The culinary world harbors plenty of interesting and unique food combinations to keep flavors fresh and ever-changing. While broccoli and yogurt may seem like an odd pair to eat together, these two superfoods can bring some surprising health benefits. In fact, a recent study found that this particular combination can be used to prevent or even treat colon cancer.

In this study, published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, a research team from the National University of Singapore engineered a harmless gut bacteria called Escherichia coli Nissle. Afterward, they used genetic methods to develop this bacteria into a probiotic that attaches itself to the surface of the colon cancer cells. Then, this bacteria secretes enzymes that convert substances found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables into a powerful anti-cancer agent.

The study results show that the engineered probiotic was able to kill almost all colon cancer cells grown inside their laboratory. Further, the mixture of yogurt and broccoli eliminated about 75 percent of the tumors in mice afflicted with colon cancer. The tumors were found to be much smaller compared to the group that was not given the broccoli-yogurt combination. However, the combination was only found to protect against colon cancer cells, not on cells from other types of cancer.

“One exciting aspect of our strategy is that it just capitalizes on our lifestyle, potentially transforming our normal diet into a sustainable, low-cost therapeutic regimen,” co-author Matthew Chang said.

The researchers believe that this strange combination of broccoli and yogurt can be used to prevent cancer and eliminate any remaining cancer cells after health practitioners surgically remove tumors. Moreover, the team believes that people might be able to take probiotics together with broccoli as a supplement to fight colon cancer.

Health benefits of broccoli

Despite the vegetable’s infamy among children, broccoli has a large variety of health benefits that contribute to improved overall health. These tree-like vegetables are closely related to cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale and other leafy green vegetables – all of which fall under the category known as cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables are considered nutritional powerhouses, harboring several vitamins, minerals, fiber and even antioxidants. Below you can find a list of health benefits you can enjoy if you give your diet a broccoli-boost.

1. Harbors potent antioxidants. One of the greatest benefits you could enjoy if you integrate broccoli into your diet is its antioxidant properties. These antioxidants are molecules that neutralize the damage caused by free radicals. This reduces overall inflammation and protects your body from developing diseases like cancer. In addition, broccoli has high levels of glucoraphanin, which are converted into an antioxidant called sulforaphane once digested. Studies show that sulforaphane can regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce oxidative stress and prevent chronic disease development.
2. Reduces inflammation. Broccoli also has multiple compounds that all help reduce inflammation. Kaempferol, for instance, is a flavonoid that exhibits potent anti-inflammatory potential. Eating broccoli while being an avid tobacco smoker also reduced markers of inflammation.
3. May support heart health. Studies show that broccoli can support heart health in a number of ways. One such study found that consuming powdered broccoli sprout supplements reduced triglyceride and “bad” LDL cholesterol, while also increasing “good” HDL cholesterol levels. Both elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels are considered major risk factors of heart disease.
4. Promotes gut health. Broccoli is rich in both antioxidants and fiber, both of which are known to support digestive health. Proper bowel regularity and healthy gut microbiota are factors of good digestive health. In fact, an animal study found that eating more broccoli can improve inflammation levels in the colon and make favorable changes in the gut bacteria.
5. Slows down mental decline. Some nutrients and compounds from broccoli can also help reduce the effects of mental decline and improve brain health. In one study, published in the journal Neurology found that a serving of leafy green vegetables like broccoli can help slow down the mental decline associated with aging.

Learn about other foods that can be combined with yogurt for a boost in nutrients at Yogurt.news.

Sources:

DailyMail.co.uk

ChannelNewsAsia.com

Healthline.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

N.Neurology.org

DiabetesResearchClinicalPractice.com