Fruits vegetables broccoli consumption

In general, milk and dairy products (particularly Swiss-type cheeses), certain fruits (kiwi, oranges) and vegetables (broccoli, dried beans) as well as processed food such as chocolate exceed others such as meat, poultry or pasta in their relevance for optimal calcium nutrition (Tables 2.3-2 and 2.3-3). Since consumption of mineral water, which can contain relatively high amounts of calcium (Table 2.3-2), is increasing in industrialized countries, it becomes more and more important as a calcium source. 

Direct proof regarding whether antimutagenic or anticarcinogenic effects also occur in humans under normal dietary conditions can only be obtained from studies with humans. Indeed, epidemiological studies indicate that consumption of fruits and vegetables is inversely associated with the risk of cancer. In particular, brassica vegetables such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, and broccoli have been attributed with beneficial health effects in humans. 

Similarly, it has been shown that consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a lower incidence of cancers. Induction of phase II enzymes such as the glutathione S-transferase (GST) and quinone reductase (QR) have been demonstrated in broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts. Many natural isothiocyanates derived from cruciferous vegetables and some fruits have been shown to cause induction of phase II enzymes in cultured cells and rodents. 

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