Does broccoli protect you from breast cancer? A surprising update.

We've heard a lot over the years about broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables being protective against breast cancer. But is it true? The answer is surprising: It all depends on whether you're premenopausal or postmenopausal!

There are compounds in broccoli that block cancer-promoting enzymes. At least, they help protect you if you're premenopausal. But if you've gone through menopause, like many of us, these particular chemicals have little or no protective effect. What does this mean? That you shouldn't eat broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables? Not at all. It means that you can save your money on broccoli sprouts and supplements containing these compounds. And it means that there's no need to eat broccoli at the expense of other vegetables.

All vegetables have some nutrients that fight cancer. Eat a variety of vegetables with a variety of colors. Red, green, and yellow vegetables contain different amounts of antioxidants and other protective chemicals.

Ambrosone, C.B., et al. "Breast cancer risk in premenopausal women is inversely associated with consumption of broccoli, a source of isothiocyanates, but is not modified by GST genotype," J Nutr, 2004, May, 134(5).