Posted on 07/24/2010 8:50:10 PM PDT by nickcarraway
FORMER Celtic star John Hartson wishes he had munched his greens instead of steak and chips during his playing days.
The striker, who fought cancer, used to be teased about his weight by opposing fans and yesterday admitted his diet could have been better.
The dad-of-four told how during his Arsenal days in the 90s manager Arsene Wenger ordered his players to eat healthy food like broccoli.
Studies have suggested the chemical sulforaphane, found in broccoli, can ward off cancer and lessen the effects of tumours.
Hartson, 35, said: "Arsene Wenger concentrated a lot on diet and fitness, whereas at West Ham I was allowed to get away with anything I wanted as I was playing well and scoring goals.
"I didn't go in for broccoli - I wish I had now. If I wanted steak and chips, that was fine.
"I had a great career. I played for Arsenal, Celtic, West Ham and I won 50 caps for Wales.
"But I should have done things differently and got myself fitter."
Hartson's weight plummeted from 19 to 14 stones after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, which spread. But he battled back after 67 chemo sessions and brain and lung operations. Hartson, husband of Sarah, 38, said: "My story is a wonderful one, really. I don't think people realise how close I came to dying.
"I'm not completely out of the woods yet - I've still got to keep an eye on my blood markers and my scans.
"But I'm in a wonderful position to raise awareness and funds to combat testicular cancer due to my profile."
KING OF VEG'S BENEFITS
It packs the most nutritional punch of any vegetable. It can help ward off cancer, cataracts and disease. It's a great source of fibre and a must part of any diet.
What the heck are those things on the left?
Hartson's weight plummeted from 19 to 14 stones after being diagnosed with testicular cancer
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