Health for the Ages

Medical historian Alain Touwaide says DNA analysis of clay-bound pills from a Roman shipwreck confirms traces of the same dried carrot, radish, cabbage, celery, wild onion, and parsley described in ancient Greek medical texts. This medicine was most likely used to treat intestinal disorders. The brownish, coin-size pills – preserved in tin boxes for two millennia – are the first proof that the writings were “not just theoretical but actually applied.” Touwaide says the second-century physician Galen referred to broccoli, a relative of cabbage, as an intestinal cancer treatment. Studies today confirm the plant’s anticancer properties – making “eat your vegetables” a timeless prescription.