While there's no single food that can prevent cancer, a well-balanced diet rich in specific nutrients can play a vital role in both prevention and supportive care during treatment. This article explores dietary strategies and recipes designed to support overall health, potentially reduce cancer risk, and manage treatment side effects.
The Importance of Nutrition in Cancer Prevention and Care
Cancer treatment often comes with some unwelcomed side effects such as weight loss, fatigue or nausea. Eating and drinking a wide variety of cancer fighting foods can lower your risk of developing many cancers. A variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses possess these anti-cancer effects and have been included in our recipes to help you to lower your risk for many cancers.
The New American Plate Model
A healthy meal follows the New American Plate’s 2/3-1/3 model. The New American Plate is AICR’s plate visual to help lower your risk for cancer and other chronic diseases and manage your weight. The focus of the New American Plate is that 2/3 (or more) of your plate includes vegetables, fruits whole grains or beans and 1/3 (or less) of your plate comes from animal protein.
Incorporating Cancer-Fighting Foods
Research has shown that certain food types contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that, when eaten together, can help to prevent cancer. Use some of our healthy recipes as part, or all, of your meals. Each recipe is specifically crafted to support cancer prevention and survival and follows AICR’s cancer prevention recommendations.
Juicing for Health: A Concentrated Nutrient Boost
Juicing may seem like just a health fad, but there are benefits of juicing for people with cancer. Juicing fruits and vegetables at home allows for a concentrated intake of vitamins and minerals. Start simple and experiment with just a few fruits or vegetables for your mixes. Then, you can get more creative and try new combinations! Try some of these juicing recipes and find out what works for you! Remember: always in moderation. Fitness Blender.
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Blending vs. Juicing
When making vegetable or fruit shakes, one of the advantages of using a blender instead of a juicer is that all the nutrients and fiber stay in the drink instead of being extracted as pulp. For better blending, most manufacturers suggest adding liquids first so that they are closest to the blade. Then add ingredients from softest to most dense, and ice cubes last. Feel free to swap out ingredients with whatever fruits and veggies you have on hand. Half the fun is experimenting!
Example Blended Drink Recipe
In a high-powered blender, combine the water, lemon juice, avocado, spinach, kale, apple, grapes, mint, and ice cubes. This kefir avocado herb dressing is loaded with pre and probiotics to support gut health.
Recipe Ideas for a Cancer-Conscious Diet
Here are some adaptable recipe ideas, drawing from the provided information, to create meals that are both nutritious and appealing:
- Zesty Appetizers: This zesty appetizer is packed with flavor and nutrients.
- Healthy Dips: Make this delicious dip for a large crowd and enjoy on a warm afternoon.
- Energy-Boosting Snacks: This snack is perfect to make at the beginning of the week and enjoy whenever you need a boost of energy!
- Refreshing Mocktails: These delicious mocktails are perfect for a warm day. Enjoy them with dinner or by the pool with friends.
- Protein-Rich Meals: This meal is delicious, fun to make, and packed full of protein which helps sustain energy levels throughout the day.
- Warm, Nutrient-Dense Meals: This warm meal is easy to make and includes lots of health supportive nutrients.
These recipes are designed to be adaptable, encouraging experimentation with available ingredients and personal preferences.
Specific Nutrients and Foods to Consider
Certain foods stand out for their potential benefits in cancer prevention and support:
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- Kale: Kale is a source of vitamins A, B6, C, K, folate, fiber, carotenoids and manganese.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are high in minerals like potassium and phosphorus.
Recipe Categories for Cancer Prevention
Easy and Healthy Appetizers Recipes If you’re making a meal with multiple courses, or you simply fancy trying something special, appetizers are a great addition to your dinner. We’ve got a selection of easy to make appetizers recipes, all containing healthy ingredients linked to cancer prevention, such as leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits.
Healthy Entrée Recipes
At every dinner party the entrée is the main event. So you want to make sure you deliver a great dining experience. Using one of AICR’s entrée recipes will ensure your guests will be talking about their dining experience for days to come. Whether you want something comforting or cooling, we’ve got a variety of healthy drinks recipes suitable for every occasion. Each of our recipes contains cancer fighting foods and is specifically crafted to support cancer prevention and survival.
Vegetarian Options
Eating healthy vegetarian recipes is a great way to reduce your intake of foods that are best to avoid such as red meat or processed meat. Try our vibrant veggie recipes for a nutrient rich, delicious meal.
Navigating Nutrition During Cancer Treatment: Expert Guidance
The oncology nutrition team at Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive, customized, and scientifically-supported nutrition care for patients with a cancer diagnosis. Nutrition services for patients with cancer provides personalized nutrition care exclusively for patients established with a Stanford Medicine Cancer Center provider. Registered dietitians are available to see patients with a nutrition referral Monday-Friday, virtually through telehealth and in-person at the following Stanford Health Care locations: Palo Alto, South Bay, Emeryville and Redwood City. Call us at 1-650-498-6000 to refer a new patient for a nutrition consultation. Questions about your appointment or need to make a change?
Additional Resources
There is no cost to borrow these cookbooks from the Stanford Medicine Health Library. Some are available electronically.
Read also: Overview of Metabolic Diets in Cancer Research
- The American Cancer Society New Healthy Eating Cookbook by Jeanne Besser, (2016).
- What to Eat During Cancer Treatment: More than 130 recipes to help you cope by Jeanne Besser and Barbara Grant, (2019).
- Cancer Diet for the Newly Diagnosed: an integrative guide and cookbook for treatment and recovery. SpiceRack: A Spicy Action Plan with Recipes for Every Day by Rachel Beller MD, RDN, (2023).