A friend sent me this article on the health benefits of asparagus. Did you know that asparagus is a member of the lily family which also includes leeks, garlic and onions. It has a spear top with bud-like, compact and pointed head.

Asparagus is an alkaline food which is rich in protein but low in calories and carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of potassium, folic acid, vitamins A, C and K, and traces of vitamin B complex.

A good source of dietary fiber, asparagus is also rich in niacin, phosphorus and very low sodium. And certainly most impressive is that it is one of those few vegetables that actually has the calcium and magnesium in the ideal ratio of 2:1.

I'm posting the email as I received it and not doing any editing. I hope you find this information of value...I did. Here's to your health!

Selamat Ja!
Colleen


ASPARAGUS...Who knew?

My mom had been taking the full-stalk canned style asparagus and she pureed it. Then she took 4 tablespoons in the morning and 4 tablespoons later in the day. She did this for over a month. She was on chemo pills for Stage 3 lung cancer in the pleural area and her cancer cell count wnet from 386 down to 125 as of this past week. Her oncologist said she does not need to see him for 3 months.
The Article:

Several years ago, I had a man seeking asparagus for a friend who had cancer. He gave me a photocopy of an article entitled, Asparagus for Cancer, printed in Cancer News Journal, December 1979. I will share it here, just as it was shared with me.

I am a biochemist, and have specialized in the relation of diet to health for over 50 years. Several years ago, I learned of the discovery of Richard R. Vensai, D.D.S.—that asparagus might cure cancer. Since then, I have worked with him on his project. We have accumulated a number of favorable case histories. Here are a few examples:
Case No. 1

A man with an almost hopeless case of Hodgkin's disease (cancer of the lymph glands) who was completely incapacitated. Within 1 year of starting the asparagus therapy, his doctors were unable to detect any signs of cancer, and he was back on a schedule of strenuous exercise.
Case No. 2

A successful businessman 68 years old who suffered from cancer of the bladder for 16 years. After years of medical treatments, including radiation without improvement, he went on asparagus treatment. Within 2 months, examinations revealed that his bladder tumor had disappeared and that his kidneys were normal.
Case No. 3

A man who had lung cancer. On March 5th 1971, he was put on the operating table where they found lung cancer so widely spread that it was inoperable. The surgeon sered him up and declared his case hopeless. On April 5th he heard about the Asparagus therapy and immediately started taking it. By August, x-ray pictures revealed that all signs of the cancer had disappeared. He is back at his regular business routine.
Case No. 4

A woman who was troubled for a number of years with skin cancer. She finally developed different skin cancers which were diagnosed by the acting specialist as advanced. Within 3 months after starting on asparagus, her skin specialist said that her skin looked fine and no more skin lesions. This woman reported that the asparagus therapy also cured her kidney disease, which started in 1949. She had over 10 operations for kidney stones, and was receiving government disability payments for an inoperable, terminal, kidney condition. She attributes the cure of this kidney trouble entirely to the asparagus.
Some History

I was not surprised at this result, as `The elements of materia medica', edited in1854 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 done in 1739 on the power of asparagus in dissolving kidney stones.

Note the dates!

We would have other case histories but the medical establishment has interfered with our obtaining some of the records. I am therefore appealing to readers to spread this good news and help us to gather a large number of case histories that will overwhelm the medical skeptics about this unbelievably simple and natural remedy.
THE TREATMENT

For the treatment, asparagus should be cooked before using, and therefore canned asparagus is just as good as fresh. I have corresponded with the two leading canners of asparagus, Giant and Stokely, and I am satisfied that these brands contain no pesticides or preservatives. (NOT SURE ABOUT THIS COMMENT...I would have to do my own research)

Place the cooked asparagus in a blender and liquefy to make a puree, and store in the refrigerator. Give the patient 4 full tablespoons twice daily, morning and evening. Patients usually show some improvement in 2-4 weeks. It can be diluted with water and used as a cold or hot drink. This suggested dosage is based on present experience, but certainly larger amounts can do no harm and may be needed in some cases.

As a biochemist, I am convinced of the old saying that `what cures can prevent.' Based on this theory, my wife and I have been using asparagus puree as a beverage with our meals. We take 2 tablespoons diluted in water to suit our taste with breakfast and with dinner. I take mine hot and my wife prefers hers cold. For years we have made it a practice to have blood surveys taken as part of our regular checkups. The last blood survey, taken by a medical doctor who specializes in the nutritional approach to health, showed substantial improvements in all categories over the last one, and we can attribute these improvements to nothing but the asparagus drink.

As a biochemist, I have made an extensive study of all aspects of cancer, and all of the proposed cures. As a result, I am convinced that asparagus fits in better with the latest theories about cancer.

Asparagus contains a good supply of protein called histones , which are believed to be active in controlling cell growth. For that reason, I believe asparagus can be said to contain a substance that I call cell growth normalizer. That accounts for its action on cancer and in acting as a general body tonic. In any event, regardless of theory, asparagus used as we suggest, is a harmless substance.

The FDA cannot prevent you from using it and it may do you much good. It has been reported by the US National Cancer Institute, that asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione , which is considered one of the body's most potent anti-carcinogens and antioxidants.
Health Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that is highly dense in healthful nutrients that help many ailments.

Acidity, Blood: The high alkalinity of this wonder juice is effective in reducing the acidity of the blood and helps cleanses the tissues and muscles of waste.

Arthritis and Rheumatism: A unique phytochemical in asparagus that produces anti-inflammatory effect helps relieve arthritis and rheumatism.

Bowel movement: Consume asparagus regularly for its mild laxative effect and dietary fiber that provides for regular bowel movement.

Cancer: Asparagus is a prime source of anti-oxidant and glutathione that can help prevent the dreaded cancer.

Cataracts: The anti-oxidant and glutathione in asparagus prevents the progression of cataracts and other eye problems.

Diabetes/Hypoglycemia: The healthful minerals in asparagus juice make it an important diet for people who are controlling their blood sugar levels. However, it is not to be taken by people with advanced kidney diseases.

Diuretic: Asparagus is a wonderfully diuretic vegetable and its efficacy is more pronounced when it is taken in juice form.

Heart disease: Drink a small amount of asparagus juice mixed with raw honey three times a day daily to strengthen a weak or enlarged heart.

Kidney: The diuretic and alkaline properties of asparagus help prevent or dissolve kidney stones. It helps break up oxalic acid crystals formed in the kidney.

PMS symptoms: The diuretic effect of asparagus juice helps relieve premenstrual swelling and bloating. The magnesium in this wonder juice also help relieve irritability, fatigue, depression, etc.

Pregnant women: The high content of folic acid, calcium and other minerals in asparagus are important in reducing the risk of birth defects and low birth weight. The diuretic effect of the juice is also a big help in reducing water retention in pregnant women.

NOTE: Asparagus has an abundance of an amino acid called asparagine, that helps to cleanse the body of waste material. As a result, some people pass out smelly urine after eating asparagus. Don't worry if this happens to you. Just be glad that your kidney is functioning as it should.
***

Fermented Foods

Since time began, man has preserved his food through the process of fermentation. Humans live in a symbiotic relationship with yeasts, mold and bacteria. These organisms are in everything we eat and are even in the air we breathe. Historically each region of the world is known for it's specific fermented foods.......such as....... sauerkraut in Germany, kimchi (fermented mixed vegetables) from Korea, Kefir (a cultured milk product from the Caucus Mountains), and Japan is known for it's miso (fermented soybeans).


The list of fermented foods goes on to include fermented teas, wine, beer, hard cider, sourdough breads, fermented grain porridges, most vegetables and fruits....and even meat and fish. Rediscovering the miracle of fermentation has become an exciting and magical adventure as I continue to try my own hand at culturing the many different foods which are amenable to this process. I must admit however, that the thought of fermented meat and fish has not yet tempted me.


Beneficial Chemical Changes


Fermentation favorably alters the chemical nature of our food. Not only does it preserve the food but this natural process also improves its digestibility, while increasing nutrient and enzyme content. The helpful bacteria which are involved in this magical transformation are very valuable for the more complete assimilation of nutrients and they are a critical component of our immune system. Many of you are already aware of the fact that these helpful microbes or probiotics (pro-life) help to keep the more harmful bacteria in our digestive tracts, under control and in balance. The presence of friendly microbes actually improves our ability to resist infection. A healthy colon is considered to be our second immune system.


Another advantage of fermentation is the neutralization of anti nutrients or enzyme inhibitors. For example, grains and beans contain phytic acid, which blocks the absorption of zinc, iron, calcium and phosphorous. The culturing process disables the phytic acid and these fermented foods now become more nutritious, easier to digest and less allergenic. A more dramatic example of fermentation neutralizing toxins comes from page 7 of the book... Wild Fermentation: The Flavors, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods by Sandor Ellix Katz. "Fermentation also removes toxins from foods. This is vividly illustrated by the case of cassava, an enormous tuber native to the tropical regions of the Americas that has also become a staple food in equatorial regions of Africa and Asia. Certain varieties of cassava contain high levels of cyanide and are poisonous until they have undergone a soaking fermentation. The fermentation process eliminates the cyanide, rendering the cassava edible and nutritious."


Processed Foods


When I speak to people of the health benefits of fermented foods, many will say that they already consume fermented foods , such a beer, canned sauerkraut and other pickled vegetables. However, unless the product in the store is refrigerated, it has already been cooked or pasteurized. These potentially healthy vibrant foods have had all the life taken out of them through this heating process. In recent times, the mass production of our food supply has discouraged the use of fermented whole foods. Fermentation involves more labor and time and is really more of an art than a science. The shelf life of the foods is also a consideration.


Homemade cultured vegetables should not be heated on the stove as this cancels out the activity of the good bacteria and of the enzymes. To take the chill off, portions can be brought to room temperature before a meal.



Sandor Katz, the king of fermentation, in his book Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods , assures us that making our own cultured foods can be fun and easy. Sometimes it requires a bit of patience and experimentation, but anyone with a interest can succeed. No fancy equipment is needed. A grater, knives, wide mouth quart canning jars, sea salt, the vegetables you have chosen, and an implement to pound with, are all that is necessary.


One of my favorite recipes, fermented ginger carrots, comes from the cookbook Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. This book is an excellent resource on how to properly prepare foods to retain and enhance nutrient content. It is a treasure trove of interesting facts and valuable information.