Broccoli compounds help check breast cancer

California, United States, January 2: Adding broccoli to daily diet can significantly cut the risk of developing breast cancerdefine, results of a new study suggest.

Broccoli, a Mediterranean cruciferous plant already known for its anti-cancerdefine properties, actually kills breast cancer cells, the researchers touted.

Interestingly, while the link between eating cruciferous plants like cabbage, cauliflower, brussels and broccoli, and a reduced cancer risk has long been established, the research is the first to establish that their healing powers work in the cells.

According to the study held at the University of California, compounds in broccoli inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Interestingly, the compound, known as the Sulforaphane (SFN), a prominent isothiocyanate present in cruciferous vegetables, mimics the working of chemotherapy drugs taxol and vincristine, killing cells that reproduce the fastest, researchers explained.

"These vegetables contain compounds called isothiocyanates which we believe to be responsible for the cancer-preventive and anti-carcinogenic activities in these vegetables" Olga Azarenko, a graduate student who worked on the project noted.

"SFN may be an effective cancer preventive agent because it inhibits the proliferation and kills precancerous cells… without increasing toxicity, often caused by drugs," lead author Leslie Wilson, professor of biochemistry and pharmacology asserted.

"The freshness of broccoli is indicated by crisp, easily snapped stalks. More importantly, the deeper the color of the florets – whether purple, green or deep blue-green, the higher the nutritional value," diet experts advise.

The results of the study feature in the current issue of the journal Carcinogenesis.

Breast cancer is the second most lethal cancer amongst women with over 40,000 deaths in the United States and over 500,000 deaths worldwide each year.

Genetic, dietary and lifestyle choices also play an important role in cancer risk. Excessive amounts of fats, alcohol and habits like smoking and chewing tobacco may contribute to cancer, just as fiber, certain nutrients, fruits and vegetables help protect against it.

Interestingly, diet and lifestyle choices are thought to contribute to about 60 percent of all cancers.