Cabbage, Broccoli and Kale - These vegetables protect against cancer

Protects vegetables from colon cancer?

Why does some vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and kale protect against colon cancer? Researchers are now investigating possible causes of cancer protection from consuming so-called cruciferous plants.

The scientists of the Francis Crick Institute found in their current study why cabbage, broccoli and kale protect against colon cancer. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Immunity".

Kreuzblütengewächse protect against colon cancer

So-called Kreuzblütengewächse are healthy for the stomach and intestines, this has been known for some time. But can the consumption of broccoli and kale really protect you from cancer? When cross flowering plants are digested, various substances are produced that reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, experts say.

Renewal of the intestine must be controlled

The research focused on how vegetables alter the lining of the gut. The study examined mice and miniature intestines, which were bred in the laboratory for the study. The surface of the intestine is constantly regenerated by a process that lasts about four to five days. But this constant renewal must be strictly controlled, otherwise, for example, can cause diseases such as cancer or intestinal inflammation, explains study author Brigitta Stockinger of the Francis Crick Institute.

Indole-3-carbinol affects stem cells in the gut

By chewing certain types of vegetables so-called indole-3-carbinol is produced. This indole-3-carbinol is then altered by gastric acid as the substance continues its journey through the digestive system, the scientists explain. Indole-3-carbinol can be used to alter the behavior of stem cells in the gut, which are involved in the regeneration of the intestinal mucosa. It also affects immune cells that control inflammation.

Without indole-3-carbinol, intestinal cells split uncontrollably

The study found that diets rich in indole-3-carbinol protect mice from cancer. This is even true for animals with genes that lead to a very high risk of cancer. Without such a diet, the intestinal cells divided uncontrollably, explain the researchers. Even when the mice began to develop tumors and were switched to proper nutrition, this resulted in tumor progression being stopped. Symptoms of bowel cancer include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain and flatulence.

Further research is needed

Many nutritional advice changes regularly. This can be very confusing for the people who actually want to eat healthily. The study in mice suggests that not only dietary fiber reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, but also molecules that are found in certain types of vegetables. Further research now needs to be done to find out if the molecules in these types of vegetables trigger the same effect in humans. (As)