Posted by 
Allium vegetables –garlic, leeks, chives and shallots dramatically cut the risk of bowel cancer. Each year 42,000 Britons are diagnosed with the disease and it kills more than 16,000, but the research suggests one small onion a day could be enough to prevent it.
The study of more than 1,600 men and women found those with the biggest intake were 79 per cent less likely to develop bowel cancer than those with the least. Bioactive compounds in allium vegetables have previously been shown to protect against breast and prostate cancer.
The study compared 833 bowel cancer patients with the same number of healthy controls, using a food frequency questionnaire. Dr Li pointed out that cooking method had an effect. For example, boiling onions reduced useful chemicals, while slicing and crushing fresh garlic was beneficial.