Eating broccoli may have a protective effect against cancer, according to a new study.
- Spanish researchers reviewed 23 case-control studies and 12 cohort studies on broccoli to assess its effect on health.
- They found that broccoli may have a protective effect against cancer.
- However, further work is needed to confirm the results and assess its specific effect on each cancer.
Broccoli is not popular with children, and sometimes even adults. This is a shame, given the results of a study by the Spanish Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Pamplona). Researchers show that the cruciferous vegetable has a protective effect against cancer.
Their work was published in the journal NutrientsMay 23, 2024.
Cancer: Eating little broccoli linked to increased risk
To determine the effects of broccoli on the body, the Spanish team took data from 23 case-control studies and 12 cohort studies that looked at the consumption of the vegetable and the health of the participants. All of these studies represented more than 730,000 people.
Broccoli consumption was considered high when the person ate it between once a day and once a week. It was low when the cruciferous plant was on the plate less than once a week, or even never.
“The results suggest an inverse association between broccoli consumption and cancer risk in both case-control and cohort studies.”the authors write in their paper. That is, low broccoli intake was associated with a higher prevalence of cancers. Which suggests a “protective biological effect of broccoli on cancer”the researchers specify.
Cancer and broccoli: a link to explore further
While these results are encouraging and make you want to eat broccoli, the authors note that “From a methodological point of view, this beneficial effect of broccoli consumption on cancer should be interpreted with caution. Cohort studies should be increased in various specific cancer types, and case-control studies have shown subtle and moderate heterogeneity.”
They also point out that while broccoli is a healthy food with little health risk, certain groups should be vigilant, particularly people taking warfarin-based medication (the vitamin K present in large quantities in broccoli reduces the effects of the molecule) or those suffering from thyroid problems, allergies or digestive sensitivities.
Scientists add that further studies are needed to validate the protective effect of the vegetable highlighted and verify whether it is the same on all cancers.
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