One of the best cancer-preventive measures—a healthy, nutritious diet replete with super greens—also just happens to be excellent for overall health and well-being. We propose delicious recipes that deliver greens for energy, easy digestion, and copious nutrients.
Chances are you’ve been affected by cancer—either in your circle of friends, among your family, or even personally.
It’s a frightening diagnosis and one that can completely knock the wind out of your sails if you’ve been hit personally.
But hold on a minute. Arming yourself with the correct tools to challenge this dreaded disease is the first and best course of action. And it’s entirely within your control. Compelling research has shown time and time again that, whether you’re slated for conventional care or choose an alternative path, lifestyle factors such as exercise, adequate sleep, reduced stress, and especially diet are all vital tools in maintaining strength and energy in your cancer journey.
Much of what we do in action, rest, and calming factors has a positive impact on both well-being during treatment and recovery, while offering positive influences over other lifestyle factors such as exercise and sleep.
Makes sense. It’s all about the things we can control in our lives that will make all the difference in how we handle the journey.
As for diet, there are many foods we can eat that will improve our odds and build energy. These foods are not just for those living with cancer. They are proven to be life-giving for everyone.
With these recipes, we’re focusing on green-giving health: greens that deliver energy, easy digestion, and copious nutrients. Whether for a cancer journey or for maintaining steady and affirming health, it’s all part of the package. So, green up!
Green recipes
Sparkling Green Apple Cleanser
Fresh Greens and Salmon with Soy Citrus Dressing
Spring Nettles Vichyssoise
Roasted Asparagus and Chicken Tenders
Chicken Florentine Meatballs and Veggie Noodles
Chocolate-Dipped Spirulina Shortbread
A, B, Cs of cancer-preventive foods
| Foods | Cancer-preventive and -fighting properties |
| apples (skin especially) | polyphenols, fibre, vitamin C |
| asparagus | methionine, folate, fibre |
| avocado | oleic acid and omega-3s, carotenoids, fibre |
| beans and lentils | phytochemicals, fibre |
| cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, collards, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy) | carotenoids; vitamins C, E, and K; folate; fibre; glucosinolates |
| leafy dark green vegetables and herbs (cilantro, romaine and leaf lettuce, nettles, parsley, spinach, chard, beet greens, kale) | carotenoids; vitamins A, C, E, and K; saponins; flavonoids; folate; fibre |
| garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, and chives | allicin, arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids, selenium |
| ginger root | anti-inflammatory, antioxidant gingerols, shogaol, and paradols |
| mushrooms | lentinan, AHCC |
| salmon | omega-3 fatty acids, selenium |
| spirulina | carotenoids, antioxidants, B-complex vitamins |
| soybeans and soy products (edamame beans, tofu, tempeh) | isoflavones, saponins, phenolic acids, phytic acid, sphingolipids |
| turmeric | curcumin |
Irene McGuinness is a writer, recipe developer, food stylist for numerous magazines and corporations, and alumna of the Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University
Alexa Everett
Carime Lane
Adam Meyer
Emilie Richardson-Dupuis