Apparently when it comes to broccoli not all men are created equal.

About half the population carries a gene called GMST1. Those people get more benefit from eating broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables than the other half. Now, researchers know why — at least when it comes to broccoli and prostate cancer.

In a study published this week in the on line journal PLoS ONE, men at risk for prostate cancer ate either 400 grams of broccoli or 400 grams of peas every week for 12 months. Researchers measured the activation of every gene in their cells. They found the broccoli eaters had more gene activation than the pea eaters. In fact, broccoli had a “profound effect on the gene expression” in the men with the GMST1 gene, the scientists wrote. Eating just a few portions of broccoli per week, they think, can amplify the signal to the cell nucleus, where genes are expressed, and that reduces the risk for cancer.

Of course, most of us have no idea whether or not we carry the GMST1 gene, so what to do? Eat MORE vegetables.

“Eating two or three portions of cruciferous vegetables per week, and maybe a few more if you lack the GSTM1 gene, should be encouraged,” the researchers concluded.

Here’s a list of the cruciferous club: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, rocket, watercress, garden cress, kale, bok choy, radish, horseradish and wasabi.

And don’t forget the red wine.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 7th, 2008 at 8:15 am and is filed under cancer, what to eat (and not). You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.