Eating plenty of cabbage reduces the risk of lung cancer

Eating cabbage can reduce the risk of lung cancer in some people. In the past, it was known that cruciferous vegetables may reduce the risk of lung cancer but it is unclear how vegetables work.

Research by the International Organization of Cancer Researchers shows that eating cabbage at least once a week can reduce the risk of cancer in people with two inactive physical genes, accounting for up to 70% population.

The two genes studied, GSTM1 and GSTT1, often protect the body against some toxins. In cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts are rich in isothiocyanates, active against lung cancer.

Normally, isothiocyanates are removed from the body by enzymes produced by GSTM1 and GSTT1.

IACR researchers in Lyon, France followed 2141 lung cancer patients and 2168 healthy people in Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Russia and Hungary, where vegetables they could not lack. in meals.

After studying DNA samples and testing their diets, it was not found to be effective against lung cancer in people with both active physical genes.

But among those who ate vegetables at least once a week, those who only carried inactive GSTM1 had 33% of the effect against lung cancer. About half the population carries this gene.

Meanwhile, people with inactive physical GSTM1 genes with 37% have protective effects.

But 10% of the population carries both inactive physical genes protected up to 70%.

Dr. Paul Brennan, one of the scientists who carried out the study, said this data provides clear evidence of the anti-lung cancer effect of cruciferous vegetables.

However, Professor Paulo Boffetta, also in the research group, added that everyone has eaten some cruciferous vegetables at different levels, so it is unclear to what extent vegetables can be eaten. largest use.

Professor Boffetta also noted, the anti-lung cancer effect of cruciferous vegetables will not eliminate the harmful effects of tobacco, the main cause of lung cancer.

The risk of lung cancer in people who smoke more often than those who do not smoke is 20 times higher. So even if you eat vegetables, you can only halve your risk of lung cancer, smokers are still in the high-risk group. It is still confirmed that quitting smoking, preventing relapse is necessary.

Professor Stephen Spiro of the British Lung Institute said the study is very interesting and they will continue to study further.

Lung cancer has caused 33,000 people to die each year in the UK and finding a simple way to help protect people from the disease is extremely significant.