Our kitchen may be harboring some of the most potent weapons against cancer, and cruciferous vegetables top that list. Medical researchers are shocked by these green warriors’ tremendous potential to fight cancer worldwide. Let’s examine how such modest vegetables can be game-changers in cancer treatment.
What are known as cruciferous vegetables?
These vegetables belong to the category of ‘’Brassicaceae’’ or ”Fabaceae’’ family vegetables due to the flowers they produce having a cross-like shape. In other words, they are comprised of vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cloves of kale. They are not simply everyday vegetables-they contain unbelievable amounts of nutrients and specific ingredients that have grabbed the interest of researchers analyzing cancer.
These vegetables would be described as nature’s pharmacy. They contain some unique compounds not found in other vegetable families. For several decades, these compounds have been investigated for their properties and their effect on cells within the body, especially cancerous cells.
In what manner do these cruciferous vegetables work on cancer at the molecular level?
Now, sulforaphane is a compound of cruciferous vegetables that sounds like a very complicated scientific term; however, if you consider it as some special ammunition that the plant has to attack the cancer cells, that’s a different story. These vegetables release sulforaphane through chopping, chewing, etc.
Johns Hopkins University conducted a study demonstrating that sulforaphane inhibits cancer cell growth. Essentially, it blocks cancer’s rapid expansion. This compound activates specific enzymes in our body that assist in removing harmful substances that could produce cancer even before they hit our cells.
Scientific evidence that supports their role in the treatment of cancer:
Multiple scientific studies have provided solid evidence on the potential of cruciferous vegetables in the fight against cancer. According to a study conducted and documented by the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, broccoli sprouts could reduce the risk of certain cancers by as much as 60%.
Other scientists from the University of California came up with another outstanding study concerning the constituents present in these vegetables. Compounds in these vegetables emerged to be effective for
- Preventing DNA damage
- Slowing the growth of cancer
- Helps the body to flush the cancer-causing chemicals
- Decrease inflammation
- Help Purify the Body
Do cruciferous vegetables play a role in cancer treatment?
Cruciferous vegetables aren’t a cancer cure, but perhaps they’re good supportive friends during therapy. They supplement, amplify, and support the body’s natural defense systems. Perhaps they can also prevent many of the adverse side effects of chemo, radiation, and other treatments for cancer.
Scientists at the National Cancer Institute think that these vegetables may help patients through:
- Strengthening the immune system
- Diminishing inflammation
- Potentiating the body’s natural healing mechanisms
- Possibly making cancer therapy more effective
Some cancers hold more promise for these vegetables. Well, research in science holds promise for numerous types of cancers. Thus far, results have been particularly encouraging for:
Prostate cancer: Many researchers’ works show that men who eat cruciferous vegetables often have less chance of getting prostate cancer.
Lung cancer: These vegetables possess chemicals that can halt the formation of lung cancer and even prevent it from progressing.
Breast cancer: Other research has also pointed out that some chemical compounds present in cruciferous vegetables lower the rate of breast cancer.
How much should I eat to reap the benefits?
Consume 2-3 portions of such cruciferous vegetables per week. Of course, you will not be asked to consume large amounts. Even small, regular consumption will do.
It’s all about variety and preparation. Since different cruciferous vegetables contain slightly different compounds, it is wiser to vary them. Steaming lightly or consuming raw preserves the beneficial compounds.
Any Precautions?
Although cruciferous vegetables are healthy, people with thyroid problems should take them in moderate amounts because the compounds inside them may interfere with thyroid function if taken in exceedingly excessive amounts.
Therefore, when undergoing cancer treatment, every patient should first consult with the oncologist before making drastic changes to the diet because these vegetables are very potent and interact differently with such treatments than other vegetables.
What makes such vegetables different from other vegetables?
Of course, most vegetables are healthy, but they do not come under cruciferous veggies. They are different from other vegetables due to theri unique compounds such as sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. These are not just nutrients; they are molecules that can interplay with the human body’s cells in perhaps rather elaborate manners.
Cruciferous vegetables are special forces in your body’s defense team. They do not provide general nutrition; they are out there defending and repairing your cells.
How can one include more cruciferous vegetables in their diet?
Start small and be creative.
- Put some broccoli in your morning omelet
- Replace rice with cauliflower
- Or try to make a delicious and a colorful cabbage slaw.
The intention is to incorporate these vegetables into your daily meal plan without feeling like it is a task.
Conclusion:
Thus, roasting, steaming, or consuming them in their raw state helps retain their value and disease-preventing potential. Avoid overcooking, because it reduces the nutritional power.
Remember that foods are not magic bullets against cancer. It requires a healthy diet, exercise, stress management, and appropriate medical care. Cruciferous vegetables are potent allies on your journey, offering hope and support through these remarkable compounds.
REFERENCES:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet
https://unclineberger.org/nutrition/cruciferous-vegetables-and-cancer-whats-the-link/
https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/food-facts/broccoli-cruciferous-vegetables/