A cancer dietician claims that a simple, budget-friendly snack can help protect against the disease — but meat lovers might be left wanting.
Nichole Andrews, 38, a registered dietician and nutritionist specializing in oncology for the past 15 years, says that a combination of carrots, peppers, peas, olives and string cheese can stave off your chances of developing cancer.
Photos of the lackluster combo in a small bowl aren’t the most appetizing, but the expert told her 200,000 TikTok followers: ‘It’s going to keep you full, it’s going to keep you satisfied, and you’re going to feel refreshed and good after it.
‘This is my favorite snack, I have it multiple times a week in the afternoon. And the best part: it’s going to help you reduce cancer risk.’
Costing less than $3 per serving, she claims that the healthy fats from the cheese, antioxidants in the olives and the fiber from the vegetables can do wonders for the body.
She said: ‘Every bite of fruit and vegetable – fresh, frozen, or canned – reduces your risk of cancer and recurrence.’
The short clip shows Andrews preparing some carrots, peppers and snap peas by washing them under water, chopping them and adding it to a bowl with Kalamata olives and a piece of string cheese.
She also noted that it is not necessary for the vegetables to be organic for them to be beneficial.
Nichole Andrews, 38, a registered cancer dietician claims that this simple, budget-friendly snack can help keep the disease at bay
Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant scientists believe may protect cells from damage and slow the growth of cancer cells.
Filled with essential nutrients, including vitamin K and vitamin A, the vegetable can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a driver of cancers forming.
Furthermore, peppers also offer excellent sources of vitamins A and C, particularly red peppers as they also contain fiber, potassium and folic acid.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer, maintain cardiovascular health to prevent heart and blood related cancers and improve eye health.
Folic acid also plays an important role in managing cell growth and division.
It is essential for producing the building blocks of DNA, the genetic material of our cells, maintains DNA stability and repair damaged DNA – therefore protecting cells from damage and ensuring that their reproductive cycle is maintained.
While peas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber – supporting digestion, heart health, olives are filled with monounsaturated fats and antioxidants which can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Fiber helps push out stool, clearing the digestive system of harmful toxins links to bowel and other cancers.
Filled with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Zinc, peas can protect against plaque formation along blood vessel walls, which can cause disruptions in blood flow, create clots and cause inflammation.
A combination of carrots, peppers, peas, olives and string cheese can stave off your chances of developing cancer
In addition, magnesium, potassium, and other minerals found in peas can lower your risk of high blood pressure.
Green peas also contain saponins, plant compounds known for having anti-cancer effects by preventing tumor growth and inducing cell death.
On the other hand, olives are filled with antioxidants such as like oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol that can neutralize and destroy cancerous cells in the body.
Combined with vegetables, the savory fruit can help prevent DNA damage and maintain the immune system.
Despite common notion, cheese is a healthy source of calcium, fat, Vitamins A and B12, along with zinc and phosphorus.
The American Cancer Society at least 40 percent of all cancer cases and nearly 50 percent of cancer deaths in adults aged 30 years or older in the US are preventable
Experts say that the calcium in cheese can help improve bone health, protein to build and maintain muscle tissue and some forms of aged cheeses also contain probiotics, which can benefit gut bacteria.
Overall, Andrews says that food is a key way to keep the disease at bay.
‘I know how amazing and powerful nutrition can be to help survivors have better treatment outcomes and reduce risk of recurrence,’ Nichole, who is based in Tri-Cities, Washington, US, previously told Need To Know of her work in the field.
‘Sadly there is so much misinformation out there, that people cannot eat well – so I am so happy to clear up that confusion and help people eat with confidence.’
The American Cancer Society at least 40 percent of all cancer cases and nearly 50 percent of cancer deaths in adults aged 30 years or older in the US are preventable.
