Dr. Weeks’ Comment: Robert Cohen, www.notmilk.com , is a force for good. (and that is an understatement). Now we learn about other parts of the plant aside from the fruit which are beneficial…. grape stems, anyone?
Beyond Stem Calls: Stemming Cancer with Grape Stems "Polyphenols are abundant micronutrients in our diet, and evidence for their role in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases is emerging." - American Journal for Clinical Nutrition, May, 2004 * * * * The October 15, 2014 issue of Toxicology Letters includes a publication with this promising title: "Anticarcinogenic activity of polyphenolic extracts from grape stems against breast, colon, renal and thyroid cancer cells" Greek scientists participated with researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health to determine that extracts from grape stems (and not the juice) inhibited the growth of in-vitro (glass vials) colon cancer cells (HT-29), breast cancer cells (MCF-7), kidney cancer cells (786-0) and thyroid cancer cells (K-1). Four different varieties of grape stems were used. Researchers report: "A major part of the wineries' wastes is composed of grape stems...The grape stem extracts' use as a source of high added value polyphenols presents great interest... The cancer cells were exposed to the extracts for 72 hours and the effects on cell growth were evaluated... The results indicated that all extracts inhibited cell proliferation...This is the first study presenting the inhibitory activity of grape stem extracts against growth of colon, breast, renal and thyroid cancer cells." So, yesterday, having only myself to experiment upon, I invented a new health drink. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds 1 Tablespoon Grape Stems METHOD: Puree in VitaMix for 2 minutes The result is a healthy/thick/creamy citrus treat! * * * * "A smoothie a day keeps Big Pharma away." - Gary Hopkins