Discovery of a Biochemical Basis for Broccoli's Cancer-Fighting Ability

They say mother knows best. Turns out, she might be. Researchers discovered a biochemical factor in broccoli that potentially could stop cancer growth. Apparently, broccoli, cauliflower, water cress, and other related vegetables contain the naturally occurring chemical isothiocyanate (ITC). The tumor suppressing gene, p53, plays a significant role in maintaining the health of cells and preventing them from turning cancerous. In a little over half of cancer cases, this gene is mutated and no longer effective. ITCs remove the defective p53 proteins and leave the correctly operation p53 proteins alone. Scientist tested ITCs effectiveness on colon, breast, and lung cancer. They are currently working on custom-engineered drugs that improve the effectiveness of other drugs and for coming up with new techniques for combating cancer.

Cancer runs in my family so finding more methods of fighting the terrible disease only improves my chances of survival. My hope is that researchers will find more naturally occurring compounds in foods and plants that could potential eliminate cancer as a life threatening disease if not in entirety.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110126131906.htm