14 Foods That Cleanse the Liver

Modern society has created a sad state for our over-processed livers. Anytime we overeat or eat processed
or fried foods, and, anytime we are exposed to environmental pollutants or stress, the liver becomes
overworked and overloaded. When the liver is taxed, it cant process toxins and fat in an efficient way. There
are many foods that can help cleanse the liver naturally by stimulating the natural ability to clean toxic waste
from the body.
ist of !oods that "leanse the iver
#n the past, # have discussed my favorite cleansing foods. This list is a little more specific and focuses mainly
on foods that can help cleanse your liver. #n addition to taking a liver-cleansing supplement, and performing
at least two liver and gallbladder cleanses per year, eating the following foods is the best way to keep your
liver healthy and functioning the way you need it to. # would encourage you to incorporate these liver cleanse
foods into your weekly diet.
$. %arlic
&ust a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver en'ymes that helps your body
flush out toxins. %arlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in
liver cleansing.
(. %rapefruit
)igh in both vitamin " and antioxidants, grapefruit increasea the natural cleansing processes of the liver. A
small glass of freshly-s*uee'ed grapefruit +uice will help boost production of liver detoxification en'ymes that
help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.
,. -eets and "arrots
-oth extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene, eating both beets and carrots can help stimulate
and improve overall liver function.
.. %reen Tea
This liver-loving beverage is chock-full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, a constituent known to
assist the livers overall functions. %reen tea is not only delicious, it/s also a great way to improve your overall
diet. earn more about the benefits of green tea.
0. eafy %reen 1egetables
2ne of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, leafy greens can be eaten raw, cooked or +uiced.
3xtremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens literally suck up environmental toxins from the blood stream.
With their distinct ability tonuetrali'e heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer a
powerful protective mechanism for the liver.
Try incorporating leafy greens such as bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens and
chicory into your diet. This will help increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste
from the organs and blood.
4. Avocados
This nutrient-dense super-food helps the body produce glutathione, which is necessary for the liver to
cleanse harmful toxins. 5ecent studies indicate improved liver health when avocados are eaten regularly.
6. Apples
)igh in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents needed for the body to cleanse and release toxins from
the digestive tract. This, in turn, makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing
process.
7. 2live 2il
"old-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flax-seed are great for the liver, when used in
moderation. They help the body by providing a lipid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body. #n this
way, it takes some of the burden off the liver in terms of the toxic overload that many of us suffer from.
8. Whole %rains
%rains, such as brown rice, are rich in --complex vitamins, nutrients known to improve overall fat
metaboli'ation, liver function and liver decongestion. #f possible, do not eat foods with white flour, instead try
eating whole wheat alternatives.
$9. "ruciferous 1egetables
3ating broccoli and cauliflower will increase the amount of glucosinolate in your system, adding to en'yme
production in the liver. These natural en'ymes help flush out carcinogens, and other toxins, out of our body
which significantly lowers our risk of cancer.
$$. emons : imes
These citrus fruits contain very high amounts of the vitamin ", which aids the body in synthesi'ing toxic
material into substance that can be absorbed by water. ;rinking freshly-s*uee'ed lemon or lime +uice in the
morning helps stimulate the liver.
$(. Walnuts
)olding high amount of the amino acid arginine, walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts are
also high in glutathione and omega-, fatty acids which support normal liver cleansing actions. Make sure
you chew the nuts well <until they are li*uefied= before swallowing.
$,. "abbage
Much like broccoli and cauliflower, eating cabbage helps stimulate the activation of two crucial liver
detoxifying en'ymes that help flush out toxins. Try eating more kimchi, coleslaw, cabbage soup and
sauerkraut.
$.. Turmeric
The liver/s favorite spice. Try adding some of this detoxifying goodness into your next lentil stew or veggie
dish for an instant liver pick-me-up. Turmerichelps boost liver detox, by assisting en'ymes that actively flush
out known dietary carcinogens.
Healthy Foods, Healthy Liver
A healthy liver is a direct result of consuming a healthy diet.
$. Garlic-super detoxifier for your liver> ?o are onions and leeks. They are high in vitamin " and have
anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. ;iabetics need to consume lots of onions and
garlic to help lower blood sugar levels>
(. at !ran-it@s a source of liver-loving, water-soluble fiber which aids in the elimination of bile and
cholesterol. ike oatmeal, it contains - complex vitamins, protein, fat, and minerals. #n addition, oat bran
can help the liver by reducing the bad ; and raise levels of good ); cholesterol.
,. Cruciferous vegeta"les-these include, -russels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and
bok choy. 2ne of the big reasons to eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables is that they may help to lower
your risk of getting cancer.
A tasty, simple, and efficient way to get more cruciferous and other liver friendly vegetables and fruits,
nuts, seeds and cold pressed oils into your healthy diet is through all natural #uices and $moothies. &ust
follow the link for recipes and information>
A review of research published in the 2ctober $884 issue of theJournal of the American Dietetic
Association showed that 69A or more of the studies found a link between cruciferous vegetables and
protection against cancer.
?ome of these veggies have shown the ability to stop the growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast,
uterine lining <endometrium=, lung, colon, liver, and cervix, according to the American #nstitute for "ancer
5esearch.
.. Articho%es-although an artichoke can look a little bit intimidating to us, this vegetable is very good
for your liver and packed full of flavor>
2ne artichoke contains approximately one fourth of an average si'ed adults fiber needs. The artichoke is
also rich in vitamin ", potassium, folic acid and magnesium. #t is cleansing to the liver, and protects and
regenerates the liver.
5esearch has also shown that there is a chemical naturally contained in the artichoke that may help lower
blood fat levels. They believe this chemical causes your liver to release more bile which minimi'es fat in
your blood.
Any food that increases the bile that is released into your digestive tract will result in less fat being
absorbed into your blood.
0. Chic%en-limited amounts provide an excellent protein source. "hicken is a very good source of the
cancer-protective - vitamin, niacin, and - complex. "hicken is also a good source of the trace mineral,
selenium.
5esearch published in the August (99. issue of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and
Psychiatry indicates regular consumption of niacin-rich foods like chicken provides protection against
Al'heimer@s disease and age-related cognitive decline.
#f you have access to organic chicken <and can afford it=, go for it. 2rganically grown chickens have been
fed an organically grown diet and have been raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics, which will
ease the load on your liver. !ree-range chickens are allowed access to the outdoors as opposed to being
confined to the hen house.
4. &ggs-one egg contains 4 grams of high-*uality protein and all 8 essential amino acids. 3ggs are
extremely liver friendly.
They are a good source of choline. 2ne egg yolk has about ,99 micrograms of choline which is an
important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
They contain the right kind of fat. 2ne egg contains +ust 0 grams of fat and only $.0 grams of that is
saturated fat,and eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin ;. Bou can also
purchase eggs that are enriched with omega , fatty acids>
3ggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their liver-loving, high sulphur content and wide array of
vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially
if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or -$(.
According to a study by the )arvard ?chool of Cublic )ealth, there is no significant link between egg
consumption and heart disease. #n fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help
prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.
6. Legumes-beans, peas, soybeans and peanuts are a good source of essential - vitamins, fiber,
protein, and iron.
-eans also contains the amino acid arginine. There are many benefits of arginine, according to
the Nutritional Supplements Health Guide, including increased immune function, the ability to detoxify the
liver, and increased fertility in men.
Arginine also causes the release of nitric oxide in the blood vessels, which has the effect of relaxing blood
vessels> Bou know what they say, D-eans, beans, good for the heart........D
7. !eets-one of the best foods out there for your liver could be beets, although most people wouldn@t
list them under their Dfavorite foodD category.
-eets are especially good for the liver. They@re a wonderful source of ironE a great source of antioxidants
and folic acidE and have been shown to be an immunity booster and guard against cancer. !ollow the link
for testimonials and learn more about ama'inghealth "enefits of "eet 'uice.
#f you@re wondering how to prepare beets, other than +uicing, try a -orscht recipe. -orscht, a very popular
vegetable soup made of beets, is a traditionally loved dish in Coland, 5ussia, %ermany and other 3astern
3uropean countries. There are cold and hot -orscht soups and each country varies some of the
ingredients, but beets are the one common, and main, ingredient of this revered and hearty soup.
8. !ro(n )ice-brown rice is an great source of fiber, - vitamins, manganese, and of the minerals
selenium and magnesium.
White rice can@t compare to brown. The complete milling and polishing that converts brown rice into white
rice destroys 46A of the vitamin -,, 79A of the vitamin -$, 89A of the vitamin -4, half of the
manganese, half of the phosphorus, 49A of the iron, and all of the dietary fiber and essential fatty acids.
-y law in the Fnited ?tates, fully milled and polished white rice must be DenrichedD with vitamins -$, -,,
and iron.
$9. Carrots-are an excellent source of antioxidants and the richest vegetable source of the pro-vitamin
A carotenes, which help protect your liver.
"arrots@ antioxidants help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer and also promote good
vision, especially night vision.
#f you are a smoker.....3AT "A552T?>
They are easy to eat on the go, and are great as an appeti'er, or snack, with some tasty veggie dips.
$$. Tomatoes-there are more health benefits derived from eating a tomato than the scientific
community is able to print, at least yet. They are very high in vitamins " and 3, and lycopene>
"ancers such as prostate cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and cancers of the
stomach, mouth, pharynx, and esophagus have all been proven to be staved off by high levels of
lycopene.
The tomato is a good blood purifier and tomatoes help in cases of congestion of the liver, protecting the
liver from cirrhosis. Tomato +uice is even recommended for gallstones.
$(. *uts and seeds-are rich in vitamin 3 and potassium, high in minerals including calcium, iron,
magnesium and 'inc. ?ome are good sources of folic acid, niacin, and other - vitamins. 2thers provide
plant protein, fiber, and 2mega-, essential fatty acids.
;on@t worry that nuts are fattening. These are the good fats that your liver and your body needs. They
contain monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oils that do not cause clogging of blood vessels with fatty
pla*ue. As a matter of fact, nuts have the ability to lower cholesterol and heart attack risk.
Guts are a slow-burning food and studies show they can even help people lose weight.
$,. Cold +ater Fish-another great protein source and provider of omega , fatty acids for healthy liver
function.
2mega-, is used in the body to make, repair, and maintain cell membranes. The cardiovascular,
reproductive, immune, and nervous systems all need 2mega-, fatty acids. A deficiency of 2mega-, in the
diet has been linked to serious illnesses such as depression, heart disease, and strokes.
This would include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, and more. When possible opt for the Dwild
caughtD instead of the Dfarm-raisedD fish.
$.. Fla,seeds and Fla,seed oil- flax has been called one of the most powerful plant foods on the
planet. There/s some evidence it can help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
!laxseeds contain omega-, essential fatty acids, DgoodD fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy
effectsE lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant *ualitiesE and both the soluble and
insoluble types of fiber.
$0. Fruits-several fruits can benefit the liver by helping to build new blood cells and eliminating the body
of bacteria and harmful waste.
A liver cleansing diet should consist of *uality fruits <organic when possible= and plenty of pure water.
Apples are very cleansing to the bloodE fresh lemon +uice is great for cleansing the liverE and
pomegranates provide excellent antioxidant protection, and have been proven to lower ; cholesterol,
which can clog the liver.
Comegranates increase blood flow helping the liver function better, considering that there are about three
pints of blood that flows through the liver every minute.
;ecide what your favorite fruits are and try to consume some of them each day.
$4. $ea -egeta"les-kelp, nori, and wakame are a few. ?ea vegetables are an excellent source of iodine
and vitamin HE a very good source of the --vitamin folateE magnesiumE a good source of iron and calciumE
and the --vitamins riboflavin and pantothenic acid. They also contain measurable amounts of vitamins "
and 3.
They offer one of the broadest ranges of minerals of any food, containing virtually all the minerals found in
the ocean - and not surprisingly, many of same minerals found in human blood, which is good news for
the liver.
Cancer Fighting Foods.$/ices
The Gational "ancer #nstitute estimates that roughly one-third of all cancer deaths may be diet related. What
you eat can hurt you, but it can also help you. Many of the common foods found in grocery stores or organic
markets contain cancer-fighting properties, from the antioxidants that neutrali'e the damage caused by free
radicals to the powerful phytochemicals that scientists are +ust beginning to explore. There isn@t a single
element in a particular food that does all the workI The best thing to do is eat a variety of foods.
The following foods have the ability to help stave off cancer and some can even help inhibit cancer cell
growth or reduce tumor si'e.
Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking
intestinal absorption of certain fats. They also supply even more potassium than bananas and are a strong
source of beta-carotene. ?cientists also believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis
<a cause of liver cancer=, as well as other sources of liver damage.
!roccoli, ca""age, and cauliflo(er have a chemical component called indole-,-carbinol that can combat
breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. !roccoli,
es/ecially s/routs, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, a product of glucoraphanin - believed to aid
in preventing some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer. ?ulforaphane induces the production of
certain en'ymes that can deactivate free radicals and carcinogens. The en'ymes have been shown to inhibit
the growth of tumors in laboratory animals. )owever, be aware that the Agriculture ;epartment studied 6$
types of broccoli plants and found a ,9-fold difference in the amounts of glucoraphanin. #t appears that the
more bitter the broccoli is, the more glucoraphanin it has. -roccoli sprouts have been developed under the
trade name -rocco?prouts that have a consistent level of sulforaphane - as much as (9 times higher than
the levels found in mature heads of broccoli.
Carrots contain a lot of beta carotene, which may help reduce a wide range of cancers including lung,
mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast. ?ome research indicated beta carotene may
actually cause cancer, but this has not proven that eating carrots, unless in very large *uantities - ( to , kilos
a day, can cause cancer. #n fact, a substance called falcarinol that is found in carrots has been found to
reduce the risk of cancer, according to researchers at ;anish #nstitute of Agricultural ?ciences
<;#A?=. Hirsten -randt, head of the research department, explained that isolated cancer cells grow more
slowly when exposed to falcarinol. This substance is a polyacethylen, however, so it is important not to cook
the carrots.
Chili /e//ers and 'ala/enos contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutrali'e certain cancer-causing
substances <nitrosamines= and may help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer.
Cruciferous vegeta"les - broccoli, cauliflower, kale, -russels sprouts, and cabbage contain two
antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin that may help decrease prostate and other cancers.
Figs apparently have a derivative of ben'aldehyde. #t has been reported that investigators at the #nstitute of
Chysical and "hemical 5esearch in Tokyo say ben'aldehyde is highly effective at shrinking tumors, though #
haven@t seen this report. #n addition, the F.?. ;epartment of Agriculture says figs, which contain vitamins A
and ", and calcium, magnesium and potassium, may curtail appetite and improve weight-loss efforts. !ig
+uice is also a potent bacteria killer in test-tube studies.
Fla, contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. !lax
is also high in omega-, fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and heart disease.
?ee -udwig diet for a speciali'ed diet using flax seed oil and cottage cheese.
Garlic has immune-enhancing allium compounds <dialyl sultides= that appear to increase the activity of
immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances. These
substances also help block carcinogens from entering cells and slow tumor development. ;iallyl sulfide, a
component of garlic oil, has also been shown to render carcinogens in the liver inactive. ?tudies have linked
garlic J as well as onions, leeks, and chives J to lower risk of stomach and colon cancer. ;r. enore Arab,
professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the FG"-") <Fniversity of Gorth "arolina at "hapel )ill= schools
of public health and medicine and colleagues analy'ed a number of studies and reported their findings in the
2ctober (999 issue of the American &ournal of "linical Gutrition. According to the report, people who
consume raw or cooked garlic regularly face about half the risk of stomach cancer and two-thirds the risk of
colorectal cancer as people who eat little or none. Their studies didn@t show garlic supplements had the
same effect. #t is believed garlic may help prevent stomach cancer because it has anti-bacterial effects
against a bacterium, )elicobacter pylori, found in the stomach and known to promote cancer there.
Gra/efruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits, contain monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by
sweeping carcinogens out of the body. ?ome studies show that grapefruit may inhibit the proliferation of
breast-cancer cells in vitro. They also contains vitamin ", beta-carotene, and folic acid.
Gra/es, red contain bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives. %rapes are also a
rich source of resveratrol, which inhibits the en'ymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and suppress
immune response. They also contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks en'ymes that are necessary for
cancer cells - this appears to help slow the growth of tumors.
?tudies show that consumption of green and yello( leafy vegeta"les has been associated with lower
levels of stomach cancer.
0ale has indoles, nitrogen compounds which may help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous
cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues. #n addition, isothiocyanates, phytochemicals found in kale, are thought to
suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets.
Licorice root has a chemical, glycyrrhi'in, that blocks a component of testosterone and therefore may help
prevent the growth of prostate cancer. )owever, excessive amounts can lead to elevated blood pressure.
1ushrooms - There are a number of mushrooms that appear to help the body fight cancer and build the
immune system - ?hiitake, maitake, reishi, Agaricus bla'ei Murill, and "oriolus 1ersicolor. These
mushrooms contain polysaccharides, especially entinan, powerful compounds that help in building
immunity. They are a source of -eta %lucan. They also have a protein called lectin, which attacks cancerous
cells and prevents them from multiplying. They also contain Thioproline. These mushrooms can stimulate
the production of interferon in the body.
3xtracts from mushrooms have been successfully tested in recent years in &apan as an ad+unct to
chemotherapy. C?H is made from the "oriolus 1ersicolor. Maitake mushroom extract is C"M..
*uts contain the antioxidants *uercetin and campferol that may suppress the growth of cancers. -ra'il nut
contains 79 micrograms of selenium, which is important for those with prostate cancer. <GoteI Many people
are allergic to the proteins in nuts, so if you have any symptoms such as itchy mouth, tight throat, whee'ing,
etc. after eating nuts, stop. "onsider taking a selenium supplement instead or work with someone on how to
eliminate this allergy.=
ranges and lemons contain #imonene which stimulates cancer-killing immune cells <lymphocytes, e.g.=
that may also break down cancer-causing substances.
2a/ayas have vitamin " that works as an antioxidant and may also reduce absorption of cancer-causing
nitrosamines from the soil or processed foods. Capaya contains folacin <also known as folic acid=, which has
been shown to minimi'e cervical dysplasia and certain cancers.
)as/"erries contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins
that may protect against cancer. According to a recent research study reported by "ancer 5esearch
(99$E4$I4$$(-4$$8, rats fed diets of 0A to $9A black raspberries saw the number of esophageal tumors
decrease by .,A to 4(A. A diet containing 0A black raspberries was more effective than a diet containing
$9A black raspberries. 5esearch reported in the +ournal Gutrition and "ancer in May (99( shows black
raspberries may also thwart colon cancer. -lack raspberries are rich in antioxidants, thought to have even
more cancer-preventing properties than blueberries and strawberries.
)ed (ine, even without alcohol, has polyphenols that may protect against various types of cancer.
Colyphenols are potent antioxidants, compounds that help neutrali'e disease-causing free radicals. Also,
researchers at the Fniversity of Gorth "arolina@s medical school in "hapel )ill found the compound
resveratrol, which is found in grape skins. #t appears that resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation and can help
prevent cancer. )owever, the findings didn@t extend to heavy imbibers, so it should be used in moderation. #n
addition, alcohol can be toxic to the liver and to the nervous system, and many wines have sulfites, which
may be harmful to your health. GoteI some research indicates that alcohol is considered a class DAD
carcinogen which can actually cause cancer -
)osemary may help increase the activity of detoxification en'ymes. An extract of rosemary, termed
carnosol, has inhibited the development of both breast and skin tumors in animals. We haven@t found any
studies done on humans. 5osemary can be used as a seasoning. #t can also be consumed as a teaI Fse $
tsp. dried leaves per cup of hot waterE steep for $0 minutes.
$ea(eed and other sea vegeta"les contain beta-carotene, protein, vitamin -$(, fiber, and chlorophyll, as
well as chlorophylones - important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast cancer. Many sea
vegetables also have high concentrations of the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine.
$oy /roducts li%e tofu contain several types of phytoestrogens J weak, nonsteroidal estrogens that could
help prevent both breast and prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes. There are a
number of isoflavones in soy products, but research has shown that genistein is the most potent inhibitor of
the growth and spread of cancerous cells. #t appears to lower breast-cancer risk by inhibiting the growth of
epithelial cells and new blood vessels that tumors re*uire to flourish and is being scrutini'ed as a potential
anti-cancer drug. )owever, there are some precautions to consider when adding soy to your diet. 3ating up
to . or 0 ounces of tofu or other soy a day is probably ok, but research is being done to see if loading up on
soy could cause hormone imbalances that stimulate cancer growth. As a precaution, women who have
breast cancer or are at high risk should talk to their doctors before taking pure isoflavone powder and pills,
extracted from soy.
$(eet /otatoes contain many anticancer properties, including beta-carotene, which may protect ;GA in the
cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.
Teas3 Green Tea and !lac% tea contain certain antioxidants known as polyphenols <catechins= which
appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. %reen tea is best, followed by our more common black tea
<herbal teas do not show this benefit=. According to a report in the &uly (99$ issue of the Journal of Cellular
iochemistry, these polyphenols that are abundant in green tea, red wine and olive oil, may protect against
various types of cancer. ;ry green tea leaves, which are about .9A polyphenols by weight, may also reduce
the risk of cancer of the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas, study findings have suggested.
Ta/ioca is derived from the cassava plant. #t is one of the many plants that manufactures cyanide by
producing a chemical called linamarine which releases hydrogen cyanide when it is broken down by the
linamarase en'yme. ?panish researches have been studying the cassava and attempting to clone the genes
from the plant which are responsible for producing the hydrogen cyanide and then transfer it to a retrovirus.
Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks roaming oxygen molecules, known as free radicals,
that are suspected of triggering cancer. #t appears that the hotter the weather, the more lycopene tomatoes
produce. They also have vitamin ", an antioxidant which can prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer.
Watermelons, carrots, and red peppers also contain these substances, but in lesser *uantities. #t is
concentrated by cooking tomatoes. ?cientists in #srael have shown that lycopene can kill mouth cancer
cells. An increased intake of lycopene has already been linked to a reduced risk of breast, prostate,
pancreas and colorectal cancer. <GoteI 5ecent studies indicate that for proper absorption, the body also
needs some oil along with lycopene.=
Tumeric <curcuma longa=, a member of the ginger family, is believed to have medicinal properties because it
inhibits production of the inflammation-related en'yme cyclo-oxygenase ( <"2K-(=, levels of which are
abnormally high in certain inflammatory diseases and cancers, especially bowel and colon cancer. #n fact, a
pharmaceutical company Chytopharm in the FH hopes to introduce a natural product, C0., that contains
certain volatile oils, which greatly increase the potency of the turmeric spice.
Turnips are said to contain glucose molaes which is a cancer fighting compound. # haven@t confirmed this.
"onsumption of fruits and vegeta"les has been associated with decreased risk of cancers of the colon and
rectum.