Can eating cruciferous vegetables help prevent bladder cancer?

Cruciferous vegetables are a special group of vegetables known to have excellent cancer fighting properties. These vegetables contain isothiocyanates, phytochemicals known to stimulate our bodies to break down potential carcinogens (cancer causing substances).  The following are examples of cruciferous vegetables:

• Arugula
• Bok choy
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Chinese cabbage
• Collard greens
• Daikon
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Mustard greens
• Radishes
• Rutabaga
• Turnips
• Watercress

Increase consumption of raw cruciferous vegetables is associated with a decrease risk of bladder cancer. Previous epidemiologic studies investigating cruciferous vegetable intake and bladder cancer risk have been inconsistent. Cooking can substantially reduce or destroy isothiocyanates, and this could account for study inconsistencies.