CABBAGE: THE ART OF WAR ON CANCER CELLS

A VEGETABLE FAMILY WITH A SYMBOLIC NAME

The cabbage family vegetables are known as cruciferous (cross-bearing), because of their cross shaped leaves

SYMBOLISM AND FAITH

For Christians, the sign of the cross may emphasize salvation through Christ Jesus; for those fearing cancer, it can also be symbolic of life saving salvation from this deadly disease. Research has shown that vegetables from the cabbage family "have an almost magical ability to fight against the development of cancerous cells in the body," according to Richard Beliveau, Ph.D., and Denis Gingras, Ph.D. (Foods to fight cancer: Essential Foods to help revent cancer).

Vegetables in the cabbage family include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and non-head-forming cabbages. Broccoli, owing its name to its tree like appearance, is the best known of this family of vegetables for its anti-cancer abilities. All cruciferous vegetables contain a number of polyphenols found in other foods that fight against cancer; however, they also contain high concentrations of glucosinolates, another group of compounds known for their cancer fighting abilities. Beliveau and Gingras report that contrary to how many anti cancer compounds work, glucosinolates do not work directly to prevent the development of cancer, but instead, work by releasing two compounds that have intense anti cancer activity. These compounds are isothiocyanates and indoles. Over one hundred glcosinolates exist in nature that work together to produce very high anti cancer potential.

When a person bites into a broccoli flower, he or she releases more than one cancer fighting agent, all of which fight to prevent cancer in this individual. This is but another argument for eating healthy foods, rather than attempting to have supplements supply your cancer fighting ingredients. Some cancer fighting ability is only available through actually eating fresh fruits and vegetables, increased when eating these in variety, and is not available through supplements alone. Also, taking too many supplements can have a toxic effect, while eating as many vegetables as one can do is never a health risk, nor toxic to the body.

THE ULTIMATE ANTI CANCER SALAD

Add five or more fresh raw vegetables, including broccoli and cauliflower, and at least four fresh fruits that include strawberries, blueberries, unpeeled organic apples, and others to your liking. Mix turmeric and black pepper to olive oil, with a touch of agave nectar, to remove the bitter taste. You can mix these contents into your own choice of salad dressing. I use Brianna's Plush Wine vinaigrette, two tablespoons (120 calories for the dressing, another 120 for one tablespoon of olive oil). The fruits and vegetables are very low in calories so most of your calories will be in the olive oil and dressing. Eat up, and have a fruitful and anti cancer good day!