FOODS THAT HEAL
Study after study has found that vitamin and mineral supplements improve the immune function of elderly Americans. The specific nutrients with the most profound effects on immune function are EFAs, protein, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B6, folic acid and iron. Among the healthy elderly, immune boosting benefits have been demonstrated for anti-oxidants like zinc, selenium, vitamin E and beta-carotene.
A number of foods stimulate the body to produce more of the enzymes used for detoxifying the body from cancer-causing chemicals. These foods have been shown to improve liver detoxification and to decrease the risk of developing cancer. They include members of the cabbage family (crucifers), which includes not only cabbage but broccoli, cauliflower, bokchoy and Brussels sprouts, and also green onions and kale. These vegetables contain compounds called aryl isothiocyanates which directly stimulate the activity of an enzyme, glutathione S-transferase, an important component of the Phase Two system. Activation of liver detoxification probably explains the highly publicized effects of broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage in preventing cancer in humans and experimental animals. http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/foodsthatheal.html