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The knowledge of medicinal plants handed down through generations has the potential to unlock valuable treatments for numerous diseases, including cancer. Yet, while traditional practices provide anecdotal evidence, modern science requires solid empirical data. Unfortunately, funding for this type of research is often limited, especially for natural remedies that cannot be patented. This lack of profitability reduces interest from corporations and potential sponsors.\n
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Sometimes, unexpected sources can provide undeniable proof of a plant’s medicinal properties. A notable example comes from a Native American high school student whose research on a traditional recipe and plant gained international attention at the Los Angeles International Science Fair. According to Indian Country Today, Destany \u201cSky\u201d Pete, a member of the Shoshone and Paiute Tribes from the Duck Valley Indian Reservation (spanning Idaho and Nevada), discovered a link between her community\u2019s current health problems and the absence of traditional foods, particularly the lost recipe for toishabui, also known as chokecherry pudding.\n
Curious about the potential health benefits of chokecherry pudding\u2014especially its rumored ability to fight cancer\u2014Sky decided to put these claims to the test. She partnered with Dr. Ken Cornell, a biochemistry professor at Boise State University with expertise in cancer cell research, to design an experiment.\n
Dr. Cornell analyzed four different chokecherry samples on uterine sarcoma cancer cells. Surprisingly, only one sample\u2014the traditional chokecherry pudding\u2014showed promising results. Within just 24 hours, the cancer cells began to die. Sky explained that the key ingredient behind this success was the inclusion of crushed chokecherry pits, an essential part of the original recipe. The findings were celebrated within her community as a powerful example of how traditional knowledge can align with modern science.\n
Sky\u2019s project was such a success that it won the First Grand Prize at the 2017 Elko County Science Fair in Nevada, outperforming over 440 other submissions. Motivated by these results, she plans to continue her research to determine if chokecherry pudding can have similar effects on other types of cancer cells over longer testing periods.\n
Reflecting on the significance of her work, Sky highlighted the importance of traditional diets in maintaining health. \u201cIt was the traditional preparation of toishabui with the crushed seeds that had the results,\u201d she said. \u201cI feel like our ancestors were really healthy. Nowadays, we\u2019re prone to diabetes and other diseases. But back then, it was our food that made us healthy.\u201d\n
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Chokecherry, a tree native to North America, bears small fruits bursting with antioxidants that ripen in late summer. Interestingly, the tiny seeds found within these fruits are believed to have cancer-fighting properties. Despite this, the seeds are often overlooked, particularly in popular recipes like chokecherry jam, which typically discard them. To bring back the traditional medicinal value of chokecherries, it\u2019s essential to embrace the entire fruit\u2014seeds included. A classic way to do this is through chokecherry pudding, a recipe that incorporates crushed seeds. While the seeds naturally contain a trace amount of cyanide-like compounds, they\u2019re safe when consumed in moderation, and cooking the pudding neutralizes any potential risks. Other enjoyable ways to savor chokecherries include creating fruit leather, juice, or jam.\n
Though variations of chokecherry pudding exist across different Native American tribes, the key principle is the same: use the entire fruit, including the pits. It\u2019s important to note that chokecherries are not interchangeable with black cherries or other cherry varieties, as these differences may affect both the health benefits and potential risks.\n
Sky, a proponent of traditional recipes, highlights that authentic chokecherry pudding involves crushing the seeds along with the fruit. However, modern adaptations sometimes involve removing the seeds during the juicing process. According to Sky, the seeds may play an important role in promoting health and well-being.\n
When working with medicinal foods, it\u2019s vital to remember the phrase, \u201cthe dose makes the poison.\u201d Chokecherry seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide-like compounds, similar to those found in apple seeds, but they\u2019re safe in small quantities. In fact, these compounds might even offer some health benefits. However, overconsumption could be dangerous, so it\u2019s a good idea to consult a naturopathic doctor if you\u2019re unsure.\n
Thankfully, there\u2019s no need to worry when it comes to chokecherry pudding. Boiling the seeds during the cooking process renders them completely safe, allowing you to reap the health benefits of the fruit without any danger. For those who prefer to enjoy chokecherries for their flavor, alternatives like fruit leather, jam, juice, or even store-bought chokecherry jelly are excellent options.\n