I received this from a friend and thought I would pass it along for those interested I do not know the original source or of its validity, perhaps someone on the list does and will share it.

Asparagus & Cancer

Several years ago, I had a man seeking asparagus for
a friend who had cancer. He gave me a photocopied
copy of an article, entitled, `Asparagus for cancer' printed in Cancer
News Journal, December 1979.

I will share it here, just as it was shared with me:

'I am a biochemist, and have specialized in the
relation of diet to health for over 50 years.

Several years ago, I learned of the discovery of
Richard R. Vensal, D.D.S. that asparagus might cure
cancer.

Since then, I have worked with him on his
project. We have accumulated a number of favorable case
histories.

Here are a few examples:

Case No. 1, A man with an almost hopeless case of
Hodgkin's disease (cancer of the lymph glands) who
Was completely incapacitated. Within 1 year of starting the
Asparagus therapy, his doctors were unable to detect any signs of cancer,
and he was back on a schedule of strenuous exercise.

Case No. 2, a successful businessman 68 years old
who suffered from cancer of the bladder for 16
years. After years of medical treatments, including
radiation without improvement, he went on asparagus.
Within 3 months, examinations revealed that his
Bladder tumor had disappeared and that his kidneys were normal.

Case No. 3, a man who had lung cancer. On March
5th 1971, he was put on the operating table where they
Found lung cancer so widely spread that it was inoperable.
The surgeon sewed him up and declared
his case hopeless. On April 5th he heard about the
asparagus therapy and immediately started taking it.
By August, x-ray pictures revealed that all
signs of the cancer had disappeared. . He is back at
his regular business routine.

Case No.. 4, a woman who was troubled for a number
of years with skin cancer. She finally developed
different skin cancers which were diagnosed by asking
specialist as advanced. Within 3 months
after starting on asparagus, her skin specialist
said that her skin looked fine and no more skin lesions.
This woman reported that the asparagus
therapy also cure her kidney disease, which started
in 1949. She had over 10 operations for kidney stones,
and was receiving government disability
payments for an inoperable, terminal, kidney
condition. She attributes the cure of this kidney trouble
entirely to the asparagus.

I was not surprised at this result, as `The
elements of material medica', edited in 1854 by a Professor
at the University of Pennsylvania , stated that asparagus was used as a
popular remedy for kidney stones. He even referred to experiments,
in 1739, on the power of asparagus in dissolving stones.

We would have other case histories but the medical
establishment has interfered with our obtaining some
of the records. I am therefore appealing to readers to spread this good
news and help us to gather a large number of case histories that will
overwhelm the medical skeptics about this unbelievably simple
and natural remedy.

For the treatment, asparagus should be cooked
before using, and therefore canned asparagus is just
as good as fresh. I have corresponded with the two leading canners of
asparagus, Giant and Stokely, and I am satisfied that these brands
contain no pesticides or preservatives. Place the cooked asparagus in a
blender and liquefy to make a puree, and store in the refrigerator. Give the
patient 4 full tablespoons twice daily, morning and evening. Patients
usually show some improvement in from 2-4 weeks. It can be diluted
with water and used as a cold or hot drink. This suggested dosage is
based on present experience, but certainly larger amounts can do no
harm and may be needed in some cases.

As a biochemist I am convinced of the old saying
that`what cures can prevent'. Based on this theory,
my wife and I have been using asparagus puree as a beverage with our meals.

We take 2 tablespoons diluted in water to suit our
taste with breakfast and with dinner. I take mine
hot and my wife prefers hers cold. For years we have made it a
practice to have blood surveys taken as part of our regular checkups.

The last blood survey, taken by a medical doctor
who specializes in the nutritional approach to health,
showed substantial improvements in all categories over the last one,
and we can attribute these improvements to nothing but the asparagus
drink...

As a biochemist, I have made an extensive study
of all aspects of cancer, and all of the proposed
cures. As a result, I am convinced that asparagus fits in better with the
latest theories about cancer. Asparagus contains a good supply of
protein called histones, which are believed to be active in controlling cell
growth. For that reason, I believe asparagus can be said to contain a
substance that I call cell growth normalizer. That accounts for its action on
cancer and acting as a general body tonic.

In any event, regardless of theory, asparagus used
as we suggest, is a harmless substance. The FDA cannot prevent you
from using it and it may do you much good.. It has been
reported by the US National Cancer Institute, that asparagus is the
highest tested food containing glutathione, which is considered one of
the body's most potent anticarcinogens and antioxidants.