Check out this book:
One of the reasons for this post is to let our Petersburg friends know that the two copies of "Anti Cancer, A New Way of Life" by Dr. David Servan-Scheiber, which we ordered for the Petersburg Public Library, are now available to check out.
One of the reasons for this post is to let our Petersburg friends know that the two copies of "Anti Cancer, A New Way of Life" by Dr. David Servan-Scheiber, which we ordered for the Petersburg Public Library, are now available to check out.
We feel that the book is very worth your time. We've given several copies to friends/family and we know of several friends who have ordered the book on our recommendation. If you belong to a book group, this is worth considering for one of your discussions. (note from Kathy: After reading the Introduction, sneak ahead and read pages 105 - 111 to jump start your "read")
We want to emphasize, again, that the author does not recommend alternative forms of treatment. Instead, he emphasizes ways to make conventional treatment more effective. I can't help but think that if his recommendations are so effective in
prolonging the life of cancer victims, how much benefit they could
provide as preventative measures.
Unfortunately, the brain cancer, which started Dr. Servan-Scheiber on his quest for a better way to treat cancer, finally caught up with him. He passed away last July at age 50, nearly 20 years after having been diagnosed, treated, and given a maximum of 6 years to live. The fact that he was able to more than triple his life expectancy says a whole lot about the effectiveness of his recommendations for a better way to live.
Unfortunately, the brain cancer, which started Dr. Servan-Scheiber on his quest for a better way to treat cancer, finally caught up with him. He passed away last July at age 50, nearly 20 years after having been diagnosed, treated, and given a maximum of 6 years to live. The fact that he was able to more than triple his life expectancy says a whole lot about the effectiveness of his recommendations for a better way to live.
Interesting Documentaries:
While you are at the library you might also consider checking out two excellent documentaries on how America's food choices have been and continue to be hijacked by both big business and the government. These limitations in healthy food choices are directly linked to the epidemics of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity plaguing our nation. "Food, Inc." focuses on how big agribusiness dictates what we eat. "Farmageddon" focuses more on how government disrupts the supply of healthy foods to consumers and co-ops. One very good point that was made in "Food, Inc." is how much power consumers have to influence what is available to buy in grocery stores. Now that virtually every item is bar-coded, we vote for the type of food we want every time we shop. An example used is that a strong preference for milk free of Bovine Growth Hormone (rBST) prompted Walmart to quit selling hormone treated milk altogether.
While you are at the library you might also consider checking out two excellent documentaries on how America's food choices have been and continue to be hijacked by both big business and the government. These limitations in healthy food choices are directly linked to the epidemics of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity plaguing our nation. "Food, Inc." focuses on how big agribusiness dictates what we eat. "Farmageddon" focuses more on how government disrupts the supply of healthy foods to consumers and co-ops. One very good point that was made in "Food, Inc." is how much power consumers have to influence what is available to buy in grocery stores. Now that virtually every item is bar-coded, we vote for the type of food we want every time we shop. An example used is that a strong preference for milk free of Bovine Growth Hormone (rBST) prompted Walmart to quit selling hormone treated milk altogether.
"Good" food should taste good.
We have found a number of simple good-food recipes we really enjoy. The black bean soup recipe below is one of our very favorites. Carol McCabe shared it with us several years ago, and we've used it frequently ever since. Ironically, there is nothing in it that isn't on our list of healthy foods. Our version of the basic recipe has evolved over time, but we have yet to figure out a way to add anything, within reason, that negatively impacts the final result. Thanks, Carol!
We have found a number of simple good-food recipes we really enjoy. The black bean soup recipe below is one of our very favorites. Carol McCabe shared it with us several years ago, and we've used it frequently ever since. Ironically, there is nothing in it that isn't on our list of healthy foods. Our version of the basic recipe has evolved over time, but we have yet to figure out a way to add anything, within reason, that negatively impacts the final result. Thanks, Carol!
Black Bean Soup with Salsa
Verde
Notes:
Along with a whole grain bread and green salad, this soup makes a very nice casual company lunch or dinner.
Notes:
Along with a whole grain bread and green salad, this soup makes a very nice casual company lunch or dinner.
We often double and sometimes even quadruple this
recipe for a larger group.
Ingredients:
2 15.5 oz. cans black beans, drained (not necessarily rinsed)
1 1/2 cups organic low-sodium chicken broth (you can substitute vegetable or beef broth; we often settle for low-sodium bullion).
1 cup prepared medium salsa verde (adjust to taste - less if you want the soup less spicy; more if you want more zip)
1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves (optional, but really nice cooked in)
1 tsp. ground cumin
Garnishes: tortillas, grated cheese, crumbled tortilla chips, sour cream, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, more cilantro, green onions,
Also, you can add beef, pork, or chicken for extra protein. Use your imagination!
Puree all ingredients except garnishes. Pour into saucepan and bring to a simmer.
The original recipe says to puree the soup. Because we like more texture, we prefer to put the drained beans in the pot and smash them with a potato masher. Then, we add the other ingredients intact and simmer the soup.
Simmer partially covered 5 - 7 min., stirring frequently, to blend flavors.
Serve with garnishes. This is mostly a base - the garnishes really make it!!!
The basic recipe serves 2 hungry eaters with a bowl left over.
2 15.5 oz. cans black beans, drained (not necessarily rinsed)
1 1/2 cups organic low-sodium chicken broth (you can substitute vegetable or beef broth; we often settle for low-sodium bullion).
1 cup prepared medium salsa verde (adjust to taste - less if you want the soup less spicy; more if you want more zip)
1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves (optional, but really nice cooked in)
1 tsp. ground cumin
Garnishes: tortillas, grated cheese, crumbled tortilla chips, sour cream, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, more cilantro, green onions,
Also, you can add beef, pork, or chicken for extra protein. Use your imagination!
Puree all ingredients except garnishes. Pour into saucepan and bring to a simmer.
The original recipe says to puree the soup. Because we like more texture, we prefer to put the drained beans in the pot and smash them with a potato masher. Then, we add the other ingredients intact and simmer the soup.
Simmer partially covered 5 - 7 min., stirring frequently, to blend flavors.
Serve with garnishes. This is mostly a base - the garnishes really make it!!!
The basic recipe serves 2 hungry eaters with a bowl left over.
We often expand the recipe by adding a can of organic diced tomatoes and a can of low fat refried black beans. For the last batch we made, I sauteed 1/2 cup diced onions, 1 finely diced fresh jalapeno, and 3 cloves of finely chopped garlic, then simmered them along with the other ingredients. Yummy!!
5-Minute Brussels Sprouts (from the worlds healthiest foods (whfoods.org).
Before finding and trying this recipe, I had absolutely no use for Brussels sprouts in any way shape or form. As stated on the site, "Even if you have not been a fan of Brussels sprouts, I think you will
love this Healthiest Way of Cooking Recipe. It not only has great flavor, takes
little time to prepare, but one serving provides 870% of the daily
value (DV) for health-promoting vitamin K, 326% DV for vitamin C and 40%
DV for vitamin A. And they only take minutes to prepare. Enjoy!"
This recipe is delicious, but I suggest following the directions closely. I tried to double the recipe once and it didn't turn out nearly as well. The sprouts were not fully cooked and cooking time is critical. Also, I find that it takes considerably longer than indicated to clean and quarter a pound of Brussels sprouts. Maybe I'm just slow? I mix the dressing in a large serving bowl and then add the cooked sprouts directly to the dressing and mix it together while they are still hot. These are also good cold with or on a green salad.
Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes?? (see above)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- Mediterranean Dressing
- 3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 medium cloves garlic, chopped or pressed
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 TBS dijon mustard, 1 TBS minced parsley (we add the mustard, but not the parsley)
Directions:
- Fill the bottom of the steamer with 2 inches of water.
- While steam is building up in steamer, cut Brussels sprouts into quarters and let sit for at least 5 minutes to bring out their hidden health benefits.
- Chop or press garlic and let sit for at least 5 minutes to bring out their health-promoting properties.
- Steam Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a bowl. Toss Brussels sprouts, while they are
still hot, with the ingredients for the Mediterranean Dressing.
(Mediterranean Dressing does not need to be made separately.) Serves 2
with leftovers.
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| This card was sent to Kathy several years ago. We love it! |
On another food-related subject, Kathy has expressed concern that some of my previous posts regarding drinking red wine are perhaps a little too flippant, and may sound like I am actually promoting red wine as a necessary part of an anti-cancer diet. Nothing could be further from the truth. What I am saying is that if you are going to drink alcohol anyway, red wine appears to be less damaging for you than other alcoholic drinks, and then only when consumed in moderation.
The following is a synopsis of what I have gleaned from a number of sources regarding the relationship between alcohol and cancer. If anyone else has additional or differing information, please feel free to add to this discussion.
Alcohol in itself is not considered to be carcinogenic. However, it can act as a co-carcinogen because it is a potent solvent and can aid in the distribution of free radicals across cellular boundaries. These free radicals can cause disruption of cellular function which can, in turn, lead to mutation of the cellular DNA which is a prerequisite to cancer. Also, as we all know, excessive use (abuse) of alcohol can greatly compromise the immune system and cause a number of other major health issues. When the body's immune system is compromised, the ability to fight any disease, including cancer, is also compromised.
On the other hand, red wine contains resveratrol, which is a very powerful anti-oxidant. Apparently the fermentation process preserves and intensifies the resveratrol, because this component is not nearly nearly as plentiful in plain processed grape juice, even when made from the same grapes. Red wine has considerably more resveratrol than white wine because the substance is found primarily in the skin of the grape. Areas, such as the Mediterranean, where red wine is consumed regularly, have very low cancer rates. However, these areas also consume the "Mediterranean diet", which, as we have discussed before, is chock full of anti-oxidant rich foods.
The bottom line is, if you are concerned about cancer and if you are going to consume alcohol anyway, you are much better off limiting that consumption to a glass or two per day of red wine, preferably with a meal. I guess it is debatable whether or not dark chocolate constitutes a meal.
Shalom,
Barry and Kathy
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