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Broccoli vs. Breast Cancer

Sulforaphane is a chemical found in many green vegetables such as broccoli and brussels sprouts. Research has shown that sulforaphane may be a factor in inhibiting the growth of cancerous tumors in animals, as well as shortening the life span of cancer cells. Now, a recent study appearing in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that sulforaphane could be a factor in slowing the spread of breast cancer cells.

When laboratory rats were fed sulforaphane-rich broccoli-sprout extracts and exposed to a carcinogen, there was a dramatic reduction in the frequency, size and number of tumors. The scientists found that within 48 hours, sulforaphane "inhibited cell proliferation" and "induced significant inhibition of DNA synthesis" in the tumor cells. Studies with human subjects with sulforaphane and other cruciferous-vegetable components have shown that these compounds stimulate the body's production of detoxification enzymes and have antioxidant effects.

The new study "is the first to report the effectiveness of sulforaphane as an inhibitor of human mammary carcinoma proliferation and to provide confirmatory evidence of a recently identified novel mechanism of sulforaphane action."

In other words, eat your broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. They're tasty and, like your mother always told you, they're good for you!