Researchers: Onions, Broccoli May Protect Against Prostate Cancer

Onions and broccoli are the latest additions to the list of vegetables that may help protect against prostate cancer, while doubt has been cast on the protective value of tomatoes, according to researchers.

The latest study by Virginia researcher William B. Grant, reported in the journal European Urology, found that onions -- along with cereals and beans -- appeared to reduce the risk of death from prostate cancer.

"This study supports earlier reports that allium family vegetables (e.g., garlic, leeks, and onions) are important risk reduction factors for prostate cancer," Grant said.

But notwithstanding previous research suggesting that lycopene, a substance found in tomatoes, has protective value, Grant said his research found no correlation between consumption of tomatoes and a lower prostate cancer risk.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, meanwhile, are studying the possible role of broccoli in providing protection against prostate cancer.

Researcher Shivendra Singh has received a $1.7 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study prostate cancer prevention by phytochemicals found in broccoli called isothiocyanates (ITCs).

ITCs are substances in vegetables generated when vegetables are either cut or chewed.

"We know little about the mechanisms by which certain edible plants like broccoli help our bodies fight prostate cancer and other diseases," said Singh. "Our goal with this study is to better understand the function and relationship of substances in broccoli that appear to be linked to inhibiting prostate cancer growth."

Other Sources: European Urology, University of Pittsburgh