Asparagus & Cancer – True or False

There is so much talk about the benefits of Asparagus in treating Cancer, I thought I would add my thoughts to this discussion beginning with the fact that there is no known scientific proof that Asparagus has any benefit in treating or eliminating Cancer.

HOWEVER:

It is scientifically known that Oxidation/Oxidative Stress is definitely a cause or a major contributing factor to Cancer.

So using ANTI-OXIDANT foods can only help.  Asparagus is one of those major “anti-oxidant foods”

The U.S. National Cancer Institute also reported that asparagus is the food that contain evidence of highGlutathione, an antioxidant that is considered one of the most active and powerful in the fight against aging and prevent cancer.

• Glutathione is a small protein consisting of three amino acids: Cysteine, Glutamic acid and Glycine.
• Glutathione is involved in detoxification.
• It binds to fat-soluble toxins such as heavy metals, solvents and pesticides. Therefore Glutathione provide protection against certain cancers.

Historically:

• The second century physician Galen described asparagus as “cleansing and healing”
• The elements of Materia Medica’, edited in 1854 by a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania , stated that asparagus was used as a popular remedy for kidney stones. He even referred to experiments, in 1739, on the power  of asparagus in dissolving stones. Note the dates!

Nutrition studies have shown asparagus is a low-calorie source of folate and potassium. Its stalks are high in antioxidants. “Asparagus provides essential nutrients: six spears contain some 135 micrograms (μg) of folate, almost half the adult RDI (recommended daily intake), 20 milligrams of potassium,” notes an article in Reader’s Digest Research suggests folate is key in taming homocysteine , a substance implicated in heart disease.

Folate is also critical for pregnant women, since it protects against neural tube defects in babies.

Studies have shown that people who have died from Alzheimer’s Disease have extremely low to no levels of folate. Several studies indicate getting plenty of potassium may reduce the loss of calcium from the body.

Particularly green asparagus is a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body produce and maintain collagen, the major structural protein component of the body’s connective tissues. Furthermore, Vitamin C can also be an anti-oxidant but not as powerful as glutathione.

“Asparagus has long been recognized for its medicinal properties,” wrote D. Onstad, author of Whole Foods Companion: A Guide for Adventurous Cooks, Curious Shoppers and Lovers of Natural Foods. “Asparagus contains substances that act as a diuretic, neutralize ammonia that makes us tired, and protect small blood vessels from rupturing. Its fiber content makes it a laxative, too.”

Water from cooking asparagus may help clean blemishes on the face if used for washing the face morning and night. From John Heinerman’s new Encyclopedia of Fruits and Vegetables“: “Cooked asparagus and its watery juices are very good for helping dissolve uric acid (causes gout) deposits in the extremities, as well as inducing urination where such a function may be lacking or only done on an infrequent basis. Asparagus is especially useful in cases of hypertension where the amount of sodium in the blood far exceeds the potassium present. Cooked asparagus also increases bowel evacuations.”

So the moral of the story is believe no one and educate yourself enough so you will want to try anything with common sense!!

My Dad taught us to TRUST NO ONE  BUT to TRUST OURSELVES with EVERYONE.  The quote from Buddha below resonates with that concept! (My Dad did not know Buddha)