Brocoli Kills Cancer

I’ve always been a fan of brocoli and brussel sprouts, even before I read that they fight cancer. A compound known as indole-3-carinol, has been found helpful in treating both prostate and breast cancer.

The mystery of how a compound in broccoli and cabbage fights cancer has been solved, scientists announced Tuesday. And the discovery may lead to the development of anti-cancer drugs with fewer side effects.

The compound, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), diminishes the activity of an enzyme in rapidly advancing breast cancer, University of California, Berkeley, researchers said. The compound is already undergoing clinical trials in humans after it was found to stop the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells in mice.

I3C has fewer side effects than other compounds, because we’ve evolved right alongside the cruciferous vegetables. I guess this means brocoli truly does fit that old adage – Tastes good and it’s good for you.