Brussels Sprout is a good source of vitamins, fibers and phyto-chemicals. Many researches have
been done on its effect on cancer.
Brussels Sprouts were named after the capital of Belgium where it is thought that they were
first cultivated. They are also one of the few vegetables to have originated in northern Europe.
They were first introduced to France and England in the nineteenth century where they continue
to be a popular food. French settlers who settled in Louisiana introduced them to America.
Today, most Brussels sprouts are grown in California. They are available all year round, but their
peak-growing season is in autumn through early spring.
Brussels sprouts look like miniature heads of cabbage. They are similar to cabbage in taste, but
they are slightly milder in flavor and denser in texture. Brussels sprouts and cabbage are
members of the cruciferous vegetable family. These vegetables contain significant amounts of
the antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene (vitamin A), and nitrogen compounds called
indoles which may reduce the risk of certain cancers. They are also a good source of vegetable
protein, because 31% of the calories come from protein.
How To Select
Choose firm compact sprouts that are bright green in color. Fresh Brussels sprouts should be
displayed chilled. If they are kept at room temperature, their leaves will turn yellow quickly.
Yellow or wilted leaves are signs of age or mishandling. Old sprouts also have a strong,
cabbage-like odor. It is best to choose sprouts individually from bulk displays rather than pint or
quart tubs. Choose small, firm, compact sprouts with unblemished leaves. Select sprouts that
are similar in size. This will allow them to cook more evenly. Avoid sprouts that are puffy or soft.
Storage
Do not wash or trim sprouts before storing them, but yellow or wilted outer leaves may be
remove. If you have purchased sprouts that have been packaged in a cellophane-covered
container, take off wrapping, examine them, remove any that are in bad condition, return them
to container, re-cover with cellophane, and refrigerate. If the sprouts are not fresh, return them
to the store. Place loose sprouts in perforated plastic bag. Fresh sprouts will keep for 3–5 days.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprout - cancer prevention
Epidemiologic studies suggest that high dietary intake of Brassica vegetables, such as broccoli,
cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, protects against tumorigenesis in multiple organs. [2]
French researchers used the Folin-Ciocalteu method and determined that artichokes, parsley,
and brussels sprouts have the highest polyphenol concentration among the vegetable that they
tested. [>250 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g fresh edible portion] [1]
3,3'-Diindolylmethane - an anti-cancer chemical.
3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a natural autolytic product in plants of the Brassica genus, including
broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, exhibits promising cancer protective activities,
especially against mammary neoplasia in animal models. Researchers observed that 3,3'-
Diindolylmethane induced a G(1) cell-cycle arrest and strong induction of cell-cycle inhibitor p21
expression and promoter activity in both estrogen-responsive and -independent breast cancer
cell lines. Researchers further showed that DIM up-regulates the expression of interferon
gamma (IFNgamma) in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This novel effect may contribute to the
anticancer effects of DIM because IFNgamma plays an important role in preventing the
development of primary and transplanted tumors. [3]
French researchers studied the role of cruciferous vegetables in lung cancer after stratifying by
GSTM1 and GSTT1 status, two genes implicated in the elimination of isothiocyanates, the likely
chemopreventative compound. In 2141 cases and 2168 controls, weekly consumption of
cruciferous vegetables protected against lung cancer in those who were GSTM1 null (odds
ratio=0.67), GSTT1 null (0.63), or both (0.28). No protective effect was seen in people who were
both GSTM1 and GSTT1 positive (0.88). Similar protective results were noted for consumption of
cabbage and a combination of broccoli and brussels sprouts. These data provide strong
evidence for a substantial benefit of protective effect of cruciferous vegetable consumption on
lung cancer. [4]
Sulforaphane - an anti-cancer chemical.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane-
an isothiocyanate. Preclinical animal models have shown that sulforaphane and other
isothiocyanates may have benefits of prostate cancer risk lowering. Researchers from University
of Minnesota, Austin showed that sulforaphane exposure for 24 h or longer significantly
decreased the number of viable DU145 human prostate cancer cells in a dose-dependent
manner with an IC50 of asymptotically equal to 10 microM. The decreased cell number was
associated with G2/M phase arrest and apoptotic cell death. [5]
Indole-3-carbinol - anti-cancer chemical.
Cruciferae, particularly the genus Brassica (cabbage, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, and daikon) produce Indole-3-carbinol. [6]
Under acidic conditions, Indole-3-carbinol is converted to a series of oligomeric products (among
which 3,3'-diindolylmethane is a major component) thought to be responsible for its biological
effects in vivo. In vitro, Indole-3-carbinol has been shown to suppress the proliferation of
various tumor cells including breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, colon cancer,
and leukemic cells; induce G1/S arrest of the cell cycle, and induce apoptosis. [6]
In vivo, researchers also found Indole-3-carbinol to be a potent chemopreventive agent for
hormonal-dependent cancers such as breast and cervical cancer. These benefits are mediated
through its ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit DNA-carcinogen adduct formation, and suppress
free-radical production, stimulate 2-hydroxylation of estradiol, inhibit invasion and angiogenesis.
[6]
Indole-3-carbinol may also protect liver.
Numerous studies have indicated that Indole-3-carbinol has a strong hepatoprotective activity
against various carcinogens. Initial clinical trials in women have shown that Indole-3-carbinol is
a promising agent against breast and cervical cancers. [6]
Drug Interaction
Brassica can alter P450 activities, influence the metabolism of some drugs.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Being a good source of vitamins, fibers and various phyto-nutrients, Brussels sprouts should
benefit many other health conditions. Unfortunately, researchers focus on its potent effects on
cancers.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY
QUESTION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION. DO NOT COPY THIS ARTICLE TO OTHER WEBSITE(S) NOR
BLOG(S)
Reference: [1] Brat P, et al, Daily polyphenol intake in france from fruit and vegetables. J Nutr. 2006 Sep;
136(9):2368-73. [2] Gong Y, et al, 3,3'-Diindolylmethane is a novel mitochondrial H(+)-ATP synthase
inhibitor that can induce p21(Cip1/Waf1) expression by induction of oxidative stress in human breast cancer
cells. Cancer Res. 2006 May 1;66(9):4880-7. [3] Riby JE, et al, Activation and potentiation of interferon-
gamma signaling by 3,3'-diindolylmethane in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Mol Pharmacol. 2006 Feb;69(2):
430-9. Epub 2005 Nov 2. [4] Brennan P, et al, Effect of cruciferous vegetables on lung cancer in patients
stratified by genetic status: a mendelian randomisation approach. Lancet. 2005 Oct 29-Nov 4;366(9496):
1558-60. [6] Cho SD, et al, Involvement of c-Jun N-terminal kinase in G2/M arrest and caspase-mediated
apoptosis induced by sulforaphane in DU145 prostate cancer cells. Nutr Cancer. 2005;52(2):213-24. [6]
Aggarwal BB, et al, Molecular targets and anticancer potential of indole-3-carbinol and its derivatives. Cell
Cycle. 2005 Sep;4(9):1201-15. Epub 2005 Sep 6. [7] Petersen KU. Review article: omeprazole and the
cytochrome P450 system. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1995 Feb;9(1):1-9.
been done on its effect on cancer.
Brussels Sprouts were named after the capital of Belgium where it is thought that they were
first cultivated. They are also one of the few vegetables to have originated in northern Europe.
They were first introduced to France and England in the nineteenth century where they continue
to be a popular food. French settlers who settled in Louisiana introduced them to America.
Today, most Brussels sprouts are grown in California. They are available all year round, but their
peak-growing season is in autumn through early spring.
Brussels sprouts look like miniature heads of cabbage. They are similar to cabbage in taste, but
they are slightly milder in flavor and denser in texture. Brussels sprouts and cabbage are
members of the cruciferous vegetable family. These vegetables contain significant amounts of
the antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene (vitamin A), and nitrogen compounds called
indoles which may reduce the risk of certain cancers. They are also a good source of vegetable
protein, because 31% of the calories come from protein.
How To Select
Choose firm compact sprouts that are bright green in color. Fresh Brussels sprouts should be
displayed chilled. If they are kept at room temperature, their leaves will turn yellow quickly.
Yellow or wilted leaves are signs of age or mishandling. Old sprouts also have a strong,
cabbage-like odor. It is best to choose sprouts individually from bulk displays rather than pint or
quart tubs. Choose small, firm, compact sprouts with unblemished leaves. Select sprouts that
are similar in size. This will allow them to cook more evenly. Avoid sprouts that are puffy or soft.
Storage
Do not wash or trim sprouts before storing them, but yellow or wilted outer leaves may be
remove. If you have purchased sprouts that have been packaged in a cellophane-covered
container, take off wrapping, examine them, remove any that are in bad condition, return them
to container, re-cover with cellophane, and refrigerate. If the sprouts are not fresh, return them
to the store. Place loose sprouts in perforated plastic bag. Fresh sprouts will keep for 3–5 days.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprout - cancer prevention
Epidemiologic studies suggest that high dietary intake of Brassica vegetables, such as broccoli,
cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, protects against tumorigenesis in multiple organs. [2]
French researchers used the Folin-Ciocalteu method and determined that artichokes, parsley,
and brussels sprouts have the highest polyphenol concentration among the vegetable that they
tested. [>250 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g fresh edible portion] [1]
3,3'-Diindolylmethane - an anti-cancer chemical.
3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a natural autolytic product in plants of the Brassica genus, including
broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, exhibits promising cancer protective activities,
especially against mammary neoplasia in animal models. Researchers observed that 3,3'-
Diindolylmethane induced a G(1) cell-cycle arrest and strong induction of cell-cycle inhibitor p21
expression and promoter activity in both estrogen-responsive and -independent breast cancer
cell lines. Researchers further showed that DIM up-regulates the expression of interferon
gamma (IFNgamma) in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This novel effect may contribute to the
anticancer effects of DIM because IFNgamma plays an important role in preventing the
development of primary and transplanted tumors. [3]
French researchers studied the role of cruciferous vegetables in lung cancer after stratifying by
GSTM1 and GSTT1 status, two genes implicated in the elimination of isothiocyanates, the likely
chemopreventative compound. In 2141 cases and 2168 controls, weekly consumption of
cruciferous vegetables protected against lung cancer in those who were GSTM1 null (odds
ratio=0.67), GSTT1 null (0.63), or both (0.28). No protective effect was seen in people who were
both GSTM1 and GSTT1 positive (0.88). Similar protective results were noted for consumption of
cabbage and a combination of broccoli and brussels sprouts. These data provide strong
evidence for a substantial benefit of protective effect of cruciferous vegetable consumption on
lung cancer. [4]
Sulforaphane - an anti-cancer chemical.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane-
an isothiocyanate. Preclinical animal models have shown that sulforaphane and other
isothiocyanates may have benefits of prostate cancer risk lowering. Researchers from University
of Minnesota, Austin showed that sulforaphane exposure for 24 h or longer significantly
decreased the number of viable DU145 human prostate cancer cells in a dose-dependent
manner with an IC50 of asymptotically equal to 10 microM. The decreased cell number was
associated with G2/M phase arrest and apoptotic cell death. [5]
Indole-3-carbinol - anti-cancer chemical.
Cruciferae, particularly the genus Brassica (cabbage, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, and daikon) produce Indole-3-carbinol. [6]
Under acidic conditions, Indole-3-carbinol is converted to a series of oligomeric products (among
which 3,3'-diindolylmethane is a major component) thought to be responsible for its biological
effects in vivo. In vitro, Indole-3-carbinol has been shown to suppress the proliferation of
various tumor cells including breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, colon cancer,
and leukemic cells; induce G1/S arrest of the cell cycle, and induce apoptosis. [6]
In vivo, researchers also found Indole-3-carbinol to be a potent chemopreventive agent for
hormonal-dependent cancers such as breast and cervical cancer. These benefits are mediated
through its ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit DNA-carcinogen adduct formation, and suppress
free-radical production, stimulate 2-hydroxylation of estradiol, inhibit invasion and angiogenesis.
[6]
Indole-3-carbinol may also protect liver.
Numerous studies have indicated that Indole-3-carbinol has a strong hepatoprotective activity
against various carcinogens. Initial clinical trials in women have shown that Indole-3-carbinol is
a promising agent against breast and cervical cancers. [6]
Drug Interaction
Brassica can alter P450 activities, influence the metabolism of some drugs.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Being a good source of vitamins, fibers and various phyto-nutrients, Brussels sprouts should
benefit many other health conditions. Unfortunately, researchers focus on its potent effects on
cancers.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY
QUESTION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION. DO NOT COPY THIS ARTICLE TO OTHER WEBSITE(S) NOR
BLOG(S)
Reference: [1] Brat P, et al, Daily polyphenol intake in france from fruit and vegetables. J Nutr. 2006 Sep;
136(9):2368-73. [2] Gong Y, et al, 3,3'-Diindolylmethane is a novel mitochondrial H(+)-ATP synthase
inhibitor that can induce p21(Cip1/Waf1) expression by induction of oxidative stress in human breast cancer
cells. Cancer Res. 2006 May 1;66(9):4880-7. [3] Riby JE, et al, Activation and potentiation of interferon-
gamma signaling by 3,3'-diindolylmethane in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Mol Pharmacol. 2006 Feb;69(2):
430-9. Epub 2005 Nov 2. [4] Brennan P, et al, Effect of cruciferous vegetables on lung cancer in patients
stratified by genetic status: a mendelian randomisation approach. Lancet. 2005 Oct 29-Nov 4;366(9496):
1558-60. [6] Cho SD, et al, Involvement of c-Jun N-terminal kinase in G2/M arrest and caspase-mediated
apoptosis induced by sulforaphane in DU145 prostate cancer cells. Nutr Cancer. 2005;52(2):213-24. [6]
Aggarwal BB, et al, Molecular targets and anticancer potential of indole-3-carbinol and its derivatives. Cell
Cycle. 2005 Sep;4(9):1201-15. Epub 2005 Sep 6. [7] Petersen KU. Review article: omeprazole and the
cytochrome P450 system. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1995 Feb;9(1):1-9.
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BRUSSELS SPROUT BENEFITS AND
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
NUTRITIONAL VALUES