22/06/2004

Tasty sprouts protect against disease, researchers claim

A few forkfuls of sprouted vegetables could help the fight against cancer, new research has revealed.

The research, by Professor Ian Rowland and Chris Gill and unveiled today at BioIreland 2004 at the University of Ulster, showed that by eating just over 100 grams of sprouted vegetables every day for a fortnight has clear protective effects against DNA damage in human blood cells.

“DNA damage is associated with cancer risk. Sources of DNA damage include diet-related carcinogens, and bodily processes like oxidative stress – and the raw sprouts protect against this kind of damage," Professor Rowland said.

“And just a portion – 113 grammes - per day of a mix of broccoli, radish, alfalfa and clover sprouts was enough in our tests to show the protective effect."

Professor Rowland’s research is to be published this summer in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, a respected academic journal of research in the field.

The findings were presented today at 'BioIreland 2004, – Stepping Stones To Success', a major all Ireland biotechnology conference being held at the University’s of Ulster’s Coleraine campus.

Scientists, politicians, enterprise agency representatives and venture capital finance experts from the US, Europe and beyond are at the conference, showcasing the strengths and business opportunities opening up for the island’s burgeoning biotechnology sector.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

22 July 2016
Queen's Researchers To Examine How To Reverse Damage Caused By MS
Scientists at Queen's University in Belfast have started a £2 million research programme to examine how to reverse the damage caused by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The programme is being funded by the Wellcome Trust and BBSRC.
28 October 2004
UU launches world-class researchers search
The University of Ulster has launched a campaign to attract world-class researchers to Northern Ireland as part of new research institute structures. The University is establishing 13 new research institutes as part of a strategic initiative to develop its position as a centre for outstanding research.
05 May 2004
Cancer patients should be more involved in research
Cancer patients should be given a role in the search to find new and better treatments for the disease, a leading researcher will tell a University audience tonight.
09 May 2014
UU Researchers Develop Eco Oil Spill Solution
Researchers at the University of Ulster are leading a project to develop new, environmentally friendly methods of cleaning up oil spills.
10 May 2012
Leading Cancer Specialist Gets Top UK Award
One of the UK’s leading medical researchers has been recognised for excellence in medical science. Professor Patrick Johnston, Dean of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast has been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences.