Dr. Perricone's No. 2 Superfood: The Allium Family
Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks, Shallots and Scallions
If açaí is the most exotic food on this list, the allium family of foods is perhaps the most humble. Garlic, onions, leeks and chives contain flavonoids that stimulate the production of glutathione (the tripeptide that is the liver's most potent antioxidant). Glutathione enhances elimination of toxins and carcinogens, putting the allium family of vegetables at the top of the list for foods that can help prevent cancer. Here are just a few benefits from members of this family.
Garlic
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If açaí is the most exotic food on this list, the allium family of foods is perhaps the most humble. Garlic, onions, leeks and chives contain flavonoids that stimulate the production of glutathione (the tripeptide that is the liver's most potent antioxidant). Glutathione enhances elimination of toxins and carcinogens, putting the allium family of vegetables at the top of the list for foods that can help prevent cancer. Here are just a few benefits from members of this family.
Garlic
- Lowers total cholesterol (but raises HDL—"good"—cholesterol)
- Lessens the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces the risk of blood clots (cause of the majority of strokes and heart attacks)
- Destroys infection-causing viruses and bacteria
- Reduces the risk of certain cancers, in particular, stomach cancers
- Produces more "natural killer" cells in the blood to fight tumors and infections
- Helps fight against neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's
- Enhances detoxification by reducing toxins
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Onions
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- Inhibit the growth of cancerous cells
- Increase in HDL cholesterol (especially when eaten raw)
- Reduce total cholesterol levels
- Increase blood-clot dissolving activity
- Help prevent colds
- Stimulate the immune system
- Reduce the risks of diabetes
- Have antibacterial and antifungal properties
- Reduce the risk of certain cancers
- Help relieve stomach upset and other gastrointestinal disorders
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Leeks
Leeks have all of the healthy properties of the Allium family as described above. However leeks also contain these nutrients:
We all know that onions and garlic are important for imparting delicious flavor to a meal. However, when we include leeks, we raise the flavor of the meal from delicious to "sublime." They are particularly delicious with fish such as halibut, chicken and fish and chicken soups.
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Leeks have all of the healthy properties of the Allium family as described above. However leeks also contain these nutrients:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Manganese
- Iron
- Fiber
We all know that onions and garlic are important for imparting delicious flavor to a meal. However, when we include leeks, we raise the flavor of the meal from delicious to "sublime." They are particularly delicious with fish such as halibut, chicken and fish and chicken soups.
Learn More About Dr. Perricone's Superfoods:
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.