A Cancer Fighting Duo: Turmeric and Cauliflower.

Turmeric (also known as curcumin) is known as a wonder spice with many health benefits.  A Rutgers University research team found that the curry spice turmeric holds potential for both prevention and treatment of prostrate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States.  When combining a phytochemical (phenethyl isothiocyanate) common in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kale and turnips with turmeric in lab studies, the combination was not only effective in reducing tumor growth but also the spreading of cancer cells.  The study appeared in the January 15, 2006, issue of the Journal of Cancer Research.  The research team noted a high level of prostrate cancer in the U.S. as compared to India, which it attributed a larger consumption of plant-based foods rich in phytochemicals such as cauliflower and broccoli along with turmeric.  In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric holds a high place as a “cleanser of the body.” 

For an article written by a man who was diagnosed with prostrate cancer and immediately made health changes to his diet that helped him transform his life, see CNBC's Men's Health Section.  Check out the following link for a simple recipe of sauteed cauliflower with turmeric.

Barley: More than John Barleycorn.

Barley is a winner when it comes to nutrition.  It is a good source of B vitamins (niacin and thiamine), selenium (a powerful antioxidant), iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and copper.  While most whole grains are good sources of soluble fiber, a key to reducing blood cholesterol levels, barley is a powerhouse as soluble fiber is found throughout its entire kernel.  Barley promotes intestinal health, increases disease immunity, and promotes weight loss by reducing insulin resistance.  Hulled barley is eaten after removing the outer hull; once removed it is called dehulled barley or pot or scotch barley.  Dehulled barley is considered a whole grain.  Pearl or pearled barley is dehulled barley that has been steam processed to remove the bran.  While pearl barley is not a whole grain (it has been processed), it is still a significant source of soluble fiber (a cholesterol buster) as well as trace minerals and micronutrients.  Barley is not a gluten-free food.  While its gluten content is less than wheat, it is still unsafe for gluten intolerant individuals to consume.  Incorporating whole grains in your daily diet is an important step toward perfect health.  Barley is terrific in soups, stews, and salads.  Even barley water has been touted for its medicinal benefits.  

Cholesterol Busters.

Garlic has been touted for its many health benefits and some studies purport that it even lowers your blood cholesterol.  Garlic lowers LDL (the bad cholesterol), increases HDL (the good cholesterol) and helps reduce triglyceride levels.  The phytochemicals present in garlic have the same effect on the body as statin drugs.  Garlic is said to be a form of natural statin, without the side effects.  Ayurveda, an ancient system of healing from India suggests boiling a clove of garlic in a cup of hot milk and consuming it daily.  In addition to daily exercise and a diet of fiber rich foods, Ayurveda recommends that you drink lots of water.  For a western holistic approach, radical lifestyle changes may be required.  The Mediterranean diet, a diet rich in olive oil and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fish has been touted as a heart-healthy diet.  Whole grain cereals such as oats and soluble fibers such as beans can significantly reduce cholesterol levels.  Eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids at least twice a week can lower LDL levels (the bad cholesterol) as well as blood pressure.  And don’t forget to shop for walnuts; they are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Ayurveda: Fire up your Digestion.

In Ayurveda, good digestion is considered the key to good health.  The digestive fire is called “agni” a Sanskrit word meaning, “fire.”  Ayurveda believes that strong agni will protect you from disease.  If your agni is weak, ama will be produced.  Ama is a sticky substance that clogs the body’s channels and blocks the entry of nutrients into the tissues and the release of toxins.  Built-up ama can result in disease. 

While the quality of the food you eat is important, the best foods in the world won’t do much good if you are unable to digest them properly.  First, eat when you are hungry and stop eating when you are full.  Second, choose your diet according to your constitution (see blog entry on the doshas, Oct. 22, 2010).  For instance, if you are a Vata type you may require heavier foods to feel more grounded.  Your diet will also depend on the strength of your digestion.  Stimulating your digestion is important.  Ayurveda does this through the use of spices in cooking.  Other ways to ensure that your digestive fire is strong include:

(1)  Eat sitting and relax and enjoy your food.

(2)  Eat cooked food, as it is easier to digest than raw.

(3)  Avoid ice-cold foods and drinks as they weaken the digestion.

(4)  Be mindful of the quality and types of foods you eat and how they affect your body and mind.

(5)  Eat with the season.