The Harvard Gazette reports on new research from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s Cancer Center and Cancer Research Institute finding that Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables all contain a compound that may keep you from developing certain types of cancer. It adds to the large body of research showing that diet affects health. And, it’s more reason to eat cruciferous vegetables!
The cancer-fighting compound, called I3C, appears to free a gene that suppresses tumors to win the battle with other tumors fighting to grow and spread. It’s all about the chemical warfare taking place in our bodies.
The PTEN gene, which suppresses tumor growth, is constantly attacked by an enzyme that promotes cancer growth. This enzyme fights hard to destroy or inactivate the PTEN gene. The compound that blocks the enzyme is found in cruciferous vegetables. So, the PTEN gene can continue to suppress tumor growth.
Some people do not have enough PTEN. They are more likely to develop cancer and developmental defects. The findings from this study may help them.
If you’re interested in switching up your diet to include PTEN, you can find it in a range of vegetables, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, arugula, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower. They all have cancer-fighting properties. But, there’s a catch. Based on the effective dose in mice, the effective dose in human beings is likely more than six pounds a day! The pill equivalent is desperately needed.
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