Cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy have met their match in broccoli and brussels sprouts. These cruciferous vegetables and others can selectively kills cancer cells, researchers in New Zealand have discovered.

A natural chemical compound in the vegetables called isothiocyanates has been found to cause cell-suicide in cancer cells possessing high levels of the protein Bcl-2. The protein is found in abundance in cancer cells that resist chemotherapy treatment. Yet investigators at Otago University’s Christchurch found that even cancer cells with Bcl-2 are susceptible to the natural cancer-fighting ability of isothiocyanates.

Cruciferous vegetables have long been known as potent weapons in the prevention of many cancers. Cauliflower, cabbage, and watercress are also in the cruciferous family.