Your Guide to Smarter Eating: Juice, Beans & Snack Nutrition Myths
By Arlene-Frances Wu | Senior Nutritionist
During treatment and recovery, many dietary myths and misconceptions may influence our food choices and daily habits. As nutrition professionals, we hope to provide a scientific perspective to help everyone establish accurate beliefs and move toward a healthier lifestyle.
Can Vegetable Juice Really Detox the Body?
Many people believe that drinking large amounts of vegetable and fruit juice can “detox” the body and help restore energy. In fact, vegetables are rich in fiber, antioxidants (such as vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene), and phytochemicals (such as sulfides and anthocyanins), which support antioxidant functions, enhance immunity, and reduce inflammation. However, if one only consumes vegetable juice while neglecting protein, fats, and carbohydrates, it can lead to nutritional imbalance and even weaken the immune system. A healthy diet should be diverse and well-balanced. For example, dark green vegetables like spinach and kale are rich in lutein, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage contain anti-cancer compounds like sulforaphane, and carrots and tomatoes provide antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene. These are all excellent food choices, especially for those in recovery.
Do Beans Increase Cancer Risk?
Many people worry that the phytoestrogens (isoflavones) in beans might affect hormone balance and potentially increase the risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer. However, scientific research shows that beans are high-quality plant-based proteins rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory isoflavones. In fact, they may even help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Beans are also a great source of protein, dietary fiber (both soluble and insoluble), and essential trace minerals like selenium and zinc, which can help strengthen the immune system. Drinking a cup of soy milk or adding tofu to your meals every day are both smart and healthy dietary choices.
Are Snacks Really Off-Limits for Patients?
Many people believe that cancer patients shouldn’t eat snacks. However, choosing the right healthy snacks is absolutely acceptable. The key is to opt for natural, low-sugar, low-fat options that are rich in nutrients. For example, nuts (like almonds and walnuts) and seeds (such as chia and flaxseeds) contain monounsaturated fats and antioxidants; fruits (like blueberries, apples, and citrus) are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which help fight oxidation and boost immunity. Whole grains (like brown rice crackers, oats, and whole wheat bread) provide dietary fiber to support gut health. And what about chocolate—can it be enjoyed? Absolutely! Let me share with you a sweet treat that’s both delicious and healthy.
Nutty Cocoa Balls Recipe
Delicious and healthy, this chocolate-flavored snack is made with just a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup organic cashews
1/2 cup Medjool dates
2 tsp coconut oil
1/4 cup shredded coconut
A pinch of cocoa powder
Instructions (Makes about 6–8 balls, each 2.5–3 cm in diameter)
1.Place pitted dates and cashews in a blender or food processor and blend until a sticky, coarse paste forms.
2.Add cocoa powder and coconut oil, then blend again until smooth and well combined.
3.Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball by hand.
4.Roll each ball in shredded coconut to coat the surface.
5.Chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to firm up.
📌 Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
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