Anti-cancer properties of watercress

Deana Ferreri, Ph.D.

Watercress is a super-duper food. Along with kale, collards, mustard greens, and turnip greens, watercress holds the highest ANDI score of 1000. Most importantly, watercress is a specialist at preventing cancer.
Watercress belongs to the family of cruciferous vegetables (http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=4363), uniquely high in glucosinolates, which are precursors to cancer-fighting molecules called isothiocyanates (ITCs). Watercress is rich in a specific glucosinolate called gluconasturtiin, which is a precursor to the ITC phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC).[1] Epidemiologic associations between cruciferous vegetable intake and reduced cancer risk have sparked a surge in studies on the anti-cancer effects of specific cruciferous vegetables and their constituent isothiocyanates.
Anti-cancer properties of watercress had previously been established in cell culture experiments: In human breast cancer cells, watercress extract blocked the degradation of structural proteins, an early step in preparation for migration and subsequent invasion, which eventually leads to metastasis. [2] PEITC in watercress was also found to reduce tumor cell survival and decrease the action of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), which is a molecule that stimulates angiogenesis (blood vessel development), allowing a tumor to obtain a blood supply. [3] Read more...

Immune support system, immune support, immune response