Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Cancer-Fighting Snack: Dietician Highlights Simple, Affordable Option
A cancer dietician asserts that a readily available, economical snack can aid in cancer prevention, though it may not appeal to all palates. Nichole Andrews, a registered dietitian and nutritionist with 15 years of experience in oncology, advocates for a combination of carrots, peppers, peas, olives, and string cheese as a snack to potentially decrease the likelihood of developing cancer. This simple, budget-friendly snack is championed for its potential health benefits in reducing cancer risk.
The Power of Vegetables and Healthy Fats
While acknowledging that photos of this modest combination might not be visually exciting, Andrews, addressing her extensive TikTok following, emphasized the snack’s benefits: “It’s designed to keep you full, keep you satisfied, and leave you feeling refreshed and energized afterward.” She further stated, “This is my go-to snack, enjoyed multiple times weekly during the afternoons. And importantly, it’s a proactive step in reducing your cancer risk.”
Priced under $3 per serving, this snack leverages the healthy fats from string cheese, the antioxidant properties of olives, and the dietary fiber from the assortment of vegetables, all contributing to overall well-being. Andrews underscores the significance of vegetable and fruit consumption for cancer prevention, stating, “Every serving of fruit and vegetables – whether fresh, frozen, or canned – contributes to reducing both cancer risk and the chances of recurrence.”
Snack Preparation and Key Ingredients
In a brief video, Andrews demonstrates the snack’s preparation, washing and chopping carrots, peppers, and snap peas before combining them in a bowl with Kalamata olives and string cheese. She also clarified that opting for organic vegetables is not essential for reaping health benefits.
Nutritional Benefits Breakdown:
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant suggested by scientists to safeguard cells from damage and potentially slow down the proliferation of cancer cells. Carrots, packed with vital nutrients like vitamin K and vitamin A, can also aid in diminishing bodily inflammation, a factor associated with cancer development.
- Peppers: Excellent sources of Vitamins A and C, with red peppers being particularly beneficial due to their fiber, potassium, and folic acid content. Vitamin C acts as a potent antioxidant, defending cells against damage that could lead to cancer, supporting cardiovascular well-being to prevent heart and blood-related cancers, and promoting healthy vision. Folic acid is crucial in regulating cell growth and division, essential for DNA production and repair.
- Peas: A valuable source of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting digestive health and heart function. Peas also contain Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Zinc, which can protect against plaque buildup in blood vessels, thus preventing circulatory issues and inflammation. Magnesium, potassium, and other minerals in peas may also contribute to lowering high blood pressure risk. Moreover, green peas contain saponins, plant compounds known for their anti-cancer properties by potentially inhibiting tumor growth and initiating cell death.
- Olives: Abundant in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olives can significantly lower cancer risk. Fiber content aids in digestive cleansing, eliminating harmful toxins potentially linked to bowel and other cancers. Antioxidants such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol in olives can neutralize and eliminate cancerous cells. Combined with vegetables, olives may help avert DNA damage and fortify the immune system.
- String Cheese: Contrary to some perceptions, cheese provides calcium, fat, Vitamins A and B12, as well as zinc and phosphorus. Calcium in cheese supports bone health, protein assists in muscle maintenance, and certain aged cheeses contain probiotics beneficial for gut bacteria.
Nutrition as a Cornerstone of Cancer Prevention
Ultimately, Andrews emphasizes the pivotal role of diet in cancer prevention. “I understand the profound impact of nutrition in enhancing treatment outcomes for survivors and diminishing recurrence risks,” Andrews, based in Tri-Cities, Washington, previously shared regarding her work. “Unfortunately, widespread misinformation hinders healthy eating. I am dedicated to clarifying these misconceptions and empowering individuals to eat with confidence.”
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The American Cancer Society estimates that a significant proportion of cancer cases and deaths in adults aged 30 and above in the US are preventable. According to their data at least 40 percent of cancer diagnoses and almost 50 percent of cancer fatalities in this demographic could be avoided through lifestyle and dietary modifications.