While a variety of nutrients act to enhance detoxification and as essential cofactors in detoxification, four have been found to directly enhance it: curcumin, chlorophyllin, wasabi, and broccoli extract.
Curcumin, a phytonutrient derived from the Indian spice turmeric, the main ingredient in curry, is one of the most effective anti-mutagens. A member of the ginger family, turmeric has a reputation for quelling inflammation and healing various maladies ranging from ulcers to upset stomach to arthritis and has been shown to have numerous cardiovascular benefits, in part because it reduces total cholesterol levels and inhibits LDL (low density lipoprotein) oxidation. Researchers have discovered that curcumin can also help protect against the multitude of mutagens in our environment that are often a direct link to cancer development. As I discuss elsewhere in this book, hot peppers also assist in fat burning.
(more…)