Sabate J., Fraser G.E. Curr Opin Lipidol. 1994 Feb;5(1):11-6.
2004 Research Study from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
South Asian women from India eat a diet rich in phyto-oestrogens (plant) – not from soy foods but from beans, lentils and vegetables. The dietary intake of phyto-oestrogens was compared between 240 South Asian women living in England with breast cancer, and 477 similar women without breast cancer. It was found that among the women with the highest intake of phyto-oestrogens there were only half as many cases of breast cancer as among those with the lowest intake. The researchers concluded that phyto-oestrogens help to protect against breast cancer.
dos Santos Silva I., Mangtani P. and colleagues. Cancer Causes Control. 2004 Oct;15(8):805-18.
2004 Article from the Hallelujah Acres Foundation, Ellensburg, Washington, USA
Scientists estimate that 30-40 per cent of all cancers can be prevented by lifestyle and dietary measures alone. Consuming too much low-fibre food and red meat, and a poor balance of essential polyunsaturated fats, increases the risk of developing cancer. Consuming abundant fruits and vegetables lowers cancer risk. Garlic, onions and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts are especially beneficial. Nutrients that protect against cancer include selenium, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, chlorophyll, and antioxidants such as carotenoids. Taking supplements of digestive enzymes and probiotics is also helpful. Individuals who follow these guidelines are likely to have a 60-70 per cent lower risk of developing breast, colon or prostate cancer, and also a reduced risk of contracting other forms of cancer.
Donaldson M.S. Nutr J. 2004 Oct 20;3(1):19.
2005 Research from the American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
In this study, 148,610 adults aged 50-74 were asked to provide information on their consumption of meat in 1982 and again in 1992. They were observed from 1992 to 2001 and, during this time, 1,667 of them developed cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer). Those with colorectal cancer were found to be the highest long-term consumers of red meat and processed meats. The researchers concluded that prolonged high consumption of red meat and processed meats may increase the risk of cancer in the lower part of the large intestine. These findings have also been confirmed by other researchers.
Chao A., Thun M.J. and colleagues. JAMA. 2005 Jan 12;293(2):172-82.
2004 Research from Clemson University, SC, USA
Plants are known to contain anti-cancer compounds. The initial step in the formation of a cancer is damage to a cell, which leads to a mutation in one of its genes. Fresh juices and extracts from strawberries, raspberries and blueberries were evaluated for their ability to inhibit mutations induced by mutagens such as benzopyrene – a mutagen found in charred meat. The researchers found that juice from strawberries, raspberries and blueberries significantly inhibited the action of mutagens.
Hope Smith S., Tate P.L. and colleagues. J Med Food. 2004
Winter;7(4):450-5.
2004 Research from Michigan State University, USA
Anthocyanidins are pigments found in bilberries, blueberries, black grapes and other dark blue, dark red and purple fruits. On testing, these researchers found that they have a significant anti-cancer effect.
Zhang Y., Vareed S.K., Nair M.G. Life Sci. 2005 Feb 11;76(13):1465-72. Epub 2004 Dec 13.
1997 Research from Andrews University, Michigan, USA
A diet rich in plant foods contains many substances with health-protective benefits. Nuts, whole grains, fruit and vegetables contain phenolic compounds, terpenoids, pigments and other natural antioxidants that help to protect against and/or treat chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. The foods and herbs with the highest anti-cancer activity include garlic, soybeans, cabbage, ginger, liquorice, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. The phytochemicals in whole grains reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. In addition to providing an ample supply of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and pectin, citrus fruits also contain a host of active phytochemicals.
Craig W.J. J Am Diet Assoc. 1997 Oct;97(10 Suppl 2):S 199–204.
As we get older , the vitality of our digestive system often decreases. Food is less easily digested, absorbed and assimilated into cells. Your whole body is made from cells. While the vitamin and mineral levels in our food remain the same, amounts of nutrients getting into our cells may decrease. Depending on which types of cells are affected, problems can start to develop with hormones, energy, bones, joints, nervous system, immune system or circulation. These problems are often put down to the ageing process. But the good news is that ageing cells can be rejuvenated.
Cells are very much like miniature plants. Give them enough oxygen and nutrients, and help them to get rid of their waste products quickly, and they will be able to regenerate themselves and work more efficiently. The result is better energy, more balanced hormones, stronger bones and joints, and a healthier circulation and nervous system.
If by now you’re guessing that the best way to rejuvenate your body is with soup, you are not far wrong. With less efficient digestion and absorption, it’s important to reduce the load on your digestive system while increasing the nutrient density of what you eat. That means eating foods with a high ratio of vitamins, minerals and flavonoids compared with the total number of calories.
The most high-calorie foods are those high in sugar, fat and starch. Soup, on the other hand, quickly fills you up without containing added sugar, and with only a little fat (oil) and starch in the form of rice or potatoes. The rest is water, fibre, vitamins, minerals and protein. The fibre content helps to sweep out wastes which might otherwise be absorbed into your blood and end up burdening your kidneys. All these qualities make home-made soup a naturally rejuvenating food.
To increase the nutritional value of soup even more, you can enrich it with juice extracted from vegetables such as broccoli stems, carrots, tomatoes, radishes and celery. Consumed on a regular basis, soup made in this way helps your brain, nervous system, liver, kidneys, circulation and glands to work better. With a healthy circulation, your memory, energy, eyes and ears stay youthful, helping you to continue enjoying life well into old age. Cells discharge their wastes more easily, water retention recedes, and all sorts of ailments begin to disappear. Add home-made chicken or fish stock or broth and you can even help to rebuild joints and cartilage. Stock from boiled chicken and fish bones is rich in glucosamine, which scientists have successfully used to treat long-term arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
MEDICINAL
