Cooking Away Prostate Cancer

It’s estimated that 180,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. So far, doctors say one way to prevent the disease is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Today, we’ll introduce you to a cooking doctor who says even cancer-fighting brussels sprouts can taste good.

Dr. Kristal says, “Today I’m going to show you how to make brussels sprouts that taste really good.”

Brussels sprouts? Why? Because they’re from a family of vegetables called cruciferous.

Dr. Kristal explains, “So, what they do is help your body deal with naturally occurring carcinogens.”

First, cut off the ends. Peel off the outer leaves, and cut a cross in the stem. It speeds up cooking. Boil for four minutes and then place in ice water to stop the cooking.

Next cut them in half. Now you’re ready to sauté. Start with olive oil, and then add a bit of cooked bacon. About a minute later, they’re ready. Add some balsamic vinegar, a little salt and, “Voila’!” Dr. Kristal has studied the effects of cruciferous vegetables on prostate cancer prevention.

Dr. Kristal says, “There was a 48 percent reduction in risk for prostate cancer for the men who ate three servings a day.”

That’s right. Dr. Kristal’s research showed men who ate vegetables, especially cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts or cauliflower three times a day cut their risk by nearly half.

“So, vegetables are good for you, and when you choose vegetables, make sure a couple of those servings are cruciferous vegetables,” he says. And with a few tasty recipes, you might even grow to like them.