Anti-Breast Cancer Properties of Watercress

A large majority of studies have shown that regular consumption of watercress may reduce the risk of healthy individuals to have cancer and stop the progression of a cancerous tumor in cancer patients; it was in a general sense. But a new scientific research conducted by some scientists of the University of Southampton found that watercress may have the ability to suppress the growth of breast cancer cells by depriving the tumor of essential blood nutrients and oxygen it needs to grow.

The research has shown that watercress has a compound, phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), that acts as an anti-cancer by suppressing a protein called Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF), which is responsible for the development and progression of breast cancer cells. The protein helps malignant cells to send signals to surrounding normal tissue to form new blood vessels that are rich in oxygen and nutrients in order to facilitate their reproduction.

The research was led by Professor Graham Packham of Southampton University, in partnership with Barbara Parry, Senior Research Dietician at the Winchester and Andover Breast Unit, on a small group of breast cancer survivors.

When questioned about his finding, he comments, "the research takes an important step towards understanding the potential health benefits of this crop since it shows that eating watercress may interfere with a pathway that has already been tightly linked to cancer development..."

Although there are other ongoing studies, this recent one has provided specific clarification on potential anti-cancer effects of watercress, a food that anyone can afford to buy. To enjoy these health benefits, a woman needs to eat about 80g of watercress or more, which can be juiced, using a power juicer, and drunk immediately.

Watercress may interact with these medications. Talk to your doctor if you are taking Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex), Lithium, and Warfarin (Coumadin).

References:

1.British Journal of Nutrition - 'In vivo modulation of 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation by watercress: Researchers Syed Alwi SS, , Cavell BE, Telang U, Morris ME, Parry BM, Packham G.

2.Cancereffects.com: anticancer properties of watercress

3.Biochemical Pharmacology -'Inhibition of hypoxia inducible factor by phenethyl isothiocyanate' in watercress: Researchers Wang XH¹, Cavell BE, Syed Alwi SS, Packham G . PMID: 9376091 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

4.Ontogenic variations of ascorbic acid and phenethyl isothiocyanate concentrations in watercress (Nasturtium officinale R.Br.) leaves: Palaniswamy UR, McAvoy RJ, Bible BB, Stuart JD - PMID:12926905 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]