May 29, 2003 – Two substances in broccoli, DIM and cysteine, could prove to be powerful weapons in the fight against prostate cancer.
First, the effect of DIM, a substance produced by the body after consuming vegetables such as broccoli and different types of cabbage, was measured by researchers in California. In laboratory tests, DIM slowed the growth of cancer cells by 70%, apparently by blocking their access to testosterone.
Researchers believe that it could be easy and inexpensive to extract DIM from these vegetables into medicine.
Meanwhile, researchers at Ohio State University in the United States have discovered that cysteine could also be used in the fight against prostate cancer.1. The body uses cysteine to produce glutathione, an antioxidant that limits the amount of free radicals in circulation. Scientists believe that a buildup of free radicals in the body can lead to cancer.
Also during laboratory tests, human cancer cells immersed in whey (a by-product of the manufacture of cysteine-rich cheese) saw their glutathione level increase by at least 60%. This result suggests that it might be relatively easy to increase the ability of cells to resist the ravages of free radicals.
Cheese does not contain cysteine, but it is found in broccoli, wheat, eggs and poultry.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Yahoo !; May 15 and 29, 2003.
1. Kent KD, Harper WJ, Bomser JA. Effect of whey protein isolate on intracellular glutathione and oxidant-induced cell death in human prostate epithelial cells.Toxicol In Vitro 2003 Feb; 17 (1): 27-33. [Consulté le 29 mai 2003].
