Trail mix is an excellent snack for those undergoing cancer treatment as well as survivors as the dried fruit and nuts are rich in nutrients and phytochemicals (compounds found in plants) which may have anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In an article published by NIH earlier this year, they cited that,'higher consumption of nuts has been associated with a reduced risk of several site-specific cancers in prospective cohort studies, including cancers of the colon, lung, and pancreas...'
It's easy to keep in a backpack, purse or tote for snacking on the go. There are great varieties that may be purchased or prepared to taste at home. When choosing a recipe or store bought trail mix, I look for mostly nuts (walnuts are rich in the good Omega-3 fats) with seeds and unsweetened dried fruit. I avoid milk chocolate since it amounts to empty calories, inflammatory sugar and undesirable, inflammatory, saturated fat. And since a Consumer Reports article was published last year about lead and cadmium levels in dark chocolate, I suggest being mindful about how much dark chocolate is mixed in. I prefer to make mine at home using Ghirardelli 72% dark chocolate chips as they had lower amounts of lead and cadmium than other brands that were tested. Making a blend at home means you can control sodium and opt for adding additional flavor by adding a dash of cinnamon or cayenne. A general template is to use 1.5 cups of mixed nuts, 1 cup of seeds, a cup of dried, unsweetened fruit, a dash of salt or spices and whatever else appeals to add flavor and texture. Enjoy!