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# Study explains why broccoli fights prostate cancer
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/study_explains_why_broccoli_fights_cancer/
- Published: 2008-07-05T00:08:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T12:18:57.000Z
- Description: In a PLoS One study, 24 men with precancerous prostate lesions ate four extra weekly servings of broccoli or peas for a year. The broccoli group showed hundreds of changes in cancer-related genes, which the researchers offer as a possible mechanism.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Food, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

FRIDAY July 4, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- A study led by British researchers provides more evidence to suggest that eating broccoli often can help prevent prostate cancer.The study was published in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS One and showed that broccoli triggers hundreds of changes in genes that either suppress the activation of cancer development or shut off the mechanisms promoting the development.Numerous studies have linked broccoli and other vegetables to decreased risk of cancer. But few offered evidence to suggest that eating broccoli is actually the cause of the reduced cancer risk.The current study by Richard Mithen, a biologist at Britain's Institute of Food Research, and colleagues was meant to investigate the potential biological mechanism for the vegetable's protective effect against prostate cancer.For the study, researchers recruited 24 men with precancerous lesions, which increase the risk of prostate cancer. Half of the subjects were asked to eat four extra servings of broccoli each week for a year; the other half were told to eat four extra servings of peas.Over the course of study, tissue samples were taken from the participants and analyzed for differences in genetic changes.Those who ate broccoli experienced hundreds of changes in genes that are involved in fighting cancer.The benefit may also be provided by other cruciferous vegetables including Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and watercress, which contain a compound called isothiocyanate, according to the researchers.One particular compound in broccoli, sulforaphane, may also provide some extra protection against cancer.Prostate cancer is expected to be diagnosed in 186,000 people in the United States in 2008 and 28,660 are expected to die from the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute.The researchers found that eating broccoli was particularly beneficial to those with a gene called GSTM1\. About fifty percent of people carry the gene. In these people, 400 to 500 of the beneficial genetic changes were observed.Nutrients and other environmental factors are known to affect the expression of genes that have a direct impact on the risk of all types of cancer including prostate cancer.

By Jimmy Downs, and edited by Heather Kelley.  
Jul 4, 2008 - 10:15:59 AM