Breast Cancer Smoothies

September 5, 2016
Chace (Turning Off Breast Cancer), a clinical nutritionist and NPR Nutrition Matters host, takes a proactive approach to fighting breast cancer with this collection of smoothie recipes. The book opens with a general nutritional overview and tips on kitchenware, preparation steps, and ingredients before diving into smoothie recipes organized by main ingredient: apple, apricot, blueberry, carrot juice, coconut water, green tea, mango, orange, peach, pomegranate, and tangerine. Chace describes poring over recent research, looking for "gold," in order to create drinks rife with anti-inflammatory antioxidants and phytochemicals that pack a "medicinal punch." She states that poor diet increases cancer risks and reduces the ability to heal; her "functional smoothies" have active compounds intended to counter those effects. Each recipe is accompanied by a research study citation as well as an interesting informational nugget (e.g., blueberries contain a compound called pterostilbene, which, according to laboratory research, can suppress potential breast cancer stem cells). The recipes are accented by photographer Olivia Brent's colorful images. The book also includes charts matching specific ingredients to specific types of cancer. This visually appealing and user-friendly collection will be welcomed by those eager to take advantage of food's possible health benefits. Agent: Linda Konner, Linda Konner Literary Agency.

Starred review from September 1, 2016

Clinical nutritionist and educator Chace explains that most people diagnosed with cancer have nutritional deficiencies, and large-scale studies have shown that most women diagnosed with breast cancer are lacking in vitamin D. These facts, as well as behaviors the author noticed among her patients--the need for cold food, for example, as the smell of cooked meals triggered nausea--led her to create and test these recipes for dozens of smoothies featuring fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, and more. After providing a breast cancer nutrition overview, Chace describes the equipment found in a healthy kitchen; smoothie-making steps; and ingredient purchase, prep, and storage. The recipes, which make up the bulk of the book, are presented in 11 sections on types such as apple, carrot juice, coconut water, and green tea, with ten-plus recipes in each segment. Appendixes include a listing of ingredients beneficial for patients with specific breast cancer subtypes and references to the medical and nutritional information Chace presents. VERDICT While anyone will benefit from and enjoy these yummy smoothies (shown in color photos), the nutritional aspects specific to breast cancer subtypes and the list of foods to avoid make it a valuable addition to a patient's arsenal.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.