Cruciferous vegetables are commonly used to prevent cancer diets. The key ingredient in cruciferous vegetables is called I3C. I3C is acid catalyzed in the stomach to form diindolylmethane (DIM). DIM is believed to be the active beneficial ingredient in cruciferous I3C. Both I3C and DIM induce biochemical pathways to metabolize potential carcinogens. I3C has been shown to reduce the spread of numerous cancers including breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, colon cancer and leukemia.
Animal studies have shown that long-term administration of I3C reduced the spontaneous development of breast tumors by 50 percent and endometrial tumors by 24 percent. In addition, animal models show that supplementation with I3C prior to exposure to a known carcinogen reduced the development of breast tumors by 70-90 percent. Studies in human breast cancer cell lines show that DIM inhibits the growth of both estrogen-dependent and non-estrogen cancer cells by approximately 60 percent. This study also showed that DIM binds to the estrogen receptors in these cells and inhibits the binding of estradiol, the bad estrogen, to the estrogen receptor. Other evidence shows that I3C reduces both the growth of the blood supply to cancer cells and the local spread of cancer cells, and that it protects the liver from carcinogens.
Another interesting property of DIM is that it exhibits anti-androgenic activity. Research shows that DIM inhibits dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binding to androgen receptors in androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cells, thereby reducing induction of DNA synthesis. DIM also lowered levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This protein is often measured to assess prostate cancer risk. Further research has shown that DIM induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in prostate cancer cells and regulates several genes.
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in high concentrations in red grape skins, berries and peanuts. It is found in high concentrations in red wine and red grape juice. Resveratrol is widely studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-aging properties. Studies with resveratrol indicate that this polyphenol inhibits aromatase activity in breast cancer cells, a particularly important fact considering that aromatase is expressed at higher levels in breast cancer tissue than in surrounding healthy tissue. In fact, resveratrol inhibits the conversion of testosterone to estrogen and decreases the synthesis of the aromatase enzyme, suggesting it may support the health of individuals concerned about breast cancer.
Research also shows that red wine extracts reversed aromatase-induced increased tissue size and other neoplastic changes in breast tissue. In summary, resveratrol decreases tumor initiation, promotion and progression and induces apoptosis in many types of cancer cells. That doesn’t mean we should drink more wine, as alcohol can also increase aromatase activity and damage liver and brain function. Eating red grapes is much better than drinking wine.
Cruciferous vegetables are high in fiber. We need a good digestive system to absorb the valuable nutrients. Acupuncture can help improve the functioning of the digestive system, allowing us to digest these vegetables more efficiently. We also need to see how much we can eat these vegetables, too much of a good thing can’t be good for the body. Cooked cruciferous vegetables are much easier to digest than raw ones.
Thanks to Li Zheng
