Backed by thousands of fully documented clinical studies and
research papers regarding their ingredients, Parsley and Celery are just two of the everyday plants found in produce aisles and
farmer’s markets that may one day save your life. Together they provide a
fabulous source of nutrients and natural chemicals to boost and moderate one’s
immune system, strengthen bones, relieve joint pain, relax stiff muscles,
protect against aging, improve kidney and liver functions, reduce inflammation,
protect against neurodegenerative disorders, reduce free-radicals, reduce bad
cholesterol, improve bowel movements, moderate blood pressure, reduce urinary
and gall bladder stones, improve urinary infections, boost liver enzymes to
detox the body, kill cancer cells, and prevent cancer from spreading. It this
fascinating cancer research regarding parsley, celery, and their component
parts that we will explore.
In 2008 a clinical trial in Germany found that with regular
use of just 10mg of apigenin, a
natural flavonoid found abundantly in parsley and celery plus 10mg of EGCG, a polyphenol from green tea, the
recurrence rate of colorectal cancer was dramatically reduced.
In 2006 it was confirmed that apigenin inhibited the growth of pancreatic cancer cells and could possibly prevent pancreatic cancer.
A research paper in 2010 makes a strong case for the use of apigenin as a cancer-preventing agent; along with suggesting it could work equally well to
prevent cardiovascular and neurological disorders.
Another study in 2012 regarding ovarian cancer suggested that apigenin could inhibit tumor metastasis.
And a study in 2015 suggests apigenin may be effective at treating and preventing breast cancer.
In relation to prostate cancer there have been a plethora of
studies confirming mechanisms where apigenin kills cancer cells and impedes
cancer’s growth. A 2007 study determined that apigenin kills prostate cancer cells by activation of the p53 suppression protein, and by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that resulted in disruption of the mitochondrial
membrane in cancer cells.
This is especially interesting because it may imply apigenin would be an
effective complimentary treatment alongside artusenate, marijuana, and EGCG
protocols. In 2008 a study found that apigenin inactivates the Akt signaling pathway effectively killing prostate small cell carcinoma.
Additional research in 2009 found that apigenin inhibited IGF-1 and IGF-1R
(insulin like growth factor) leading to prostate cancer cell death.
A study in 2013 showed that apigenin suppressed prostate cancer progression.[ix]
In 2014 it was determined that apigenin stops inhibitor proteins from
preventing a prostate cancer cell’s natural death cycle.
And further research in 2016 suggests apigenin could prevent growth and migration of cancer cells, even cancer stem cells, throughout the body.
The true beauty of these studies is they support apigenin as a multi-pathway
treatment process exhibiting broad anti-cancer effects.
One has to wonder
what it will take
to for our scientific and medical communities
to fully research
and implement
nature-based, low
side effect, affordable cancer treatments
such as apigenin
along with the many other available options?
These studies are but a tiny touch of the vast quantity of
documentation showing apigenin’s positive and proactive results in relation to
cancer. Study after study has confirmed apigenin’s potential as a preventative and therapeutic agent for prostate, breast, cervical, colon, hematologic, lung,
ovarian, skin, thyroid, endometrial, gastric, liver, adrenal, and neuroblastoma
cancers.
Yet full clinical trials for its approval by the FDA, and other agencies,
have been lacking because there’s simply no financial return. The stuff is just too darn cheap and readily
available, so no one wants to put up the tens of millions required for the
necessary clinical trials. You see apigenin is abundantly available from the
foods, herbs, and spices we eat everyday. It’s found in parsley, celery,
peppermint, thyme, rutabagas, bell peppers, artichokes, iceberg lettuce,
chamomile tea, grapefruit, onions, cilantro, licorice, flax, and more. With two
of its most abundant sources coming from parsley leaves and celery leaves. For
instance, a small 100-gram bunch of raw Italian parsley holds about 300mg of
apigenin. The same is true for around 100g of celery tops with leaves, though
the celery stalks hold much less apigenin at approximately 4.6mg per 100 grams.
Dried parsley leaves may be one of the easiest and more abundant sources of
apigenin with approximately 325mg of apigenin contained within a single
teaspoon of the spice.
There are even apigenin pills available as supplements. For
instance, Swanson puts out a 50 mg Apigenin pill available on Amazon.com and
through other sources. So why not just take an apigenin pill and be protected from cancer. The problem
with this comes from a possible issue of less bioavailability, along with the
lack of other important nutrients and chemicals found in parsley and celery
that work synergistically to heal cancer. Parsley and celery contain many rich
antioxidants such as vitamins – A, B1, B2, B6, C, K, beta-carotene, and
quercetin. They also contain multiple flavonoids such as apigenin, luteolin,
and chrysoroil each attacking cancer in different ways. Then there’s
chlorophyll to deactivate carcinogens, and polyactylenes such as falcorinol,
plus volatile oils such as myristicin, crisoeriol, and apiin; all having
anti-cancer properties. And studies have shown that when these are ingested
together from the entire plant complex found in parsley and celery, the
apigenin is more stable and better absorbed.
Taking this all into consideration, let’s take a look at some
practical options for acquiring effective amounts of apigenin through the use
of parsley and celery to improve our health and possibly prevent or treat
cancer. The key to remember here is it may not take much apigenin to be
effective. Remember the successful study mentioned above using only 10mg of
apigenin and 10mg of EGCG? Many researchers believe it’s not the amount of the
dose but the continued application over time that makes for successful
treatment. Then there are side effects to consider. Did you know you could eat
too much parsley? For that matter too much of any food can be unhealthy, and
some foods reach that threshold quicker than others. Then there’s the fact that
everyone’s body reacts differently pending on their overall health and what other
substances they ingest at the same time. So in determining how much parsley or
celery to ingest we need to first look at any possible side effects.
Parsley and celery contain oxalates that could damage or be
hard on an unhealthy kidney, liver, or gall bladder. Parsley could increase
blood pressure whereas celery could decrease it. Too much parsley and celery
may also interfere with thyroid function so those with hypothyroid issues
should use these carefully and consult their doctor. Parsley is not recommended
for women on hormone replacement therapy or who are pregnant. Too much of these
could abort a pregnancy. Nor should it be used within 2 weeks of surgery. And
certain chemotherapy drugs are either reduced in their effectiveness or
improved with parsley, celery, or apinenin therapy. Parsley and celery also
contain natural diuretics, laxatives, and stress reducers. Pending on
circumstances this can be a good thing but too much can be a problem. For
instance an overabundance of these could result in headaches, lack of
equilibrium, and disorientation. Finally some people are allergic to parsley
and celery. The best advice I can provide here, before embarking on any regime
that uses a lot of any one food or spice, be sure to consult with a medical
professional; and in this case reviewing your health with a naturopath who
truly understands parsley and celery would be best.
With all this said the question becomes, how much does one
use in relation to cancer. Unfortunately, much to our disgrace, there have not
been the necessary comprehensive safety studies completed to determine maximum
safe amounts. But we do have some limited information. Regarding parsley, some
sources suggest one can safely eat up to 6 grams per day, while another source
suggests up to 50 grams per meal is safe.
There do not appear to be suggestions regarding maximum amounts of celery
unless one is pregnant. And users and medical professionals generally consider
Apigenin safe for healthy adults, though I find no ruling from the FDA. Studies
completed on mice suggest apigenin at a dose of 50mg per kg of body weight to
be safe, with toxicity not starting until 100mg per kg of body weight was
reached. Of course these numbers may not apply to a human but they certainly
suggest a dose of 100mg to 200mg per day for a healthy person could be well
within the safe range. Then too remember, it’s no so much the quantity of
apigenin but the continued application. With all this information in mind, I
believe the following regime could be a good starting point for anyone dealing
with cancer if you are considering supplementation with parsley and celery for
the apigenin. Remember this is only a suggested approach for you to discuss
with your medical professional.
1) Daily, except for smoothie days, ingest one-quarter to
one-third teaspoon of Certified Organic Dried Parsley Flakes mixed with a meal.
2) Two days per week, about 3 days apart, drink an
anti-cancer raw vegetable smoothie:
In high-speed blender place the following ‘raw’
ingredients:
• One Half+ cup water
• Two Organic Celery stalks with
as much Leafy Top Material as possible
• 6 to 8 sprigs of Organic
Italian Parsley
• One Half Organic Red Apple
with peel
• One Medium size Organic Carrot
• One Quarter small Red Organic
Beet
• Three ice cubes
Blend until smooth and drink immediately
This smoothie is best ingested in the morning due to its
potential diuretic and detox properties. You may also need to reduce beet use
until you are accustomed to its detoxing effects.
Note: The raw
organic carrot provides carotenoids, polyphenols, polyacetylenes, vitamins, and
minerals that are believed to have antioxidant, anti-cancer, and immune
enhancing properties. One of the strongest of these to inhibit cancer cells is
falcarinol. The raw
organic beet helps to detox the liver while providing natural betacyanins and
betalains. Betanin, a highly researched betalain, has been found to have
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, detoxifying, and anti-cancer characteristics.
Studies have shown betanin to impede cancer cell growth for breast, prostate,
colon, stomach, lung, and testicular cancers. The effectiveness of falcarinol
and betanin quickly disappears when vegetables are cooked. The apple has many
nutrients to fight cancer. And a 2010 study suggests that the apple peel may be
the most effective part as both a preventative and antiproliferative against
cancer by activating a tumor suppressor gene called maspin.
YouTube
has an interesting video about apple peels killing cancer cells.
I hope this provides you with good ideas in relation to
preventing and treating cancer through nature-based, low side effect,
affordable means. It’s important to note that cancer is both crafty and
tenacious. Most everyone will agree, to truly cure cancer a multi-faceted
approach is needed. Please consider this information as only one of the many
nature-based tools available to prevent and partially treat cancer.
For unique
information on Alternative Nature Based Cancer Treatments
for the multiple
forms of cancer,
read my newest book: Timely Proposal To Cure Cancer
available on
Amazon.com at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KEGLZY4
For a comprehensive
understanding of Prostate Cancer
focused on
Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment options read:
Release Prostate Cancer Now!
available on
Amazon.com at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W6CEEUM
