Following are excerpts from a few of my published articles:
DISCLAIMER: Nothing herein should be taken as medical advice or a prescription or diagnosis in any form.
“… Like many fresh fruits, cucumbers are also rich in nutrients. Cucumbers contain a beneficial source of Vitamins C, K, and beta carotene, benefitting immunity and bone health while also supporting healthy eyes and skin. Cucumbers also contain helpful amounts of the minerals magnesium, manganese, and potassium, important in converting food into energy, supporting optimal muscle movement, regulating nervous system activity, and optimizing blood pressure. In addition, cucumbers contain a beneficial source of silica in their skin, an important mineral in supporting healthy blood vessels, bones, cartilage, and teeth. Cucumbers also contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that can lower the risk of oxidative stress, decrease chronic inflammation, help reduce fever, support brain health, and aid protein digestion. Moreover, cucumbers have natural compounds that have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer, while the fiber in cucumbers is helpful in removing waste products from the body…”
– From “Chill out with Cucumbers!”, published in the Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association (OEFFA) Newsletter, Summer, 2021
“Most cruciferous vegetables have been identified as having properties that are helpful in the prevention of cancer, and radishes are no exception. The role of radishes in this regard is impressive: the sulfur-containing compounds in radishes have been shown to induce death in cancer cells plus help protect healthy cells from cancer-causing genetic mutations. These same sulfur-containing compounds can also repel pathogens… Radishes have been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties when ingested… All parts of the radish—roots, stem and leaves—are beneficial. Radish greens are particularly high in nutrients: just one cup of loosely-packed greens offers a high source of vitamins A and C and the minerals calcium and magnesium, and a good source of iron… Radish seeds, when sprouted, yield extra-concentrated protective compounds.
– From “Restorative Radishes”, published in the Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association (OEFFA) Newsletter, Spring, 2019
“… Asparagus is rich in a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, key amino acids, and beneficial phytonutrients, providing in a one cup serving over 2/3 of the recommended daily value (DV) of folate and over 10% of the DV of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, choline, and E, plus the minerals iron, manganese, potassium, selenium, and zinc. The B-vitamins are important for metabolism, blood sugar management, and energy production as well as the health of the nervous system and skin, with folate (vitamin B9) in particular helping promote cognitive and cardiovascular health while reducing the risk of certain cancers. Vitamin A helps support healthy eyes and skin, and along with manganese, zinc, and selenium, is integral to a healthy immune response… Asparagus is also rich in antioxidants that fight everyday ‘wear and tear’ on the body, making it a great food for preventing disease, and asparagus contains several noteworthy nutrients … One example is the powerful body-detoxifying compound, glutathione, an antioxidant powerhouse that plays a significant role in immune function and is beneficial in regulating both heart and liver disease, along with cancer and autoimmune conditions.
Asparagus is also high in rutin, a flavonoid associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease by way of inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing inflammation. Rutin has also been shown to reduce the risk of eye problems such as retinopathy related to blood sugar dysregulation. Asparagus also contains another unique group of compounds called steroidal saponins, phytonutrients that have been shown to reduce inflammation, help mitigate the effects of stress, boost memory, and optimize immune signaling to thwart certain cancer-related processes… “
– From “Awesome Asparagus”, published in the Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association (OEFFA) Newsletter, Spring, 2017
“… Grapes … contain abundant phytonutrients including resveratrol, believed to be one of the most important cardioprotective and restorative phytonutrients studied thus far. Specifically, resveratrol may help protect against cardiovascular disease (CVD) by reducing oxidation of cholesterol and controlling platelet aggregation. Moreover, grapes increase nitric oxide levels in the blood, helping regulate clotting by facilitating blood vessel dilation. Resveratrol has also been linked to increased expression of genes associated with longevity and reduced cancer risk. For maximum benefit, choose darker grapes and eat the skin and seeds.”
– From “Eating Whole Foods for Autumn”, published in Edible Columbus, October, 2016
“… Herbs represent another treasure from the summer garden, reliably including concentrated sources of nutrients. The leaves of basil, cilantro, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, and thyme are just a few examples, and the flowers of these herbs can also be consumed for additional flavor and nutritional benefit. The flowers of leafy greens such as arugula and chives are also nutritious options, lending a robust taste to summer fare. The peppery flowers of nasturtium contain vision-boosting lutein, and calendula flowers contain high sources of both lutein and zeaxanthin: the petals can be eaten raw or dried and used in a tea or as an economical alternative to saffron…”
– From “Restorative Summer Foods”, published in Edible Columbus, June, 2016