Broccoli may inhibit breast cancer spread

Posted in Latest Research ... May 5th, 2010

Researchers have found that sulforaphane, a compund found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts, may prevent the spread of  breast cancer. The research, published in Clinical Cancer Research, involved laboratory experiments using breast cancer cell cultures and mice with breast cancer. When sulforaphane was injected into the cancer cells it  inhibited the growth of breast cancer stem cells which are central to the process of tumour progression. Sulforaphane’s ability to prevent breast cancer has already been widely researched but it’s ability to halt tumour progression is an important new aspect. Current chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments are reportedly ineffective in targeting these stem cells thereby making this research particularly exciting. However, the researchers do stress that it cannot be assumed that eating broccoli will have the same effect as injecting the compound directly into cancer cells under controlled labatory conditions.

Just Nutrition Viewpoint

While the researchers are absolutely correct to stress that this study does not prove that eating broccoli can prevent the spread of breast cancer, it does join an already strong body of evidence pointing to the very positive impact sulforaphane can have on this devastating disease . It should be noted that broccoli sprouts (which are simply the very first shoots from the broccoli seed) are a much more concentrated source of sulforaphane than the full grown broccoli plant, and for those who dislike the taste of broccoli they are also much more palatable. Broccoli sprouts can be easily grown at home, but are also now available in the salad section of the major supermarkets (an example is Good4U BroccoShoots available at Sainsburys). As they are also a rich source of digestive enzymes (which are deactivated by heat) they should only ever be eaten raw. If you are concerned about reducing your risk of breast cancer it may well be worth incorporating a handful of broccoli sprouts into your daily diet, as one of a number of cancer protective nutritional measures you could take.