Lettuce is one of the oldest vegetables and probably originated in India or Central Asia. According to the writings or Herodotus, lettuce was served to the Persian kings as far back as the sixth century BC. It was a popular Roman food at about the beginning of the Christian era, and in the first century …
Rethinking Cancer Newsletter #71
Several newsletters ago, we printed an article about the new 5G cellular technology — the incredible hype around it AND the shocking lack of interest by industry and government in the potential dangers it poses to human health and the environment. Now, at least, someone in government is asking the right questions. In February, at …
The origins of the Pea
Evidence shows that the pea has been around since prehistoric times. Although the pea is of uncertain origin, it is probably native to Central Europe or Central Asia. It is also probable that peas were brought from Greece or Italy by the Aryans 2,000 years before Christ. The green pea is a natural soluble mixture …
The Origins of Kale
Kale, and collard, its close relative, are the oldest known members of the cabbage family. Wild cabbage, which strongly resembles kale in its appearance, is still found growing along the European coasts and in North Africa. Kale is native either to the eastern Mediterranean region or to Asia Minor. It is known that man has …
The origins and value of Okra
Okra is native to tropical Africa, where it has been cultivated for many centuries. It is now widely grown in warm regions. For many years it has held an important place among the garden vegetables of the southern states. The young and tender seed pods of okra are used to give a pleasant flavor and …
The origins of the Banana
Bananas were cultivated in India 4,000 years ago. In 1482, the Portuguese found the banana on the Guinea coast and carried it with them to the Canary Islands. Spanish priests are credited with having introduced this fruit to tropical America when they arrived as missionaries in the sixteenth century. Now, the banana can be found …
The origins and nutrients of Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a species of plant in the family Polygonaceae. They are herbaceous perennials growing from short, thick rhizomes. They have large leaves that are somewhat triangular, with long fleshy petioles. They have small flowers grouped in large compound leafy greenish-white to rose-red inflorescence. Most commonly, rhubarb’s leaf stalks are cooked with sugar and used …
Rethinking Cancer Newsletter #70
Every winter we’re told: be afraid, be very afraid! It’s flu and cold season: get your flu shot, avoid touching doorknobs and people, watch out for rampant germs… But what’s really happening? For centuries, scientists have been trying to find the chemical antidote to the viruses that supposedly cause the common cold. It’s a waste …
The History and nutrients of a Turnip
The turnip, which belongs to the mustard family, is reported to have come from Russia, Siberia, and the Scandinavian peninsula. It has been used since ancient times. Columella wrote in A.D. 42 that two varieties of turnips were grown in what is now known as France. Pliny refers to five varieties, and stated that the …
The history and nutrients of Spinach
Spinach is a small, fleshy-leaved annual of the goosefoot family. It is a quick-maturing, cool season crop that is hardy and will live outdoors over winter thoughout most of the area from New Jersey southward along the Atlantic Coast and in most parts of the lower South. Spinach has been both praised and abused. It …