Asparagus is a natural cure for cancer-Unproven!
Summary of eRumor:
A forwarded email about the vegetable asparagus and how it was found to cure cancer.
The Truth:
There is no clinical proof that asparagus cures various forms of cancer.
Asparagus is a stalk like vegetable that grows in sandy soil and is part of the Lilly family along with garlic, onions and leeks. The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board calls it “one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables in existence” because it is high in content of folic acid, potassium, thiamin, and fiber. Asparagus is a good source for vitamins A, B6 and C. The stalks contains no cholesterol or fat, and is low in sodium.
The American Cancer Society has an information page on folic acid saying that it is a B vitamin that helps the body build healthy new cells and maintains DNA.
The American cancer society recommends moderation of the intake of the folic acid as high doses can interfere with the effectiveness of the cancer treatment with chemotherapy.
Fox News reported on June 5, 2007 that heavy doses in nutritional supplements, such as folic acid, could backfire and increase the risk of cancer: Click for news story.
updated 04/14/09