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Posted on Oct 10, 2002, 2 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
A team of US and French researchers have discovered that broccoli contains a chemical capable of destroying the stomach ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which has also been implicated in the majority of cases of stomach cancer. Lab tests showed that the chemical is effective at killing the bacteria, and researchers now plan to determine whether eating broccoli or broccoli sprouts will have a similar effect.
A team of US and French researchers have discovered that broccoli contains a chemical capable of destroying the stomach ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which has also been implicated in the majority of cases of stomach cancer. Lab tests showed that the chemical is effective at killing the bacteria, and researchers now plan to determine whether eating broccoli or broccoli sprouts will have a similar effect. While a dose of antibiotics can see off H. pylori, they are not an ideal solution because they are expensive, and they kill off so-called "good bacteria" that help the body to digest food. An estimated 80 - 90% of the population in some parts of Central and South America, Africa and Asia are thought to be infected with H. pylori. Many of these countries cannot afford the expense of antibiotic treatment, however many could cheaply and easily grow broccoli.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 28th May 2002
