Hippocrates once said, “Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food”. Turns out he was onto something! Research has now shown that certain foods may help to reduce the risk of cancer. This week, we will focus on the brassica family of vegetables.

The Brassica family of vegetables includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale and rutabaga, to name a few. Phytonutrients (plant-based nutrients) in this family of veggies have been shown to disrupt certain cancer-causing chemicals, bring about cancer cell death, prevent the formation of tumour cells and reduce harmful estrogens. This family of vegetables has been shown to be helpful in breast and colon cancer.

With the weather warming up and spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to sip on a refreshing mocktail packed with a nutritional punch! Try this anti-cancer mocktail the next time you want to relax with a cool drink:

Ingredients:

½ cup of coconut water

1 cup organic kale

1 cup organic spinach

1 cup of broccoli stalk

1 kiwi (optional)

1 small green apple

1 cup of ice

Garnish: 3 organic cherry tomatoes, slice of apple, or organic strawberry

Instructions:

1)    In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.

2)    Pour into a tall glass, garnish and enjoy!

3)    Optional: for a spicy flavour add a pinch of black pepper.

*Note: provides at least 2 servings of cruciferous vegetables

Author: Simone Singh, CCNM Integrative Cancer Centre intern