For those of us who are worried about themselves or their male relations: BROCCOLI MAY PROTECT AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER Researchers say a chemical produced when digesting such greens as broccoli and kale may stifle the growth of human prostate cancer cells. The findings by University of California, Berkeley, researchers found 3,3'-diindolylmethane, obtained from eating cruciferous vegetables in the Brassica genus, stops the proliferation of the cancer cells in laboratory tests. "As far as we know, this is the first plant-derived chemical discovered that acts as an anti-androgen," said Leonard Bjeldanes, professor and chair of nutritional sciences and toxicology and principal study investigator. "This is of considerable interest in the development of therapeutics and preventive agents for prostate cancer." He says vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflowers are rich sources of indole-3-carbino, which the body converts into DIM during digestion. The findings are reported in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Source Arcamax Health News for 03/06/2003