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Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)
Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables. Recent research shows PEITC can help inhibit carcinogenesis (the development of cancer) and tumorigenesis (the development of tumors) and therefore may be useful in reducing cancer risk. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) has been shown to induce apoptosis (or cell suicide) in certain cancer cell lines and is currently being studied for its use in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
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Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane is a phytonutrient that is formed from the breakdown product of a glucosinolate called glucoraphanin. Primarily found in cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, broccoli sprouts, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, collards, arugula, kohlrabi, mustard greens, turnips, radish and watercress), research shows that young broccoli sprouts and young cauliflower sprouts are especially rich in glucoraphanin. This phytonutrient has the ability to induce phase II detoxication enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase which may help to protect against carcinogens and free radicals.  HEALING TIP: Sulforaphane is highly concentrated in young spouts. In fact, research shows that three-day-old sprouts of certain broccoli and cauliflower varieties contain 10 to 100 times higher levels of glucoraphanin than do mature broccoli and cauliflower sprouts. To get the benefits of sulforaphane, buy broccoli sprouts and add to salads and sandwiches.
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Indole-3-carbinol (I3C)
Indole-3-carbinol, also known as I3C, is a breakdown product of the glucosinolate glucobrassicin found in cruciferous vegetables. Research shows that indole-3-carbinol modulates estrogen metabolism. When added to breast cancer and prostate cancer cells in culture, I3C caused cell cycle arrest. Indole-3-carbinol has also been found to stop the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors and fuel their growth --a process known as angiogenesis.
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