Risk of Stomach Problems Reduced by Broccoli and Bananas

Eating a diet rich in broccoli and bananas could reduce the risk of stomach infections with researchers in Britain suggesting that they might also prove to be effective against Crohn's disease.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool said that some extracts present in broccoli provide a boost to the immune system to fight against a number of stomach infections. The researchers analyzed a number of food products including broccoli, plantains, and apples in their effectiveness in slowing down the progress of E. coli bacteria and found that broccoli and plantain fibers reduced the movement of the bacteria from 45 percent to 82 percent.

Lead researcher Dr Barry Campbell went on to suggest that broccoli and bananas should be included in the diets of Crohn's disease patients in order to prevent a relapse soon after their treatment.

Writing in his report which was published in the journal Gut, Dr Campbell said "We have known for some time the general health benefits of eating plantain and broccoli, which are both high in vitamins and minerals, but until now we have not understood how they can boost the body's natural defenses against infection common in Crohn's patients."


Source: Medindia