April 6, 2009 --
Baby broccoli may protect against a common stomach bug linked to gastritis, ulcers and even stomach cancer. Fresh broccoli sprouts contain high amounts of sulforaphane, a potent antibiotic against a bacterium called helicobacer pylori. It can cause gastritis, ulcers and stomach cancer. Researchers in Japan gave 25 participants 2.5 ounces of broccoli sprouts every day for two months.
Another 25 infected people ate alfalfa sprouts which don't contain sulforaphane. They found that those who are broccoli sprouts had less inflammation and infection, and reduced the risk of stomach cancer, gastritis, and ulcers.
The study is published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research.