Vegetables Can Fight Prostate Cancer

ASPARAGUS
Asparagus was used as a medicine long before it was eaten as a food. It is a rich source of vitamin C and also has diuretic and laxative properties. It contains the antioxidant glutathione, which has been found to prevent the formation of cataracts in the eyes.

BEET
Beet has long been considered medicinally beneficial and is recommended as a general tonic. It can be used to help disorders of the blood, including anemia. It is an effective detoxifier, and, because of its huge fiber content, is recommended to relieve constipation. Beet contains calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C, all at their highest levels when it is eaten raw.

BELGIAN ENDIVE
In natural medicine, Belgian endive is sometimes used to treat gout and rheumatism. It is also a digestive and liver stimulant, and good for a spring tonic.

BELL PEPPERS
Bell peppers contain significant amounts of vitamin C, as well as beta carotene, some B complex vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.

BROCCOLI
Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family, which studies have shown to be particularly effective in fighting cancer of the lung, colon, and breast. Sulfur compounds, found in broccoli, stimulate the production of anti-cancer enzymes, which prevent the growth of tumors and inhibit the spread of existing tumors. Raw broccoli contains almost as much calcium as milk, and also provides plenty of B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, folate, zinc, and potassium.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Brussels sprouts contain a significant amount of vitamin C, folate, iron, potassium, and some B vitamins. Because they are a cruciferous vegetable, sprouts can help prevent certain cancers.

CABBAGE
Studies show that eating cabbage more than once a week can reduce the likihood of colon cancer in men by about 65%. Raw or juiced cabbage is particularly potent and has antiviral and antibacterial qualities as well. Cabbage is thought to speed up the metabolism of estrogen in women and this may provide protection against cancer of the breast and uterus. It is a valuable source of vitamin C and E, beta carotene, folate, potassium, thiamine, and fiber.

CARROTS
A single carrot will supply enough vitamin A for an entire day and is reputed to cut the risk of lung cancer by half, even among ex-smokers. This may be due to the high level of the antioxidant beta carotene that carrots contain. Beta carotene may also reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men.

CAULIFLOWER
This creamy-white cruciferous vegetable has many cancer-fighting qualities, particularly against cancer of the lung and colon. Cauliflower also contains vitamin C, folate, and potassium and is used in natural medicine as a blood purifier and laxative.

CELERY ROOT
Like celery, celery root is a diuretic. It also contains vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, and fiber.

CHILE PEPPERS
Chile peppers contain more vitamin C than an orange and are a good source of beta carotene, folate, potassium and vitamin E. They stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's "feel good" chemicals and are a powerful decongestant, helping to open sinuses and air passages. Chiles stimulate the body and improve circulation, but if eaten to excess, can irritate the stomach.

COLLARD GREENS
Collard greens are rich in vitamin C and beta carotene and contain indoles, one of the phytochemicals that are thought to protect the body against breast and ovarian cancer.

CORN
Corn is a good carbohydrate food and is rich in vitamins A, B, and C, and fiber. It contains useful amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Baby corn is highly folate, which is essential for maintaining the immune system.

EGGPLANT
An excellent source of vitamin C, eggplant also contain moderate amounts of iron and potassium, calcium, and B vitamins. They also contain bioflavonoids, which help prevent strokes and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

FENNEL
Fennel is a diuretic and also has a calming and toning effect on the stomach. It is low in calories and contains beta carotene and folate, which is know to reduce the risk of spina bifida in the unborn child. Fennel seeds are good for the digestion.

GARLIC
Garlic tops AMCI list as a potential cancer-preventative food. Although the antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities of garlic are most potent when eaten raw, cooking does not inhibit its anti-cancer, blood thinning, and decongestant capabilities. Garlic has also been found to lower blood cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, boost the immune system, act as an anti-flammatory, lift mood, and have a calming effect. It should be eaten on a daily basis.

GLOBE ARTICHOKE
Globe artichokes are a good source of vitamins A and C, fiber, iron, calcium, and potassium. In natural medicine, they are used to treat high blood pressure.

GREEN BEANS and PEAS
Peas and beans are good sources of protein and fiber. They are rich in vitamin C, iron, thiamine, folate, phosphorus, and potassium.

HORSERADISH
Horseradish is effective in clearing blocked sinuses.

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES
These contain vitamin C and fiber.

LEEKS
Leeks have the same active constituents as onions, but in smaller amounts. They also contain vitamins C and E, iron, folate, and potassium.

MUSHROOMS
Mushrooms do not contain a wealth of nutrients but they are a useful source of vitamins B1 and B2, potassium, iron, and niacin.

ONIONS
Numerous studies highlight the healing powers of the onion. It is a rich source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant that has been linked to preventing stomach cancer. Eating half a raw onion is said to thin the blood, lower the LDL cholesterol, and raise beneficial HDL cholesterol by about 30% which can reduce the risk of hear disease and stroke. Onions are antibacterial and antiviral, helping to fight off colds, relieve bronchial congestion, asthma, and hay fever. They are also good for people with arthritis, rheumatism, and gout.

PARSNIP
Parsnips are effective detoxifiers and are believed to fight some cancers. The contain vitamins C and E, iron, folic acid, and potassium.

POTATOES
Potatoes are high in complex carbohydrates and include both protein and fiber. They provide plenty of sustained energy, plus vitamins B and C, iron, and potassium.

RADISHES
Radishes are a renowned diuretic, and contain vitamin C

RUTABAGA
Rutabagas are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, and contain compounds that are believed to have antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. They also contain vitamins A and C.

SALAD GREENS
Butterhead...Romaine...Iceberg...Oak Leaf...Lollo Rasso...Chicory...Mache...Radicchio...Arugula...Sorrel... Watercress. All types of salad greens are about 90% water, but they contain useful amounts of vitamins and minerals, particularly folate, iron, and the antioxidants, vitamin C, and beta carotene. Their antioxidant content has been found to guard against the risk of many cancers. Salad greens are usually eaten raw, when the nutrients are at their strongest. Lettuce is reputed to have a calming, sedative effect.

SPINACH
Spinach is an superb source of cancer-fighting antioxidants. It contains four times the beta carotene than broccoli. It is rich in fiber, which can help to lower the harmful levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It contains some iron. Spinach contains oxalic acid, which inhibits the absorption of iron and calcium in the body. However, eating spinach with a vitamin-C-rich food will increase absorption. Spinach also contains vitamins C and B6, calcium, potassium, folate, thiamine, and zinc. Nutritionally, it is most beneficial when eaten raw in a salad.

SUMMY SQUASH
Pattypan, Zucchini, Squash, Cucumber. Summer squash are effective diuretics and their potassium content means they are beneficial for those with high blood pressure. Summer squashes contain less beta carotene and because of their high water content, all squash are low in calories.

SWISS CHARD
Swiss chard is rich in vitamins and minerals, although, like spinach, it contains oxalic acid.

TOMATOES
Vine-ripened tomatoes are higher in vitamin C than those picked when still green. They are also a good source of vitamin E, beta carotene, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Tomatoes contain the bioflavonoid lycopene, which is believed to prevent some forms of cancer by reducing the harmful effects of free radicals.