Cruciferous vegetables are known for their health benefits. From previous studies, they are known to have protective properties against the development of breast, prostate and colon cancer. A new study adds liver cancer to this list .
In our time, the diet of many is rich in saturated fats and added sugars, both of which are stored in the liver and converted into body fat. Consumption of such a diet, as well as the presence of excessive amounts of fat, is associated with non-alcoholic steatosis of the liver . This disease also carries a risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Although nonalcoholic steatosis of the liver is not usually associated with certain signs and symptoms, they may sometimes occur. These include fatigue, upper right abdominal pain and weight loss .
The current study was conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois at the United States. In previous studies, the same research team found that sulforaphane was most absorbed when broccoli was chopped or lightly stewed. Sulforaphane is the ingredient in broccoli that has anti-cancer properties.
Broccoli, along with cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, are from the cruciferous family, and from previous studies, these vegetables stop the accumulation of fat in the liver , thus protecting it from developing non-alcoholic steatosis.
During the laboratory study, it was found that the addition of broccoli to the diet leads to a reduction in cancer.
Researchers have found that eating broccoli reduces the intake of fat in the liver, which increases the formation of lipids.
The data is available on the pages of the Journal of Nutrition .