A cancer patient credits his morning glass of broccoli juice with halting the disease. Ray Wiseman’s claim has prompted more research into the vegetable’s healing powers. Doctors told Mr Wiseman they did not expect him to survive, when they diagnosed him five years ago.

But scans show that his cancer has stopped spreading  -  vastly improving his chances of a recovery. The grandfather, 79, puts his health down to the tumbler of broccoli juice that his wife prepares for him each day.

Mr Wiseman, who lives in Braunstone, Leicestershire, said: ‘I take this juice every day. I know it’s done me good.  I suppose it would be the same for everybody.’

His wife Joan, 72, started giving him the juice after a friend told her about the healing benefits of green vegetables. For each half-tumbler dose she combines a head of broccoli with some apples and carrots to improve the taste.

She said: ‘We believe my husband’s incredible luck is down to broccoli. I hope our experience can help other cancer sufferers.  ‘The juice is a mess to make but it’s something we have been happy to clear up. He now just takes it as second nature.
‘If anybody else’s husband is suffering from cancer and they are not getting on too well, it could help them.’

Scientists from Cancer Research UK have asked her for the recipe, to further study the vegetable’s benefits.  Recent medical studies have highlighted the possible cancer-beating powers of broccoli.

British scientists at the Institute of Food Research found that men who ate one daily portion had altered patterns of gene activity in their prostates, suggesting that the chemicals in the vegetable might be able to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

According to a report published in the British Journal of Cancer in 2006, natural chemicals found in certain vegetables, such as broccoli-cauliflower and cabbage, can enhance DNA repair in cells, which could help stop them becoming cancerous.

A spokesman for Cancer Research UK said: ‘There’s a lot of research that’s focused on broccoli and the healing properties that the vegetable contains.  ‘If taken, broccoli needs to be with a healthy diet that is high in all fruit and vegetables.  ‘This can also reduce the chances of developing cancer.’

Around 10,000 are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year in the UK . It is the fifth most common form of the disease and affects more men than women.

A member of the cabbage family, broccoli is rich in vitamin C and has properties that boost the human immune systems that fight viruses, bacteria and cancer.  Studies have found that boiling broccoli can reduce its anti-cancer compounds, but steaming and microwaving do not.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become extremely porous, are subject to fracture, and heal slowly, occurring especially in women following menopause and often leading to curvature of the spine from vertebral collapse.

Calcium supplements are a good way to maintain calcium stock in your bones. However, in some people, it may not be sufficient to ward off osteoporosis. In our teenage years to early adulthood, the body accumulates calcium to build strong bones.

Beyond the age of 30, the calcium stock is maintained, but cannot be increased. As we age beyond 50, the bones start to lose calcium. When the loss becomes excessive, as is often the case in post-menopausal women, this leads to osteoporosis. Genetics also plays a role. People who have direct relatives with osteoporosis are at greater risk of developing it. Other precipitating factors include a sedentary lifestyle, excessive caffeine and alcohol intake, certain drugs like steroids and certain chronic diseases like hyperthyroidism.

Calcium is only part of the solution. There has to be sufficient daily vitamin D intake. Without vitamin D, calcium cannot be absorbed in sufficient quantities by the body. In countries with prolonged winters, the elderly have been shown to be more prone to osteoporosis. This should not be a problem in sunny Asia, unless you stay indoors or use sunscreen liberally. If you do, a vitamin D supplement would help.

The daily requirement of calcium is about 800mg a day, and the required daily intake of vitamin D is 800 international units. Most of these can he obtained from a balanced diet. Foods that contain a high amount of calcium include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, tofu and whitebait.

Like hypertension and diabetes, osteoporosis is a silent disease, and often manifests itself dramatically in a fracture after a minor trauma. In the elderly, a hip fracture can be a death sentence, not from the osteoporosis itself, but from the complications of prolonged immobility that the fracture causes. Hence, it is important to ensure not only an adequate daily intake of calcium and vitamin D, but to have an active lifestyle and get a medical check-up if you are at risk.

While there can be several causes, back pain is usually associated with weak abdominal muscles. The best way to repair the problem is to strengthen these core “powerhouse” muscles and elongating your back muscles. Your posture will be improved with stronger stabilizing muscles for the spine. Proper carriage is achieved, thus relieving undue stress and tension on your back.

Every Pilates exercise is an abdominal exercise because the abs are always engaged. At the same time, Pilates works to strengthen and lengthen the muscles supporting your spine evenly and uniformly. By re-balancing the muscles that support your spine, you can reverse the discomfort of an aching back.

Whatever the condition of your back, you would benefit from Pilates exercises as they restore strength and keep the spine flexible, while maintaining the natural curves of the neck and the middle and lower back. Please get a professional doctor advice if your encounter back pain.