To fight cancer, it's easy eating greens

Like the field of giant vegetables that Woody Allen encounters in the movie "Sleeper," the health-bestowing powers of brassica -- broccoli and its many cousins -- are pretty astounding. And the phytochemicals and other nutrients in these tasty veggies are proving to be an important part of the battle against cancer.

So, what should you be dishin' up?

Shopping List Your choices of boffo brassica include arugula, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kohlrabi, bok choy, Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage), rapeseed oil (canola), rapini, turnip, rutabaga and mustard greens.

Veggie Power It happens that powerful chemicals in these veggies turn off genes that promote cancers, including bladder, prostate, breast and ovarian cancers, and are able to help reduce body-wide inflammation. But that's not all. Their arsenal of disease-zappers includes cancer-fighting amino acids such as lysine, as well as lots of important trace minerals -- selenium, potassium, calcium, zinc and magnesium -- that are thought to keep the immune system strong and protect vital organs. These nutrient warriors target cancer cells and don't damage the healthy ones.

Cookin' Savvy To get all the anticancer benefits that are packed into these tasty veggie treats, you want to saute them lightly, steam or microwave them. But don't boil the broccoli. That not only releases the health-giving chemicals from the plant's cells, it turns them to mush. Fresh is always best.