I’m passionate about helping cancer patients use food therapeutically. What does that mean for someone with a cancer diagnosis? The choices we make about what we eat and how much create an environment that is either inhospitable or hospitable to cancer. On it’s own, food can’t cure cancer. However, it has a significant impact on patient’s ability to thrive and complete treatment, as scheduled. Studies show that over 80% of cancer patients will be clinically malnourished at some point during treatment. By creating a plan with patients and their care givers, I help them avoid becoming nutritionally and physically depleted.
Not to worry, this plan doesn’t involve foraging for twigs, exotic roots or a hard to find fruit! There are foods you may be unfamiliar with that are cancer protective but there are many that are easy to find and that you are likely familiar with. Apples are a perfect example. This series, The ABCs of Healing Food for Cancer, will be devoted to introducing the therapeutic properties of foods as well as encouraging you to experiment with ways to enjoy them. The key is to to keep an open mind and take a culinary adventure!
Fiber and Cancer
It’s a lovely summer afternoon, but I can’t help but think about cool, crisp days ahead and enjoying tart apples.
I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” The fiber and pectin from the skin benefit the healthy bacteria in the intestines and support normal colon function. Most people would benefit from getting more fiber. However, there’s more to it. When it comes to their nutritional value, some apples contain higher levels of phytochemicals (chemicals that are protective to plant and to us when we eat them) than others.
Over the course of hundreds of generations of farming, many crops have been developed to produce a greater yield, travel better, last longer or have a more appealing taste or texture. Sometimes these changes to the plants result in fewer nutrients in the fruit. This is especially true when it comes to apples. There are over 7,500 varieties - some that are more sweet, some more tart and some that are best suited for baking. A handful pack more of a nutrient dense punch. Note: Apples are best enjoyed closest to their original form with the skin. The more foods are processed, the less nutrient dense they become. Peeled apples, in the form of applesauce or juice, lose most of their nutritional value. What’s left is the sweetness which can be problematic if managing blood glucose is a health concern.
Fruit and Cancer: The Most Nutrient Dense Apples
The deliciously tart, green apple that tops the list of most nutrient rich is Granny Smith. The phytochemicals are protective against cancer, they are anti-inflammatory, provide cell protection, hormone balance and promote brain, skin, heart and liver health. Green apples are cleansing to both the liver and gall bladder. I keep a bowl of them in the kitchen. If you were to meet me out and about, I’d likely have one wrapped in a cloth napkin in my purse for snacking. They are a versatile apple that will hold their shape and won’t turn to mush if you choose to bake them.
If Granny Smith apples aren’t your thing, Honey Crisp, Fuji and Red Delicious are also especially rich in phytochemicals. The phytochemicals are anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and protective to cells.
Apples are a versatile food that can be enjoyed raw as a snack or in salads. Baked apples, cored with raisins and nuts makes a wonderful snack or dessert. Apple butter, made with organic apples and no additional sweetener, is nutrient rich. Apples pair well with ginger, lemon, nutmeg, pecans, raisins, pine nuts, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and walnuts.
To minimize exposure to toxins, I recommend purchasing organic foods when possible. Apples are heavily sprayed so it is important to purchase organic. If organic foods are not affordable or available, I recommend checking the dirty dozen list that is updated annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) to learn about which fruits and vegetables should be purchased organically and which may purchased conventionally to minimize exposure to toxins.
Thanks for reading along! Leave a comment and let me know which food to feature for the letter B. Anti-oxidant rich blueberries? Cancer protective broccoli? Beets? Beans?
Disclaimer: This information should not take the place of an individualized nutrition plan specific to your condition and treatment. Please seek the advice of a Registered Dietitian to learn more.
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