Asparagus is nutritious, but no miracle cure for cancer
Q. I've read that asparagus can fight cancer: Is that true?
A. You may have read a story circulating on the Internet that suggests a daily dose of pureed asparagus can cure cancer. That story has no support in peer-reviewed research journals, and I've been unable to find any information on prior publications or background on the expert source of the story.
On the other hand, asparagus certainly has value as one part of a plant-based diet that reduces cancer risk. It's a good source of folate (a B vitamin essential to maintain healthy DNA) and vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidant compounds like glutathione and rutin.
Asparagus is low in calories (as long as you don't smother it in high-fat cheese sauce or butter), so like most other vegetables, it can help to satisfy hunger while promoting a healthy weight, which research now says has major impact on reducing risk of several common cancers.
• This coulumn was provided by the American Institute for Cancer Research. Learn more about the group and its New American Plate program at aicr.org.