Carrots can halt the progression of breast cancer in the early stages of the disease, a study says.
The retinoic acid, which is contained in carrot, also rejuvenates the skin and a weak version of it is used in anti-wrinkle face creams, express.co.uk reported.
The study has shown that retinoic acid reverses early changes in cells that lead to breast cancer. The chemical affects cell growth, proliferation and survival.
The results were presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Orlando, Florida. The study suggests that it can halt cancer progression early on, but not at later stages.
US scientists focused on the key role played by a gene that activates retinoic acid’s anti-cancer properties.
“There appears to be no way to revert the tumours with retinoic acid when they become too advanced,” said study leader Sandra Fernandez.
But certain experimental drugs may increase the effectiveness of retinoic acid in later stages of breast cancer, she added. These drugs were already being used to manage a certain type of leukaemia.