Though when he was President of the United States George Bush swore off broccoli, he might want to reconsider his personal ban of this vegetable in light of recent studies. Indeed, an increasing amount of evidence associates the consumption of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower and cabbage, with a decreased risk of cancer. Believed to be largely responsible for the anti-carcinogenic and anticancer activity of the vegetables are compounds called isothiocyanates. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a particularly beneficial type of isothiocyanate that shows promise as a treatment for, and preventative of, cancer. Currently under heavy scrutiny, the substance is prepared for laboratory use by hydrolysis of gluconasturtiin, which is derived from cruciferous vegetables.