Broccoli Sprouts Reduce Risk of Stomach Ulcers and Cancer 

Research from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine 

April 7, 2009 (Natural Care Solution News) – Eating 2.5 ounces of broccoli sprouts each day reduced the risk of stomach ulcers and therefore, potentially the risk of stomach cancer in a study of Japanese men. 

Broccoli consumption is known to decrease the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, esophagus cancer, bladder cancer and lung cancer. The newest study of broccoli sprouts adds the benefit of killing ulcer causing H. pylori and decreasing the risk of stomach cancer. H. pylori bacteria stomach infection is a well known risk factor for stomach cancer. 

This small study included 48 people infected with H. pylori. Half of the participant ate 70 grams (2.5 ounces) of broccoli sprouts with sulforaphane. The other half of the participants ate the same quantity of alfalfa sprouts which do not contain sulforaphane. After eight weeks the people who ate the broccoli sprouts had significantly lower levels of H. pylori infection. The people who ate the alfalfa sprouts did not have a reduction in H. pylori infection.  

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine did this study in Japan due to their high rate of H. pylori infection and stomach cancer. It’s estimated that up to 90% of the population of Japan and 30% of the U.S. population are infected with contagious H. pylori infection. 

Broccoli sprouts come from the first growth of the broccoli plant when it germinates from the seed. Broccoli sprouts contain high amounts of sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is a potent chemical that supports the liver’s metabolism of cancer causing chemicals and hormones.  

Broccoli sprouts are nearly impossible to find in the grocery store or health food store. Eating raw or lightly steamed broccoli on a daily basis may offer similar type protection from H. pylori and many cancers.  

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and their associates have been doing research on broccoli sprouts for several years and have five patents on a potent variety of the sprouts and the process of extracting the sulforaphane into a powder.  

Johns Hopkins patented sulforaphane extract is available in the non-prescription product OncoPLEX ä for those who have cancer concerns or can not eat broccoli sprouts each day.  

Reference Source: April 2009, Cancer Prevention Research. 

About the Author:
Keith D. Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, B.Sc. Pharmacy helps clients improve their health using natural products, tests and self care. Call 405.936.3333 to schedule your Natural Care appointment.

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