Broccoli and Cauliflower Compounds May Fight Melanoma

Extracts of broccoli and cauliflower could help fight melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, a recent study suggests. In tests on animals, scientists discovered that isothiocyanates (a class of compounds found in the cruciferous vegetable family, which also includes red and green cabbage) helped target melanoma tumors and inhibit their growth by 50 to 60 percent.

For the study, researchers combined isothiocyanates with selenium (a trace mineral that's often deficient in people diagnosed with metastatic melanoma). In past studies, selenium has been found to destabilize proteins involved in the development of tumors.

It's too soon to tell whether boosting your intake of cruciferous vegetables and selenium-rich foods could aid in the prevention of skin cancer. To keep your skin healthy this summer and beyond, limit your sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and shield your skin with the help of sunscreen, tightly woven clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat. Drinking green tea may also help stave off skin cancer, according to preliminary research.