A Broccoli Cure?

[Guest guest]

A Broccoli Cure?

 

My doctor has recommended taking Indole-3 carbinol in 200 mg capsules. What are

the pros and cons of this supplement?

 

-- Judy Dolan

 

 

Answer (Published 10/23/2002)

 

 

Indole-3 carbinol (I-3-C) is a compound that occurs naturally in broccoli and

cabbage. Some laboratory studies have found that it slows or stops proliferation

of breast cancer cells. This is exciting news because if I-3-C works as well in

humans as it does in a test tube, it could prove a useful adjunct to current

breast cancer treatment, by helping to reduce the risk of recurrence.

 

So far, studies in humans suggest that taken orally I-3-C affects estrogen

metabolism in a helpful way. (Most breast cancer cells depend on estrogen for

growth.) Other studies, in animals and in the laboratory, suggest that I-3-C

might help prevent prostate as well as breast cancer. However, still other

studies have shown that the compound can promote tumors, so we’re still a long

way from fully understanding the benefits and risks of supplemental I-C-3.

 

As you may know, population studies have shown that people who eat a lot of

broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables have lower rates of cancer

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those who don’t. Unfortunately, we don’t know what constituents of broccoli and

other crucifers are responsible for the protective effect. It may be I-3-C, the

carotenoid pigments, vitamin C, or sulforaphane, a compound thought to increase

production of an anti-tumor enzyme. The cancer-protective effects of broccoli

and its relatives may also be due to a number of these components acting

together.

 

As for I-3-C, a recent review in the journal Alternative Medicine Review noted

that preliminary human trials have demonstrated that it is well tolerated, has a

sustained estrogen modifying effect, and is a good candidate for clinical trial

in women at increased risk of breast cancer. Until we have more information

verifying the benefit of taking this single compound as a dietary supplement, my

recommendation is to eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables, which have many

proven cancer-fighting compounds, all in affordable and tasty forms.

 

Dr. Andrew Weil

www.drweil.com

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

HI Joann,

 

I have read in many places that you should cook Broccoli because it has

thyroid inhibiting enzymes in it. ?

 

JoAnn Guest <angelprincessjo wrote:

 

 

 

A Broccoli Cure?

 

My doctor has recommended taking Indole-3 carbinol in 200 mg capsules. What are

the pros and cons of this supplement?

 

-- Judy Dolan

 

 

Answer (Published 10/23/2002)

 

 

Indole-3 carbinol (I-3-C) is a compound that occurs naturally in broccoli and

cabbage. Some laboratory studies have found that it slows or stops proliferation

of breast cancer cells. This is exciting news because if I-3-C works as well in

humans as it does in a test tube, it could prove a useful adjunct to current

breast cancer treatment, by helping to reduce the risk of recurrence.

 

So far, studies in humans suggest that taken orally I-3-C affects estrogen

metabolism in a helpful way. (Most breast cancer cells depend on estrogen for

growth.) Other studies, in animals and in the laboratory, suggest that I-3-C

might help prevent prostate as well as breast cancer. However, still other

studies have shown that the compound can promote tumors, so we’re still a long

way from fully understanding the benefits and risks of supplemental I-C-3.

 

As you may know, population studies have shown that people who eat a lot of

broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables have lower rates of cancer

advertisement

 

those who don’t. Unfortunately, we don’t know what constituents of broccoli and

other crucifers are responsible for the protective effect. It may be I-3-C, the

carotenoid pigments, vitamin C, or sulforaphane, a compound thought to increase

production of an anti-tumor enzyme. The cancer-protective effects of broccoli

and its relatives may also be due to a number of these components acting

together.

 

As for I-3-C, a recent review in the journal Alternative Medicine Review noted

that preliminary human trials have demonstrated that it is well tolerated, has a

sustained estrogen modifying effect, and is a good candidate for clinical trial

in women at increased risk of breast cancer. Until we have more information

verifying the benefit of taking this single compound as a dietary supplement, my

recommendation is to eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables, which have many

proven cancer-fighting compounds, all in affordable and tasty forms.

 

Dr. Andrew Weil

www.drweil.com

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

[Guest guest]

, alan rode

<sillymetl> wrote:

>

> HI Joann,

>

> I have read in many places that you should cook Broccoli because

it has thyroid inhibiting enzymes in it. ?

>

 

Yes, that is correct!

Some foods, especially cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, kale,

Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower), contain natural

goitrogens, chemicals that cause the thyroid gland to 'enlarge' by

interfering with thyroid hormone " synthesis " .

 

Cooking has been reported to " inactivate " this effect.

 

Cassava, a starchy root that is the source of tapioca, can also have

this effect.

 

Other goitrogens include corn, sweet potatoes, and lima beans.

 

Some practitioners recommend that people with hypothyroidism (an

underactive thyroid gland) avoid these foods, even though most have

not been proved to cause hypothyroidism in humans.

Regards, JoAnn

 

> JoAnn Guest

> mrsjoguest@s...

> DietaryTipsForHBP

> www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes