Fresh Broccoli (© Photographer: Norman Chan | Agency: Dreamstime.com)

A compound found in broccoli and related vegetables may have more health-boosting tricks up its sleeves, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.

Veggie fans can already point to some cancer-fighting properties for a chemical produced when Brassica vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and kale are chewed and digested. Animal studies have shown that the chemical can actually stop the growth of certain cancer cells.

This new study of mice, published online in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, shows that the cancer-fighting chemical that is produced may help boost the immune system as well.

To read more about the results of the study cited above go to: Compound in broccoli could boost immune system