Asparagus and Cancer Treatment

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You have likely seen something on the Internet about the cancer-curing properties of asparagus.

In fact, you have likely seen something on the Internet about the cancer-curing properties of just about every other thing you can imagine, organic or otherwise. The odds are good it was associated with some form of alternative cancer treatment.

With regard to the asparagus, are these treatments evidence-based or not? Can the vegetable that does strange things to your urine also contain anti-cancer properties?

The Asparagus

This vegetable contains many great nutrients and is without doubt very healthy for you. It is low in calories, and it is pretty high in folic acid, fiber, vitamins A, B6 and C, iron, thiamin and potassium. It is full of the kind of phytonutrients that the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute says can "protect against cancer."

Additionally, it is full of antioxidants, which some believe contain anti-cancer properties. No dietitian worth his or her RD would advise against getting more greens like asparagus into their diet, as virtually everyone can use more healthy greens.

Regardless, there is no solid evidence that eating asparagus will be effective in treating or fighting one's cancer. Not directly, at least. Sure, eating asparagus won't be nearly as bad as chemotherapy side effects, but it also won't be as effective.

It is always seen as a good idea to maintain good nutritional goals during cancer treatment, but those should be discussed with one's oncology team, and not determined through an Internet search.

 

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