Daily Consumption of Well-Cooked Broccoli May Affect Glucosinolate Metabolites and Inflammatory Biomarkers

Daily Consumption of Well-Cooked Broccoli May Affect Glucosinolate Metabolites and Inflammatory Biomarkers

The objectives of the study are 1) to determine the influence of daily consumption of well-cooked broccoli on plasma and urinary glucosinolate metabolites, and 2) to determine inflammatory marker changes consistent with decreased cancer risk.

Consumption of Brassica vegetables is inversely associated with incidence of several cancers, including cancer of the lung, stomach, liver, colon, rectum, breast, endometrium, and ovaries. Brassica vegetables are a good source of many nutrients, but the unique characteristic of Brassicas (Broccoli in particular) is their rich content of glucosinolates. Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing compounds that are converted to isothiocyanates (ITC) by an enzyme in the plant called myrosinase, which is released when the vesicles containing myrosinase are ruptured by chewing or cutting. The isothiocyanates are considered to be the active agent for cancer prevention. Some of the mechanisms by which isothiocyanates likely inhibit cancer include modulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, induction of phase II enzymes, and apoptosis.

The aim of this study is to investigate how daily consumption of broccoli with myrosinase inactivated by cooking influences glucosinolate metabolism and absorption, and consequent regulation of inflammatory markers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non tobacco user
• Cancer Free
• Not currently taking glucosinolate/isothiocyanate containing supplements

Exclusion Criteria:

• Type 2 diabetes requiring the use of diabetes pills, insulin, or non-insulin shots
• Use of blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin (warfarin), Dicumarol, or Miradon (anisinidione)
• History of bariatric surgery or nutrient malabsorption disease
• Pregnant, lactating, or intending to become pregnant during the study period
• Crohn's disease or diverticulitis
• Suspected or known strictures, fistulas or physiological/mechanical GI obstruction
• Self-report of alcohol or substance abuse within the past 12 months and/or current acute treatment or rehabilitation program for these problems (long-term participation in Alcoholics Anonymous is not an exclusion)