The possibility of developing cancer is frightening to
everyone, and even the chances of that happening are now one in three. Also,
you might get lucky increased over the last decades. Fortunately, thanks to
medical advances and better knowledge of food and nutrition, your chances of
survival, it is now much more than they were a few years ago.
Few people know that the violent struggle is going on
in their body between molecules that are trying to give them cancer, and
molecules that are trying to protect. Every day thousands of cells in your body
are forced into a precancerous condition with carcinogens. If they are not
repaired, some of them eventually develop into cancer cells in itself. Is there
something you can do to help prevent this? Indeed it is, and one of the most
important things is related to your diet. It is now known that cruciferous
vegetables called class is extremely effective in protecting against the
development of cancer. Some of them are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage,
cauliflower, kale, radish, and turnip greens.
Attention was drawn to these vegetables in 1996 when
articles in two different newspapers showed that they appeared to be extremely
effective in the fight against cancer. The first, in Cancer Epidemiology,
Biomarkers and Prevention reviewed 94 studies on the prevention of cancer and
concluded that consumption of cruciferous vegetables has led to a significant
reduction in the risk of primary and two secondary cancers. The second, in the
Journal of the American Dietetic Association, found that 70 percent of these
studies also examined indicated a strong link between the consumption of
cruciferous vegetables and protection against cancer. Many recent studies have
verified these results.
How and why cancer cells cruciferous Attack
The main reason cruciferous are so effective that they
contain is called glucosinolates. They are sulfur-containing chemicals that
give these vegetables their pungent odor and a bitter taste. When cutting, the
mastication and digestion glucosinolates are decomposed into several
biologically active compounds including indoles, nitriles, thiocyanates, and
isothiocyanates. Among these, isothiocyanates (generally called ITC) and
indoles are most important. Studies have shown that both inhibit the
development of cancer in several different organs in rats and mice. These
include the bladder, breast, colon, liver, and stomach. These studies have also
shown that cruciferous vegetables are useful for the prevention of cancer in
several ways, including:
• They act to stop engaging
carcinogenic cancer.
• They protect cells against DNA damage (causing
mutations that create cancer).
• They help to inhibit the formation of blood vessels
of the tumor (called angiogenesis).
• They help to stop the migration of tumor cells to distant
parts of the body (called metastasis)
• They induce cell death (apoptosis) when necessary to
get rid of cancer cells.
Most of these studies were conducted on animals or
cells grown in the laboratory. Almost all showed a profit of cruciferous vegetables
in helping to prevent cancer. Studies with people were also done and they are
encouraging, but some of them have mixed results, ranging from little
substantial effect. The reason is that there are problems when people
are involved. First, such studies are usually based on people's memory of what
they ate, and on the other hand, people who eat lots of cruciferous usually
have other behaviors that reduce their risk of cancer. Finally, it is well
known that genes also have an effect.
One of the best is called ITC sulfurophane. It has
been shown to inhibit DNA binding of the carcinogen, and it also produces
enzymes that repair DNA that has been damaged by a carcinogen. In all, about
120 CTI have been identified, and they play many different roles in the
protection of DNA and cancer stop.
How to get maximum effect
Chopping, mixing and breaking of these vegetables is
particularly important. This improves the production of CTI; in fact, during
the break, the greater the number of ITC products. It is also better to eat
them raw. If the kitchen is used, it is best to cut them, then cook for a short
time. If cooked very soft to the advantage is lost. It is also important to
chew. This is especially broccoli and cauliflower. Also, in this case, it is
important to remember that most of the nutrients are in the florets.
Cruciferous vegetables are also more effective when
consumed together. So put several of them in a salad is a good way to serve
them. The juice is also a good way to break up, and various vegetable juice can
easily be mixed.
In addition to their role in protecting you against
cancer, cruciferous vegetables also contain more carotenoids, including
beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are especially good for your eyes.
In addition, they are a good source of vitamins C, E, folic acid, and several
minerals. And they are a good source of fiber.
How much should you eat?
Two servings a day as well as five servings of other
vegetables are generally considered sufficient. Several servings of fresh fruit
is also important. The National Cancer Institute recommends 5-9 servings of
fruits and vegetables a day to prevent cancer.
