Consumption of cruciferous (also known as Brassica vegetables) of 4.5 servings a month help protect smokers against lung cancer. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and bok choy. In the United States, an estimated 26.2 million men (23.5 percent) and 20.9 million women (18.1 percent) are smokers. These people are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of smoking lung cancer. And overall, at least 4.5 million American teens are addicted users of cigarettes.
Findings were presented at the Seventh Annual American Association for Cancer Research International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, in November 2008 which shown that the risk of developing lung cancer was reduced by 22% to 50% among smokers who consumed at least 4.5 servings of raw cruciferous vegetables a month, compared with those who consumed less than 2.5 servings per month. An intake of fruits and total vegetables showed an even stronger association among never smokers, whereas significant inverse associations with cruciferous vegetable consumption were only observed among smokers and former smokers.
Previous research also demonstrated that the intake of raw cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower, was associated with a reduced risk for bladder cancer. There are many healthful components to cruciferous vegetables. Indole 3-carbinols have been shown to be cancer protective, and intake of soluble and insoluble fiber may also have benefit. Cruciferous vegetables are also unique in that they are rich sources of sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates. The name comes from their four-petaled flowers, which look like a crucifer, or cross. Of course, the best protection is to avoid smoking completely. For those working on the process, the addition of cruciferous vegetable may add an important protection. Although not studied, it is likely these vegetables may also protect those exposed to second hand smoke as well. references: http://www.americanheart.org/ http://www.smokingeffects.org Nelson R. AACR FCPR 2008: Cruciferous Vegetables Reduce Lung Cancer Risk in Smokers http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/583910 Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2008;17:938-944 Seventh Annual American Association for Cancer Research International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research