If you’re looking for a cancer-fighting smoothie, then you’ll love this recipe. My Anti-Cancer Green Breakfast Smoothie is dairy-free and vegan, with a secret frozen ingredient.
Cancer Fighting Green Breakfast Smoothie Recipe
I’m excited to share the updated version of this Anti-Cancer Breakfast Smoothie, originally shared way back in 2013. This recipe is pretty much an evolution of my Energizing Green Smoothie, but with a special ingredient: frozen broccoli florets!
Did you ever think about using frozen broccoli florets in a smoothie? Please hear me out!
You may not believe me, but you actually can’t taste the frozen broccoli once it’s blended with all of the other great ingredients in this recipe. The fresh ginger, lime juice, and mint leaves are especially important to covering up any of the “green” flavor of the veggies. You have to try it yourself!
What Ingredients Make This a Cancer Fighting Smoothie?
Studies show that there are compounds in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli that fight cancer. How cool is that? However, as far as we know, these compounds are only present in raw cruciferous, not cooked. So, I chose to add these raw, frozen florets to my green smoothie. As mentioned, I can’t even taste them (I usually can’t stand the smell or taste of broccoli) and they actually thicken the overall smoothie.
If you’re a fan of broccoli, you might also like this easy step-by-step guide for how to sprout broccoli seeds on your countertop without dirt! Sprouting your own broccoli seeds and eating a tablespoon or two a day is another way to help prevent and fight cancer.
The Reason I Drink A Cancer-Fighting Smoothie Almost Every Day
Cancer is an incredibly scary subject, and I was blind-sighted when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2012. At that time, I had already started my health journey and thought I was doing all the right things, but I likely had a childhood exposure or possibly experienced the result of eating the Standard American Diet for too long, or some other combination of events that led to my diagnosis.
Fighting cancer is hard and being a survivor is not a title or role I take likely. I don’t mean to try and scare you, but I do think there are foods we can eat and lifestyle techniques we can practice every day to help prevent cancer from starting or recurring. My husband and I have had two family members diagnosed with cancer recently and it has been very scary and sad to see them struggle with such a challenging situation.
Fortunately, healthy also equals delicious in this case. If you’re looking for other cancer-fighting green smoothie recipes, you might also like my Broccoli Sprout Smoothie or my Healthy Vanilla Smoothie with frozen cauliflower!
You might also like my recipe for Vanilla Hemp Milk that is great as the base of a green smoothie.
Do you drink green smoothies and do you have any secret ingredients you’d like to share?
Here is the recipe for this surprisingly delicious Anti-Cancer Breakfast Smoothie that is vegan and dairy-free:
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Anti-Cancer Breakfast Smoothie
Prep Time: 20 minutes- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: High-Speed Blender
- Cuisine: Healthy, vegan, dairy-free
Prep Time:
Yield:
Category:
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Pin RecipeDescription
With so many nutrient-dense ingredients, I call this the Anti-Cancer Breakfast Smoothie.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup hemp seeds
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 ripe banana, frozen
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup frozen or fresh pomegranate arils
- 1 1-inch knob fresh ginger
- 4 cups fresh salad greens or lightly steamed kale, spinach, or collard greens
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons flax meal
- 1/2 cup frozen raw broccoli florets
- juice of one lime
Instructions
- Combine hemp seeds and water in a high-speed blender.
- Next, add the frozen banana, frozen strawberries, and pomegranate arils.
- Lastly, add the ginger, greens, mint, cocoa powder, flax meal, broccoli, and lime juice.
- Place the lid on the blender and blend until smooth, about 45 seconds.
- Serve immediately.
Be sure to pin this Cancer Fighting Green Breakfast Smoothie to your healthiest Pinterest board to save it for later.
READ NEXT: DAIRY-FREE RASPBERRY CREAM SMOOTHIE WITH FROZEN SQUASH
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Isobelle says
October 3, 2011 at 3:43 amI didn’t know that about broccoli, and I haven’t ever tried it in a smoothie. I usually stick to spinach and kale. I have everything to make this though, so I’m going to try this for breakfast tomorrow. Thanks a bunch!
Carrie says
October 3, 2011 at 11:42 pmHi Isobelle, let me know when you try adding the broccoli and if you like it. I can’t even taste it but I love knowing I’m getting the health benefits of the broccoli.
jd says
October 3, 2011 at 6:56 amThis looks utterly fantastic – seriously. I actually LOVE broccoli, but have never thought to put it in a smoothie before! I’m so excited about this idea…
Re: your question – I like adding flax seeds (which grind down into meal) or flax oil, and the occasional handful of spinach or kale to my smoothies, but it appears as though you already do that! Oh, a spoonful of almond butter can be delicious, too!
PS Hope you don’t mind that I plan on linking to this for my Monday’s Vegan MoFo Round-Up post 🙂
Carrie says
October 3, 2011 at 11:41 pmThanks JD! Let me know how you like the broccoli in the smoothie. I honestly can’t even taste it. I love your idea of adding a spoonful of almond butter to smoothies, I haven’t tried that and I bet it’s delicious. Yes, do please link my post to your blog, that would be really great.
JENNA says
October 3, 2011 at 10:00 pmI’m definitely going to try this smoothie recipe! I love the idea of using frozen broccoli in it.
Robyn :) says
October 4, 2011 at 12:10 amI am just now getting brave enough to try spinach in a smoothie LOL
Carrie says
October 4, 2011 at 1:41 pmHi Robyn, that’s how I started, I was so nervous about ruining the flavor. Then, I got braver and added more and more. I still can’t believe I’m eating veggies for breakfast! 🙂
Beth says
March 26, 2016 at 7:17 amI don’t taste the raw spinach in my smoothies and mine are pretty basic with no sugar but the 1/4 to 1/2 of a ripe banana.
Jen @ The RA Vegan says
October 4, 2011 at 12:14 amThis looks wonderful! I’ve never put frozen broccoli in my smoothies before. I have put cooked broccoli in it which was not my favorite but I think this way would work better. I too love almond butter in my smoothies, or any nut butter really. I have found that I don’t like apples in my smoothies but I love berries and frozen watermelon. 🙂
Carrie says
October 4, 2011 at 1:39 pmFrozen watermelon sounds like a GREAT idea!
Sara (The Veggie Eco-Life) says
October 4, 2011 at 3:23 pmI’m still a bit freaked out by green smoothies, but I’m soon going to try one, probably this one!
Jennifer says
October 5, 2011 at 10:14 pmChia seeds! I love how they thicken it up! I also love to toss in whole, peeled oranges. I prefer bananas for sweetening.
Carrie says
October 5, 2011 at 11:02 pmGreat suggestions! I love chia seeds but for some reason have never added them to smoothies. And, I will definitely try adding oranges when they come in season. Thx!
Jasmin says
October 7, 2011 at 4:05 pmJust made this smoothie this morning. Though we start every day with a green smoothie, this was the first time we incorporated broccoli to it. Though I did taste the broccoli, I didn’t mind that, and I think the fact that it was frozen added nicely to the smooth texture. We had some greens from the CSA, which I later realized were mustard greens, so that was a bit odd. But all in all, we loved it anyway. We also didn’t have any bananas, so added a bit more mango. But it was extremely filling and really good!!
Our usual morning green smoothies are something like: frozen spinach, frozen berries, to smooth the texture we throw in some frozen peaches or mango, spirulina, Vega powder, and water. There are, of course, a zillion variations, including chia seeds, flax seeds, ginger, adding fresh-squeezed juice (like apple/ginger/kale juice), etc. We try not to use too many bananas, but the Vitamix still keeps it a lovely texture.
This was a great recipe. I’m really happy to have discovered it. Thank you, as always, for the creative suggestions, Carrie!!
Carrie says
October 7, 2011 at 8:06 pmHi again! I have used mustard greens in my smoothies and have to say that I cannot STAND the taste of them. Naaaasty! I’m glad you liked the smoothie overall, I really like using the hemp seeds because I don’t eat enough of them otherwise. I like your suggestion about adding veggie or fruit juices to the smoothies as well, I am going to have to try that.
FaithAnsah says
November 8, 2011 at 7:37 pmHi Carrie!
Thanks For Reminding Us Of Your Special Ingredient Broccoli For Anti-Cancer Green Smoothies! You Are Right, According To My Recent Research On What To Put Into Cancer Fighting Smoothies. Kale & Broccoli, Asparagus, Parsley, Steamed Cherry Tomates Or Asparagus & , Brazil Nuts Are Some Of The High Alkalizing Anti-Angio-gensis Foods That Cut Off The Blood Supply To Tumors, According Dr.William.L i Of TEDTalks. I Was Concerned About The Fruit Sugars For Cancer Patients In These Smoothies Since Acidosis Is The Primary Problem. I Appreciate Any Insight On This, Because I Believe Smoothies Should Be As Tasty As Possible, Also. So, When Do We Have Enough Fruit Sugars In Our Smoothies?
FaithAnsah
Olivia says
January 7, 2012 at 1:42 amWow, I’ll definitely be having this one for breakfast tomorrow! The frozen broccoli is raw, right? I’ve got broccolini in my fridge that I need to use up, hopefully it works just as well… What do you think would go with asparagus? x
Carrie says
January 7, 2012 at 3:09 pmCool, let me know how you like it Olivia! Yes, the broccoli is raw although I think some manufacturers blanch it before freezing, so I’m not 100% sure. I really like the taste of asparagus so I haven’t used it in a smoothie, I usually eat it as part of a salad with lunch or dinner.
Lisa says
March 15, 2012 at 6:36 pmFresh ginger is my favorite addition to a green smoothie! I don’t even bother to peel or grate it, just cut a few slices off and the vitamix does the rest! Sometimes I’ll add ground cinnamon too…
Carrie says
March 15, 2012 at 7:20 pmHi Lisa! Brilliant!!! I LOVE the idea of using ginger in a smoothie, I am already imaging the amazing combos I could make: pineapple, ginger and strawberries is coming to mind. Thank you!
Charlie says
April 20, 2012 at 11:21 am1/2 Avocado is my favorite in a smoothie, it just seems to give a really creamy texture. Bananas no matter what, flax too. Everything else is up in the air!
Carrie says
April 20, 2012 at 4:51 pmHi Charlie, I haven’t gotten into the habit of adding avocado to my smoothies, probably because I love eating them plain so much. I also love bananas and flax in my smoothies, plus a good scoop of cacao powder to make it chocolatey. 🙂
Karen says
October 7, 2012 at 6:57 pmHi Carrie! I just ran across this site while looking for vegan and raw recipes for myself. What a great informative and inspirational site! I want you to know I am grateful for you sharing this experience. And last but not least I am holding you will have a safe an swift healing. Be blessed Karen
Carrie says
October 10, 2012 at 9:07 amThanks, Karen!!!
Robin says
November 7, 2012 at 12:24 pmSo do you just put the tofu in the blender straight from the package or do you cook it? I didn’t think you could eat tofu raw! Also, where did you find frozen pomegranite arils? Did you buy fresh and freeze yourself?
Carrie says
November 8, 2012 at 7:37 pmHi Robin! Sorry for the delay in answering your questions. I don’t cook the pudding and, yes, the tofu can be eaten right out of the package. Some people have mentioned that there can be an aftertaste, but I haven’t noticed that. In regards to the pomegranates, I have found frozen seeds at the regular grocery store but I most often buy the whole pomegranate and seed it myself to throw in my morning smoothie. It takes more effort, but it is much more cost-effective than buying the seeds frozen. I hope that answers your questions! If not, please let me know. 🙂
Marilyn says
June 15, 2018 at 3:22 pmTrader Joes has organic fresh pomegranates (already seeded and ready to use)
Robin says
November 7, 2012 at 12:26 pmOh, and is it a certain type of tofu? silken, firm, super firm?+
Joan Gillespie says
February 10, 2013 at 12:18 pmJust wondering…is this all you consume for breakfast? Does it last until lunch? Thanks.
Carrie says
February 10, 2013 at 12:40 pmThanks for the question, Joan. Yes, my smoothies do fill me up for my morning workout until lunchtime. I sometimes add a scoop of protein powder to get more nutrition.
shmrd says
March 13, 2013 at 7:34 pmThere are a lot of cruciferous veggies you could throw in there and get the same benefits. Look up a list. All cruciferous veggies originated from one wild mustard plant. Cool, random facts.
Sue says
March 31, 2013 at 5:12 pmHi what if I cannot get my hands on hemp seeds, cacao powder, pomegranate arils and flax meal?
Carrie says
April 1, 2013 at 5:05 amHi Sue. You can substitute any non-dairy milk for the hemp seeds. You can use regular cocoa powder instead of cacao, substitute any berry for the pomegranate, and just leave out the flax meal.
Danielle says
April 29, 2013 at 6:59 amWith so much left over, can the smoothie be consumed a day after it’s been prepared?
Carrie says
April 29, 2013 at 1:36 pmDanielle, yes, but best consumed within 24 hours. You can also freeze the leftovers and then defrost them when you’re ready to consume. 🙂
Monica White says
May 31, 2014 at 1:08 amI have an awesome smoothie recipe: the juice of about 4 oranges, 1 cup almond milk, about 2 cups frozen pineapple, 1 mango, 2 to 3 cups spinach or kale, * optional 1-2 TBS unsweetened shredded coconut, 1-2 TBS ground Flax/Chia
gthomson says
November 21, 2014 at 11:36 pmMy green smoothie is similar to yours, and with broccoli, also.
I also started to add in mushrooms at times, and I hate mushrooms – the texture.
When I use either broccoli and/or mushrooms, I have to do them in a food processor first – I have a small one cup food processor that works great for it.
Not sure how it works with them frozen, but with fresh it chops them both up small enough that I don’t even notice they’re in there.
Dianne Cardinal says
July 7, 2015 at 8:09 amMy husband of 51 years was just diagnosed with colon cancer. I’m scared to death…Do you have any other great recipes for smoothies for people already with cancer? Thank You, Dianne
Carrie Forrest, MBA/MPH says
July 7, 2015 at 8:57 amHi Dianne, I am so, so sorry to hear this news. I have written a lot over the years about cancer-fighting foods. You might read through the links: https://www.cleaneatingkitchen.com/?s=cancer. Otherwise, here is another cancer-fighting smoothie recipe using watercress: https://www.cleaneatingkitchen.com/2012/10/22/vegan-month-of-food-cancer-fighting-sweet-watercress-smoothie-2/
Johanna says
February 22, 2016 at 7:49 pmBroccoli is blanched before its frozen – like many other vegetables. Blanching = immersing briefly in boiling water. This is done to stop certain enzymes to work and keep it fresh green looking. But for broccoli to do its anti-cancer magic you need the same enzymes blanching just killed ! So you have got to use fresh broccoli here or even better, broccoli sprouts.
I hope this helps! Thanks for the recipe!
Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition says
May 2, 2018 at 4:43 pmOne of my favorite smoothie recipes!
★★★★★
Mia says
September 9, 2018 at 3:21 amHi! I am wondering why you steam some of the greens before you use them?
Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition says
September 9, 2018 at 6:28 amTo reduce oxalates and make them easier for me to digest.
Penny North says
January 16, 2019 at 11:13 amI didn’t read all of the comments so I apologize if someone asked this and you answered it. Did you have your thyroid removed? Did you have to do any treatments or did you turn down treatment? I was just diagnosed with thyroid cancer recently.
Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition says
January 16, 2019 at 1:01 pmHi Penny, yes I had a full thyroidectomy, but no radiation. As far as I know, surgery is still the best option. Is that what your doctor is recommending? I’m sorry to hear that you have to go through this. You can always feel free to email me, carrieATcleaneatingkitchenDOTcom
Tangila says
May 5, 2019 at 6:05 amHi, can you tell me why it says “serve immediately”? I have leftover smoothie in the fridge but does this mean that because I didnt make it fresh all the healing benefits are gone and I’ll just be drinking it as a normal drink without the benefit of being a cancer fighter?
★★★★★
Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition says
May 5, 2019 at 11:07 amGreat question! I recommend consuming any leftovers within 24 hours to get the maximum amount of antioxidants, but even leftovers kept up to several days should be fine. I would try to cover your leftovers with as little air exposed to the smoothie so help reduce the dissipation of vitamin c. I usually use plastic wrap placed gently on the top of the leftovers and wrapped tightly around the glass.