Influenza (commonly called "the flu") and the common cold are different illnesses that share some of the same symptoms and it is important to distinguish between them. The flu is of course more serious than a cold and can lead to extreme fatigue, high fever, and even death.

Within the last twenty years evidence has begun to accumulate which supports the specific health benefits of a vegetarian diet. For example in the late 1990’s, researchers found that the isothiocyanates in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) protect against and possibly treat prostate and other cancers. The blood glucose-lowering effect of raw onions has been known for some time and is generally attributed to the presence of several sulfur-containing sulfoxides.