contain a kind of phytochemical known as isothiocyanates, which stimulate our bodies to break down potential carcinogens. They work by preventing the transformation of normal healthy cells into cancerous cells.

Some examples of cruciferous vegetables are:

An excellent example from this group of vegetables is broccoli. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which is a natural chemical that stimulate our bodies to produce enzymes and destroy carcinogens. This substance is particularly rich in broccoli sprouts and about 20 to 50 times richer in mature broccoli.

At the Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California, a study was conducted to document the effects of eating broccoli among men and women aged 50 to 74. The results showed that those who consumed more broccoli (average: 3.7 half-cup cooked servings weekly) were 50 percent less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who never ate broccoli.

At the John Hopkins University in Baltimore, scientists also tested the effects of broccoli sprouts on rats. The rats were first fed broccoli sprouts. A few days later, they were injected with carcinogen. The results showed that the rats that ate broccoli sprouts developed smaller, fewer and slower-growing tumors than the rats that were on a regular diet.

At the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center, researchers discovered that men who consumed three or more half-cup servings of cruciferous vegetables a week were 41 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer. These men were between the ages of 40 and 64.

Many cruciferous vegetables also contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol. This compound is said to reduce the risk of hormone dependent cancers such as prostate, breast and ovarian cancer.

 
About The Author

Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certified in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.

 
For More Information

For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam at www.DrLam.com.
Feel free to email Dr. Lam by clicking here if you have any questions.

 
Ownership and Use

This Web Site and all content and materials included on this Web Site, including without limitation all information, text, graphics, illustrations, photos, video, sound and software (collectively the "Content"), are copyrighted and protected under U.S. and international copyright laws, trademark and other intellectual property laws and treaties and are the exclusive property of Dr. Michael Lam. Dr. Michael Lam hereby retains all right, title, and interest in the Content.

All rights are reserved. You may not store, modify, create derivative works of, translate, distribute, publish, transmit, sell or participate in any sale of, or exploit in any way any Content in any form or by any means. You acknowledge that you do not acquire any ownership rights by downloading material from this Web Site. You are authorized to view this Web Site for informational purposes only. No part of this Web Site or Content can be redistributed, copied, adapted or reproduced without the prior written consent of Dr. Michael Lam.

 
© 1999-2009  Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.