Indole-3-carbinol is a glucosinolate, which is compound that contains sulfur. It is a primary cancer-preventing element and it exists in high levels in cabbage and related vegetables.
Glucosinolates, like indole-3-carbinol, indoles, isothiocyanates, and sulforaphane, are powerful antioxidants and they can increase the level of biologically-produced detoxifying enzymes. Indole-3-carbinol, along with other glucosinolates, are thought to be the reason that researchers have observed lower rates of cancer in patients whose diets have large amounts of broccoli, cabbage, and other similar vegetables.
Only preliminary studies have been conducted, and a lot more work has to be done before we know for sure that indole-3-carbinol prevents cancer rather than encouraging cancer to grow faster. Doctors recommend that patients should counsel carefully with doctors before taking indole-3-carbinol as a supplement.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
Copyright 2009 by VitaGuide, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
