To Your Health
April, 2009 (Vol. 03, Issue 04) |
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Healthier Hormones
In addition to all of these impressive cancer-fighting capabilities, indole-3-carbinol also helps prevent the buildup of the form of estrogen that is linked to breast and uterine cancers.
Researchers have identified that when a woman's body makes more of one form of estrogen (16-OH estrone) and less of another form (2-OH estrone), her risk of reproductive organ cancer is greater.
Indole-3-carbinol promotes the conversion of estrone to 2-OH estrone, the form of estrone that is safer and less potent, and reduces the buildup of the dangerous 16-OH estrone. It's not just a woman thing, as studies reported in the International Journal of Nutrition and Cancer indicate that higher intake of cruciferous vegetables is also associated with a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer.
Prevent Cancer With Good Nutrition
Indole-3-carbinol may be one of the most powerful cancer-fighting nutrients ever identified. In order to derive optimal benefits from this important compound, you should consume broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts or some combination of cruciferous vegetables at least four to five times per week. In addition, you should consider indole-3-carbinol supplementation to further optimize your cancer defenses on a daily basis.
A practical way to accomplish this is to take a daily supplement that contains an additional 25 mg of indole-3-carbinol per capsule, and also includes milk thistle (which boosts detoxification function at the cellular level) and two important immune-system boosters: reishi mushroom extract and astragalus. The reason to combine these nutrients is because your body's detoxification and immune systems work hand-in-glove to help prevent cancer. Talk to your doctor about how to reduce your risk of developing cancer and other diseases through the proven power of nutrition.
A Cruciferous Vegetable a Day Could Keep Cancer Away
Cruciferous vegetables are edible plants from the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae botanical family, and they're among the most popular vegetables consumed, which is great news considering their anti-cancer benefits. If brussels sprouts aren't your cup of tea, have no fear; there are more than 20 different types of cruciferous vegetables to choose from, including the following:
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- Arugula
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
| - Broccoflower
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
| - Collard Greens
- Kale
- Radish
| - Rutabaga
- Turnip
- Watercress
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James Meschino, DC, MS, practices in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and is the author of four nutrition books, including The Meschino Optimal Living Program and Break the Weight Loss Barrier.
