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trof Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 06:28 PM
Original message
Asparagus as cancer cure?
I dunno.
Worth a try?
The email as I received it:

Asparagus
Several years ago, I had a man seeking asparagus for a friend who had cancer. He gave me a photocopied copy 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 specialised in the relation of diet to health for over 50 years. Several years ago, I learned of the discovery of Richard R. Vensal, D.D.S. that asparagus might cure cancer. Since then, I have worked with him on his project, and we have accumulated a number of favourable case histories. Here are a few examples.

Case No. 1, 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. Within 3 months, examinations revealed that his bladder tumour 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 sewed 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 a skin 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.

I was not surprised at this result, as `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. 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.

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 Giant and Stokely, and I am satisfied that these brands contain no pesticides or preservatives. 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 from 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 specialises 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 normaliser. 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 anticarcinogens and antioxidants.

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tabatha Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 06:33 PM
Response to Original message
1. Don't know about that - but read that asparagus is a very
healing vegetable.
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The empressof all Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 06:36 PM
Response to Original message
2. I just got Asparagus for 1.29 a pound
I'm making cream of Aspargus soup for dinner tonight. It's one of my favorites! Even better now that I know that it's even healhier than I thought
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BeatleBoot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 06:40 PM
Response to Original message
3. It makes my urine smell
Sorry.

Just had to share.


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kestrel91316 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 07:01 PM
Response to Reply #3
7. It makes EVERYONE'S urine smell. But some people lack the smell
receptors for that particular chemical, so they think their urine DOESN'T smell, lol.

I know, your life just wasn't complete without that little factoid, huh?
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BeatleBoot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 08:41 PM
Response to Reply #7
12. Maybe that's why Republicans think
their shit doesn't stink!

Chemical Receptors!

Brilliant!






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ilive4beer Donating Member (1 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun May-10-09 09:33 AM
Response to Reply #3
14. Mine too, also turns it green.
That's why, just hours prior to my employer mandated
urinalysis, I eat a big batch of asparagus and drink lots of
espresso. Drives 'em nuts.
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hvn_nbr_2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun May-10-09 01:49 PM
Response to Reply #14
19. Welcome to DU, and a question for old-timers
Welcome to DU, ilive4beer.

Question for old-timers: I notice frequently that new posters' posts often appear in a different font than most posts, as this post from ilive4beer does. Anyone know what causes that? Do they mistakenly check the checkbox that says "Check here if you want to format your message in plain text"? Or is there some other reason?
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Tumbulu Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 06:47 PM
Response to Original message
4. do you think these stories are some sort of sneaky propaganda (trying to look hokey, etc)
but are actually put out be the asparagus council or some other organization, or perhaps someone at a canning factory that cans asparagus just trying to keep demand up and thus their job?

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notadmblnd Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 06:48 PM
Response to Original message
5. I love asparagus. We used to pick wild asparagus from the side of roads
cooked, raw, whatever, just give me asparagus. I'm the same way with beets. One time I ate so many that I scared myself. Thought something was wrong when my pee turned red.
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cosmik debris Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 06:48 PM
Response to Original message
6. Sure!
I believe everything I read in anonymous emails.
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trof Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 07:11 PM
Response to Reply #6
8. I know...I know.
:eyes:
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nevergiveup Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 07:15 PM
Response to Original message
9. When I was a kid we had an asparagus patch
in the back yard and it seems as though we had creamed asparagus every evening during the summer and I hated it. I wasn't allowed to leave the table until I cleaned my plate and as a result I developed an absolute hatred for asparagus. I therefore find this report somewhat unsettling.
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emilyg Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 07:35 PM
Response to Original message
10. I love asparagus.
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MineralMan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 08:12 PM
Response to Original message
11. FYI, there is no recognized medical journal called the
Edited on Fri Feb-13-09 08:16 PM by MineralMan
Cancer News Journal.

Apparently there was some sort of publication with than name in the 1970s, but it was not a peer-reviewed medical journal.

I'd take all of this as promotion of quackery, unless otherwise demonstrated.

Sorry to disappoint.

You can search out the history of this publication with this Google search:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22cancer+news+journal%22&start=10&sa=N

I'm afraid that it's a "naturopathic" sort of journal, and not real medical research.
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cosmik debris Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Feb-13-09 08:56 PM
Response to Reply #11
13. How dare you challenge an anonymous email!?
You must be a shill for Big Broccoli!
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trotsky Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun May-10-09 10:07 AM
Response to Reply #13
16. ...
:rofl:
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Celebration Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun May-10-09 10:05 AM
Response to Original message
15. It's a bit of a diuretic, no?
Anything making the urine smell like that is bound to have SOME other biological effect. I would have to say that the email is not exactly credible, though I eat asparagus at least once a week, and like it.
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Celebration Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun May-10-09 10:15 AM
Response to Original message
17. Some journal articles
I got curious, and here are links to a few journal articles found in the PubMed database-

Asparanin A induces G(2)/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19254688?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Immunomodulatory activity of Asparagus racemosus on systemic Th1/Th2 immunity: implications for immunoadjuvant potential.

Roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd (Shatavari in vernacular) are widely used in Ayurveda as Rasayana for immunostimulation, galactogogue as also in treatment of conditions like ulcers and cancer. Various studies have indicated immunomodulatory properties of Shatavari root extracts and formulations.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19038322?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

The effect of the aqueous extract of the roots of Asparagus racemosus on hepatocarcinogenesis initiated by diethylnitrosamine.

These results prove that the aqueous extract of the roots of Asparagus racemosus has the potential to act as an effective formulation to prevent hepatocarcinogenesis induced by treatment with DEN.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18729252?ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

There are some more, older studies.

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Warpy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun May-10-09 12:28 PM
Response to Original message
18. If you have cancer and like asparagus, eat it.
However, your best chance of surviving your cancer will come from evidence based medicine, not health food anecdotes.
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uppityperson Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun May-10-09 02:07 PM
Response to Original message
20. Is posting medical advice not approved on DU? nt
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Celebration Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun May-10-09 02:18 PM
Response to Reply #20
21. I think the post is kinda funny
But I have yet to see where this is medical advice. I mean, eat asparagus, maybe? LOL. Not.Medical.Advice
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varkam Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-11-09 08:24 AM
Response to Reply #21
23. The problem comes when you start framing things in terms of medical efficacy. Eom
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cosmik debris Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun May-10-09 02:22 PM
Response to Reply #20
22. If you are posting alt.med advice, it is OK
It is also OK to post advertisments and press releases from alt.med companies who are trying to sell their products here.

That's just the way it is.

I don't anticipate any change.
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