Broccoli and plantain could fight Crohn's disease

[Hungry]

They found soluable fibre from plantain and broccoli - dubbed a 'superfood' for its abilities to fight cancer and prevent furring of arteries - had a marked effect. However, soluble fibre from leeks and apples did not.

Prof Jonathan Rhodes, a gastroenterologist at Liverpool University, led the laboratory study, the results of which are published today (THUR) in the British Medical Journal.

He and his team added a common type of E coli bacteria to lab-grown bowel lining 'microfold' cells, then tested them with soluble fibre from different fruits and vegetables.

Prof Thodes said: "Soluble fibre might have a beneficial effect by blocking adhesion to the intestinal lining of potentially harmful bacteria."

A clinical study looking at the effect in people is now underway, but Prof Rhodes thought those with the condition "would probably have to eat at least one large plantain each day" to see an effect.

Bananas, from the same family and more commonly available, were also likely to be beneficial. However, Prof Rhodes said they contained less soluble fibre so people would have to consume more.

No work has yet been done on how much broccoli would be needed, but Prof Rhodes said: "I suspect it is rather more than people would want to eat."

He stressed that it was certain types of soluble fibre that had an effect: fibrous material like corn on the cob can worsen Crohn's disease by damaging the gut lining.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/7963721/Broccoli-and-plantain-could-fight-Crohns-disease.html

 

[Lisa]

Interesting...I know that when I flare, I can eat broccoli and it comes out the other end looking the same! Don't think it would do me any good.....

 

[Dexky]

Even steamed or stir fried Paso? EJ has no problems with broc if it is heated through. Bobby Parker posted a link somewhere from a BBC article about this same thing. I assume it's from the same research.

 

[dustydshook]

I know banana's and plantains aren't the same, however when I am having a flare the bananas are the first thing I head for. They are extremely comforting to my gut.

 

[scifi-enthusiast]

Well, bananas are one of the best natural sources of potassium, which you lose a lot of during a flare. I know I do because of the amount of diarrhea I get. Whenever I go to the hospital with a flare, they always put me on a potassium-chloride drip for several days, which makes you have to urinate frequently.

Broccoli I can't eat at all, since raw, steamed, or stir-fried they give me gas that's very painful.

 

[Lisa]

Dex - yes, even cooked.....I used to eat a LOT of Chinese food - beef/broccoli etc was one of my favorites.....amazing how broccoli can hold its' shape!

 

[CDDad]

I didn't eat my veggies as a child, and look at me now!

 

[Rebecca85]

Broccoli is a definate no-no for me, and I don't like plantains. Much prefer a regular banana! Why is it so many 'superfoods' that are supposed to help your digestive or immune systems are untolerated by most Crohnies?

 

[dustydshook]

interesting question when my grandfather was sick he used to say that if it tasted good he had to spit it out...Now I say if it is good for you I have to spit it out. Veggies do not like me one bit!

 

[Chuck2008]

What does E. Coli have to do with Crohn's?

 

[GoJohnnyGo]

mmmmmmm.... broccoli smoothies.

 

[Genio]

Broccoli and bananas give me gas and the big D.

 

[acg101]

Broccli was and is horrible for my system. I love bananas and could always tolerate it very well.