Broccoli

Broccoli is a type of vegetable whose parts growing above the ground are used for the production of medicine.

Broccoli is used to prevent prostate, breast, bowel, bladder and stomach cancer. Some people use broccoli to improve the function of the immune system.

How does broccoli work?

Chemicals in broccoli may have anti-cancer and antioxidant effects.

How effective is broccoli?

There is not enough scientific information to assess the effectiveness of broccoli in the following applications:

• Preventing prostate cancer: some research suggests that eating broccoli and related vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage may help prevent prostate cancer. However, other studies have found no link between eating these vegetables and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
• Prevention of breast cancer: There is evidence that eating broccoli may slightly reduce the risk of breast cancer in young women. However, eating broccoli does not appear to help prevent breast cancer in older post-menopausal women.
• Preventing colon and rectal cancer: Some research suggests that eating broccoli may help prevent colorectal cancer.
• Preventing bladder cancer: There is evidence that eating 1.75 cups of broccoli or cabbage a day could reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer by around 30%.
• Preventing stomach cancer: Some research suggests that eating broccoli may help prevent stomach cancer.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of broccoli in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Broccoli is safe and harmless in the amounts consumed as food. However, there is not enough information on whether broccoli is safe and harmless in larger medicinal quantities.

When applied to the skin, broccoli can cause an allergic rash in hypersensitive people.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Broccoli is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women in normal dietary amounts. However, larger medicinal amounts should be avoided until more is known about their safety.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions of broccoli.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of broccoli depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to be able to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for broccoli. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

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