USA Weekend Eat Smart Archive

August 22, 2007

Broccoli Vs. Bladder Cancer 

Chalk up another one for broccoli. Eating lots of cruciferous vegetables -- that includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, turnips, collards, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, radishes and watercress -- reduces the odds of developing bladder cancer.

The reason: These vegetables contain high amounts of isothiocyanates, which are anti-cancer compounds. In a 1,400-person study by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, people who ate the greatest amounts of isothiocyanates in cruciferous vegetables were 29% less likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer, especially in men, smokers and people who are at least age 64.