Researchers Rank Sango Sprouts at Top of Anti-Cancer List

When it comes to cancer protection, Sango Sprouts are hard to beat.

A recent study of the cancer-blocking potential of Asian and western vegetables belonging to the brassica family has officially rated radish, daikon (Japanese white radish) and broccoli sprouts as the most powerful brassica-based anti carcinogens, with the radish sprouts possibly outperforming broccoli sprouts. Radish sprouts are widely commercially available in New Zealand, and are marketed as Sango Sprouts.

The Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries conducted the research and presented the findings at the 27th International Horticultural Conference in Korea in August. The study ranked seed from 22 vegetables of the brassica family on their anti-cancer potential. Radish, daikon and broccoli sprouts topped the anti-cancer list, while those with moderate potential included seed of garden cress, rocket, kale, and watercress.

Principal physiologist Tim O'Hare, of the Gatton Research Station, says brassicas contain plant chemicals that convert to isothiocyanates when chewed. Isothiocyanates are linked to a reduced prevalence of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, and some isothiocyanates can induce detoxification enzymes that accelerate the removal of carcinogens from the human body.

According to Dr O'Hare, the research showed sprouts had more cancer-blocking potential than mature vegetables because of differences in their content of beneficial plant chemicals. He says, "We have evidence that radish and daikon sprouts may be better than broccoli sprouts because of a plant chemical interaction that can reduce the broccoli's potency."

`Radish sprouts are widely commercially available in New Zealand, and are marketed as Sango Sprouts.’