Combining broccoli and spice 'enhances cancer-fighting properties'

Eating broccoli with spicy food enhances each food's cancer-fighting power, scientists have said, indicating people using home care should combine the two foods to avoid the disease.

Teaming up the two foodstuffs ensures that absorption takes place in the upper part of the digestive system for maximum health benefit.

Levels of bioactive compounds in the blood were found to be higher three hours after eating if the foods were consumed together rather than when either was eaten alone.

University of Illinois professor, Elizabeth Jeffery, said: "To get this effect, spice up your broccoli with broccoli sprouts, mustard, horseradish, or wasabi. The spicier, the better; that means it's being effective."

This follows comments from Professor Martin Wiseman, medical and scientific adviser for the World Cancer Research Fund, who said that leading a healthy lifestyle could stave off cancer.

According to the expert, eating a good diet and doing plenty of exercise could dramatically reduce risk of the disease.

An ideal diet should be rich in vegetables, wholegrains and fruit and contain just moderate levels of meat and dairy, while excess salt or processed meat should be avoided.

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