Nutrition & DietBlack-Eyed Peas and Lentils Top the List for Blocking Cancer-Spreading Enzymes
Researchers tested eight legumes for their ability to block matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) — enzymes that allow cancer to spread through tissue and into the bloodstream. Since metastasis accounts for roughly 90% of cancer-related deaths, inhibiting MMPs is a high-value target. Pharmaceutical MMP inhibitors failed in humans due to severe side effects, but proteins found in legumes show natural inhibitory activity. In lab testing, black-eyed peas, lentils, common beans like kidney and black beans, and fava beans cut MMP enzyme activity by more than half. Split peas showed minimal effect. This research, summarized by Dr. Michael Greger, builds on broader evidence that plant-based dietary compounds can disrupt multiple steps of the cancer invasion process, offering a potentially low-risk, accessible dietary strategy for cancer prevention and metastasis control.
