Broccoli is one of the cruciferous vegetables that is known to have many benefits for the body. In some studies, this unique green vegetable has been shown to be able to reduce cancer risk, thanks to its high antioxidant content. Not only that, but broccoli is also rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

In a recent study conducted by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the compounds contained in broccoli were found to restore the function of proteins that help to suppress the development of tumour cells. Not only in broccoli, but this benefit can also be obtained from other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage.

Cruciferous vegetables contain compounds called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which are found to be able to improve the function of protein which can suppress the development of tumour cells, called PTEN. In cancer patients, PTEN is found in very low numbers, even none at all. This causes cancer cells to develop rapidly. This decrease in PTEN is due to the existence of WWP1, a protein that supports the development of cancer cells.

With this study, the researchers hope that these results can be helpful for those with cancer. Given that the costs needed to treat cancer are very high, the results of the study can be used as a start for a renewable treatment medium for people with cancer.

Text by Anggie Triana
Source photo from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Yu-Ru, L., Ming, C., Jonathan L.D., et all (2019). Reactivation of PTEN tumorsupressor for cancer treatment through inhibition of a MYC-WWP1 inhibitory pathway. Science, DOI: 10.1126/science.aau0159.
• Science Daily - Natural compound found in broccoli reawakens the function of potent tumorsupressor (2019). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190516142913.htm, 22 Mei 2019.