New research is showing that tomatoes and tomato products can decrease the risk of cancer and osteoporosis. Tomatoes are one of the most consumed non-starch vegetables and are a big source of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that increases in bioavailability after cooking. Tomatoes have also been shown to be anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory as well.

Aside from the health benefits, tomatoes are cheap and available in many different forms. This makes it easier for consumption and an excellent way to increase vegetable intake. Also, besides the decreased risks in cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease, tomatoes are rich in nutrients as well.

Sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, has been found to destroy cancer stem cells and avert new tumors from expanding. This broccoli extract has the potential to prevent or treat cancer by aiming for the significant cancer cells.

Present chemotherapy treatments do not target cancer stem cells, and therefore cancer can recur and spread. These researchers believe that stopping cancer stem cells could help to control the cancer.

Mice with breast cancer were injected with different amounts of broccoli extract containing sulforaphane. Results showed a significant decrease in cancer stem cells and no change in normal cells for those who were treated with sulforaphane. These results were also found for the tests done on human breast cancer cell cultures in the lab. The amount of sulforaphane found in broccoli is way lower than what was used in the concentrates of the lab. Researchers do not encourage taking sulforaphane supplements just yet until more studies are done on real patients with breast cancer.

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