Just three servings a month of raw broccoli or cabbage can
reduce the risk of bladder cancer by 40 percent. Other studies show
that dark-colored berries can reduce the risk of cancer too, adding
more evidence that shows fruits and vegetables, especially richly
colored varieties, can reduce the risk of cancer, researchers
reported Monday.
One team of researchers at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in
Buffalo, New York, surveyed 275 people who had bladder cancer and
825 people without cancer. They studied especially about
cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. These foods
are rich in compounds called isothiocyanates, which are known to
lower cancer risk.
They found that the effects were most in nonsmokers. Compared to
smokers who ate fewer raw cruciferous vegetables, nonsmokers who
ate at least three a month were almost 73 percent less likely to be
in the bladder cancer group.
Among both smokers and nonsmokers, those who ate this minimal
amount of raw veggies had a 40 percent lower risk. Researchers did
not find the same effect for cooked vegetables, because cooking can
reduce 60 to 90 percent of isothiocyanates
A second team of researchers from Roswell Park tested broccoli
sprouts in rats. Dr. Yuesheng Zhang, who led the research, said
that the more rats ate, the less likely they were to develop
bladder cancer. The compounds were processed and excreted within 12
hours of feeding. That suggests the idea that compounds are
protecting the bladder from the inside.
In a third study, a team at The Ohio State University fed
blackberries, sometimes called blackcaps, to patients with
conditions leading to esophageal cancer. Researchers fed 32 grams
of black raspberries to women and 45 grams to men every day for six
months. They found that 58 percent of patients had marked less
damage, and black raspberries are also rich in cancer-fighting
compounds which can help interfere with cancer causing damage.
(Agencies via Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2007)