10+ Healthy Smoothie Recipes for Cancer Prevention
Smoothies can be a great way to add nutrition and antioxidants to your diet to help with cancer prevention. If you’ve already received a cancer diagnosis or have a loved one who is fighting cancer, you might be interested in this round-up of the best tips and recipes for Cancer-Fighting Smoothies. These recipes can also be part of a diet plan for chemo patients.
Smoothie Benefits for Cancer Prevention & Treatment
Whether you’re trying to prevent cancer or you’re undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy, smoothies are an excellent way to get quick nutrition into your body.
- Easy to digest: Your blender breaks down fibers, helping you gain the nutritional benefits of the ingredients.
- Superfood ingredients: Adding dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables or other veggies can transform your smoothie into a nutrient-rich drink. Read more about the health benefits of drinking green smoothies..
- Appetitive-stimulating: If you think you don’t like smoothies or you don’t have an appetite, try again! Vary your milk, fruit, and extras to find a flavor you enjoy. You can even make healthy smoothies taste like decadent milkshakes which can stimulate the appetite even if you don’t feel like eating.
Cancer-Fighting Smoothie Recipes
Scroll through this list of cancer-fighting smoothie recipes. Or, make your own using recommended ingredients below.
Note: these smoothie recipes are not meant to replace any type of cancer treatment for cancer patients as prescribed by your doctor or medical team.
This post is meant to help inform about the potential benefits of these types of smoothies as part of a healthy diet to benefit the immune system and overall health.
Anti-Cancer Green Smoothie Recipe
This Anti-Cancer Green Smoothie recipe is full of health-promoting ingredients, including leafy greens and broccoli florets. This vegan and dairy-free blended drink can be served as a meal replacement or as a snack. This is my number one pick as the best cancer preventing smoothie!
Strawberry Beet Constipation Relief Smoothie Recipe
If things are slow in the digestion department, try this Strawberry Beet Anti-Constipation Smoothie. With almost 10 grams of fiber per serving, it’s an effective and natural way to feel better soon. Plus, this smoothie tastes great!
Gut Health Smoothie Recipe With Yogurt
If you’re working on your gut health or digestion, try this delicious Gut Health Smoothie full of health-promoting ingredients! With both prebiotic and probiotic ingredients, this is a smoothie you can feel good about drinking.
Dairy-Free Strawberry Protein Smoothie Recipe (25 Grams)
Looking to increase your protein intake? Try this Strawberry Protein Smoothie that includes 25 grams of protein in one serving. This recipe includes healthy ingredients and protein powder, but tastes like a classic strawberry milkshake. This is a dairy-free smoothie.
Food Processor Smoothie (Mango Pineapple Spinach)
Here’s a step-a-step guide for how to make a smoothie in a food processor as opposed to a blender. This Food Processor Smoothie recipe uses mango, pineapple and spinach for a creamy and delicious breakfast or snack option. Vegan and gluten-free.
Avocado Chocolate Smoothie (Vegan)
This creamy Avocado Chocolate Smoothie is absolutely delicious! It tastes like a milkshake, but it’s healthier and 100% dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Use frozen or fresh avocado plus a few other simple ingredients.
Celery Cucumber Smoothie (Dairy-Free)
Believe it or not, but this Celery Cucumber Smoothie is mild and pleasant in flavor! It’s a great way to increase your vegetable intake. Serve it with breakfast or add protein to make it a meal replacement blended drink.
Broccoli Sprout Smoothie
This Broccoli Sprout Smoothie is a superfood breakfast full of phytonutrients and cancer-fighting compounds. It’s a nourishing dairy-free and vegan recipe that only takes a few minutes to make.
1,000 Calorie Smoothie for Weight Gain
When you’re looking to increase body mass, this 1,000 Calorie Smoothie is here to the rescue. This chocolate flavored, weight gain protein-rich drink is creamy and delicious. This healthy shake recipe is made dairy-free with vegan options.
Broccoli Smoothie with Pineapple
This Vegan Broccoli Smoothie with Pineapple is a healthy way to start the day. It is thick and creamy with a strong tropical flavor. Even kids will drink this tasty green smoothie that includes a serving of vegetables!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Smoothies can be made ahead. Whether you make extra on purpose or you make more than you can drink at once after you add all your extras, extra smoothie is very easy to store.
- The texture won’t be the same, but you can store your smoothie in a jar in the fridge. It will separate some but can easily be stirred and ready to go. You can also freeze leftovers in a popsicle mold for a fun treat (see my complete list of clean eating snacks)!
- If you prefer your smoothies made fresh, “smoothie packs” are a great option. Add your desired fruit and extras to a Ziploc bag and store in the freezer so you can add to your blender with liquid.
Basic Cancer Prevention Smoothie Ingredients
Along with the best smoothies for chemo patients that I’ve included below, you can feel free to get creative with your own inventions.
Here are some ingredients to consider adding to your cancer prevention smoothies, along with some research to support their use.
1. Spinach
- Nutritional Profile: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and iron. Folate is important for DNA repair and synthesis, which can help maintain cellular health and reduce the risk of mutations. For additional info, please check my list of the best green vegetables.
- Benefits: Adds a mild, earthy taste and a vibrant green color to smoothies.
2. Blueberries
- Nutritional Profile: High in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins and vitamin C. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of cancer.
- Benefits: Provides a sweet and slightly tart flavor, along with a burst of color.
3. Flaxseeds
- Nutritional Profile: Source of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber. Lignans are phytoestrogens, which may have anti-cancer properties, especially in hormone-related cancers like breast cancer.
- Benefits: Adds a nutty flavor and can help thicken the smoothie. Chia seeds, hemp seeds, and unsweetened coconut can add some fun crunch to smoothies and smoothie bowls. See my article with the best healthy smoothie bowl toppings.
4. Turmeric
- Nutritional Profile: Contains curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the spread of tumors.
- Benefits: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and color.
5. Kale
- Nutritional Profile: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and fiber. Kale contains glucosinolates, which can convert to bioactive compounds that may help protect cells from DNA damage.
- Benefits: Offers a strong, leafy taste and is a nutrient-dense addition. I usually steam my kale before adding it to smoothies which can help make the flavor less intense.
6. Ginger
- Nutritional Profile: Contains gingerol, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger may help reduce inflammation and has been studied for its potential to slow the growth of cancer cells.
- Benefits: Adds a spicy kick and can help balance the sweetness of other ingredients.
7. Green Tea
- Nutritional Profile: Contains catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and caffeine. EGCG is a potent antioxidant that may help protect against various cancers by inhibiting cell proliferation.
- Benefits: Provides a mild, earthy flavor and can be used as a liquid base.
8. Almonds
- Nutritional Profile: Good source of healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage, which can be a factor in cancer development.
- Benefits: Adds a creamy texture and a nutty flavor when blended. To save money, try making your own homemade dairy-free milks such as Vitamix Almond Milk or Homemade Oat Milk. Depending on the quality of your blender, you can make your own plant milks in just minutes.
9. Berries
- Nutritional Profile: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants like ellagic acid. These compounds may have anti-cancer properties by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Benefits: Provides natural sweetness and a vibrant color to smoothies. You can use fresh or frozen berries to save money. See my clean eating grocery list for more healthy food shopping tips.
10. Carrots
- Nutritional Profile: Good source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins. Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, has been linked to reduced risk of certain types of cancer, possibly due to its role in maintaining healthy cell growth.
- Benefits: Adds a natural sweetness and a subtle earthy flavor. You can also use vegetables juices like carrot juice as the base of your delicious smoothie. Try to avoid using fruit juices as they can raise blood sugar.
Bonus Cancer Smoothie Making Tips
- Always remember to check all ingredients for added sugars. They add up quickly! If you’ve used all unsweetened items, you can always add a touch of honey if desired.
- Experiment with flavors and textures. Berries can have a seedy texture even with a high powered blender and adding too many greens can turn the smoothie bitter. Just keep trying until you have a favorite.
- Double-check with your cancer treatment plan or doctor to make sure all ingredients you choose fit into your plan for optimal health. Just because an ingredient is healthy doesn’t mean it is beneficial to your current plan.
- Check out my other round-up of the best Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie Recipes.
Smoothies FAQs
A smoothie likely has the most potential to help prevent cancer when it includes cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables have lots of research showing their cancer preventing properties. That said, even eating more berries and other antioxidant-rich foods can help with cancer and disease prevention.
There is no research showing that smoothies can help kill cancer once it has formed into a tumor. If you have a current cancer diagnosis, please consult your healthcare provider for the best diet, supplement, and lifestyle techniques to help manage your disease. Many cancer centers have specialized oncology nutritionists who can help give you individualized support.
Opt for easily digestible ingredients like ripe bananas, applesauce, or cooked and cooled oatmeal. Avoid too many fibrous fruits and vegetables that might be harsh on the digestive system. Adding a little ginger can help soothe nausea.
Add protein powder (plant-based or whey), Greek yogurt, nut butter, or silken tofu. These ingredients can help maintain muscle mass and provide energy.
Avoid fruits and vegetables that may be difficult to digest, such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) if they cause bloating or discomfort. Also, be mindful of citrus fruits or juices if mouth sores are present, as they can be irritating.
More Helpful Resources You Might Like
Conclusions
Smoothies are delicious and nutritious, and can be made with ingredients that are proven to help prevent and fight cancer cells. They offer so many health benefits and have so many good options. You can make them ahead or make them in minutes. Make sure and share your favorite combos in the comments.
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is studying to be a holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.
Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.
