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Broccoli along with other cruciferous vegetables contains compounds that have been discovered to slow down the growth of breast cancer cells, especially if detected in its early stages. Sulforaphane is known to have cancer prevention qualities. However, Oregon State University researchers and the Oregon Health and Science University claim in their latest study that it may also play a part in slowing the growth of cancer as well, Xinhua reported.

The findings were disclosed after the initial clinical studies that studied the impact of sulforaphane on breast tissues of women who were detected with breast cancer.

Emily Ho, a professor at the OSU College of Public Health and Human Sciences, said: "Our original goal was to determine if sulforaphane supplements would be well tolerated and might alter some of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in cancer," says NDTV

For the purpose of the study, a double-blind, random, placebo-controlled test was conducted on 54 women who had irregular mammograms. During the period of study, they were either placebo or sulforaphane supplements. These supplements were equal to one cup of broccoli sprouts eaten every day as food.
"We were surprised to see a decrease in markers of cell growth, which means these compounds may help slow cancer cell growth," said Ms Ho.

"This is very encouraging. Dietary approaches have traditionally been thought to be limited to cancer prevention, but this demonstrated it could help slow the growth of existing tumors," she said, as reported by Times of India

Studies done previously have proven records that show that high intake of cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, kale, broccoli and cabbage can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Sulforaphane present in these veggies inhibits the HDACs that help activate the tumor suppressor genes that are normally silenced ina cancer cell, reported Deccan Chronicle