Are these foods really carcinogenic?

[hapahaole]

I just read Dr. Andrew Weil's book, 8 Weeks to Optimum Health and he says that these items are carcinogenic....

Black pepper
Button mushrooms
Celery
Raw legume sprouts - alfalfa sprouts in particular

Does anyone know if this is true?

Thanks!

-K

[Rose Goddess]

Wow! This is the first time I have heard this. I know you can overdo it on the sprouts, however having sprouts about 3 times a week is super healthy for your body . . . they are packed with nutrition. Mushrooms are best eaten after they have been soaked in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and dehydrated slightly because of the possibility of fungi. The darker the mushroom the more nutrition. I have definitely been advised to not eat them "fresh." Black pepper has some fantastic nutritional benefits but, as with any spice, it can be overdone. As far as celery goes, Im not sure what he thinks is carcinogenic about it. The only thing is it is highly treated with chemicals if you get conventional celery. It is part of the dirty dozen (the produce you "must" buy organic)
Thanks for posting this question! I look forward to learning more:)
Rose Goddess

[Dimond]

I wouldn't pay much attention to the health professionals that aren't into raw fully.

Celery is one of the best foods that exist. All of the raw experts seem to agree on this.

[joliepolie]

black pepper is not considered a carcinogen in humans.Mice were given extremely high doses and it was shown to cause problems for them.Some mushrooms in their raw state have been studied and shown to be toxic due to agaratines..there is a recent thread on this board with alot of info www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?p=549994 As far as celery it is discussed briefly here in an article about genetically modified foods you might find interesting http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/interviews/hotchkiss.html