broccoli nutrient healts growth of cancertumors

Broccoli nutrient halts growth of cancertumors A chemical naturally occurring in broccoli may actually block the development of tumorsin people with a certain genetic trait, according to a study conducted by researchers fromthe Institute of Food at Norwich in the United Kingdom.Scientists have long known that a diet high in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetablescontributes to a lower risk of cancer. In recent years, research has increasingly focused onone particular component of these vegetables, called sulforaphane."Among the phytochemicals incruciferous vegetablesthat have been researched,sulforaphaneis one of the more promising as acancer fighter," writes Patrick Quillin in his book Beating Cancer with Nutrition .In the current study, researchers found that some human and mouse prostate cells wereless likely to turn cancerous when exposed to the chemical. The effect was only seen,however, in cell lines deficient in a gene known as PTEN."The cells became less competitive," researcher Richard Mithen said.PTEN produces a protein that suppressestumors by regulating cell growth andnatural cell death. The gene also plays a role in cell movement and genetic regulation withincells. Previousresearchhas linked a weakened or absent PTEN gene to a faster spread of prostate cancer."PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene, the deletion or inactivation of which can initiate prostate cancer development and enhance the probability of its progression," Mithen said."We've shown that sulforaphane has different effects depending on whether the PTENgene is present."Eatingbroccoliis only one part of a healthy, cancer-fightinglifestyle, said Kate Holmes of TheProstateCancer Charity."Moving away from a diet rich in meat and saturated fat will improve overallhealthandreduce the risk of chronic conditions like heartdisease,as well as possibly helping to prevent prostate cancer," she said. "A diet rich in fruit andvegetablescombined with a physically active lifestyle gives you the best chance of protecting your long-term health.