Broccoli Component Limits Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, could help treat breast cancer by targeting cancer stem cells, which fuel the growth of tumors.
Sulforaphane was tested in both mice and cell cultures. It targeted and killed the cancer stem cells. and prevented new tumors from growing.
Science Daily reports:
“Current chemotherapies do not work against cancer stem cells, which is why cancer recurs and spreads. Researchers believe that eliminating the cancer stem cells is key to controlling cancer.”
Caramelized Broccoli with Garlic

Ingredients

1. 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2. 2 heads of broccoli (1 1/4 pounds total), stems peeled and heads halved lengthwise
3. 1/2 cup water
4. 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
5. Pinch of crushed red pepper
6. Salt and freshly ground black pepper
7. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. In a large, deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the broccoli, cut side down, cover and cook over moderate heat until richly browned on the bottom, about 8 minutes. Add the water, cover and cook until the broccoli is just tender and the water has evaporated, about 7 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the garlic and the crushed red pepper and cook uncovered until the garlic is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Season the broccoli with salt and black pepper, drizzle with the lemon juice and serve.

Sources:
Science Daily May 5, 2010

5 Reasons Why Type One Diabetes is on the Rise

A 2009 study in The Lancet found that new cases of type 1 diabetes in kids could double in the next 10 years. Possible reasons for this dramatic rise include:

1. Too big too fast. The “accelerator hypothesis” theorizes that children who are bigger and grow more quickly are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes.
2. Too little sun. The “sunshine hypothesis” comes from data showing that countries situated closer to the equator have lower rates of type 1 diabetes.
3. Too clean. The “hygiene hypothesis” is the notion that cleanliness — lack of exposure to certain germs and parasites — may increase susceptibility to diseases like diabetes.
4. Too much cow’s milk. The “cow’s milk hypothesis” states that exposing babies to infant formula containing cow’s milk in the first six months of life damages their immune systems, and can trigger autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes.
5. Too much pollution. The “POP hypothesis” alleges that being exposed to pollutants increases diabetes risk.

Sources:

U.S. News & World Report April 27, 2010

Important Notice: Information provided is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your community pharmacist or physician about any health care questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to health care issues.