Juicing for Cancer Patients: 15 Essential Ingredients, According to Science (+8 Cancer-Fighting Juice Recipes)

According to multiple scientific studies, juicing is one of the most effective ways to prevent chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. It is actually a hidden remedy for many cancer patients. 

The cancer-fighting juice recipes include kale, coconut water, bananas, kiwi, and many more. These fruits and vegetables offer plenty of vitamins, minerals, and essential enzymes to destroy harmful cancer cells and tumors within the body. So what should you include in your cancer-fighting concoction?

1. Kale

Kale is a powerful cruciferous vegetable. What do cruciferous vegetables do? Studies suggest that cruciferous vegetables contain high amounts of carotenoids including lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. The effectiveness of these compounds in cancer patients helps alleviate anti-inflammatory effects of cancer.

Moreover, kale also contains good minerals, vitamin C, and sulfur-containing chemicals. These enzymes have powerful anti-cancer effects within the body.

A study on rats and mice determined that the indole and isothiocyanate compounds present in kale prevent the proliferation of different types of cancer. This includes breast, colon, liver, stomach, lungs, and bladder. (1)

Other animal studies prove that kale has powerful antiviral and antioxidant properties that prevent apoptosis, tumor formation, and activated carcinogens in the body.

Key Takeaway: Destroying cancer cells in the body depends on a variety of factors. Incorporating good amounts of kale in juices can help absorb anti-carcinogenic nutrients in the body.

2. Grapes

One study found that grape contains high sources of resveratrol which belongs to a group of phytochemicals. These phytochemicals are a part of powerful compounds called polyphenols. It suggests that the skin of each grape is contains high amounts of resveratrol which helps treat mouth, pharynx, and larynx cancers.

Based on an expert reporting on cancer patients, this study concluded that grapes and grape juice is directly associated with preventing cancer cell progression in the body. It slows down inflammation and oxidative stress linked with the development of cancer. (2)

It also helps inhibit tumor formation in different parts of the body. This includes stomach, breast, liver, and lymph.

Cancer prevention with the help of grapes or grape juice can decrease your chances of developing inflammatory cancer cells. It contributes to destroying cell death or apoptosis which is the leading cause of cancer development in the body.

Key Takeaway: Some evidence proves that grapes have powerful anti-carcinogenic properties. It is a critical fruit to destroy cancer cell development and tumor progression.

3. Mangoes

Mangoes contain huge amounts of antioxidants, including polyphenols. Polyphenols play an important role in preventing cancer cell proliferation. It promotes the growth of noncancer colonic myofibroblast cells. These cells hinder the production of apoptosis and tumors.

A study on anticancer properties of mangoes showed that it had a direct effect on cell cycle regulators, cell cycle arrest, and reactive oxygen species in the body. This result demonstrated that certain compounds present in mango extracts can inhibit cancell cell growth.

It also helps suppress biomarkers of pro-apoptotic and inflammation in the cells. This leads to reduced cancer activity in the body. (3)

Another similar study also proved that mango extracts also possess powerful chemopreventive properties for cancer patients.

Key Takeaway: Mangoes can help decrease risk of developing prostate cancer. It helps reduce symptoms such as cell death and oxidative stress linked to cancer.

4. Pineapple

Eating or drinking pineapple-rich juices promote cancerous tumor and cells inhibition. In order to overcome this harmful disease, an increased intake of bromelain, present in pineapples, is essential.

It is a powerful enzyme which helps treat the toxic symptoms of cancer cells and tumors. An animal study demonstrated that bromelain has powerful antitumoral properties, better than other chemotherapy treatments.

Another study focused on the fact that pineapple inhibits the development of colon cancer cells within the body. It reduces gastrointestinal tract inflammation which is a part of the colon. This positively impacts the ulcerative colitis, hence reducing cancer cells proliferation in the colon.

Bromelain helps strengthen the immune system to respond by attacking cancer cells rather than killing healthy immune cells. (4,5)

Key Takeaway: Juicing pineapple with other fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The bromelain enzyme present in pineapples destroys cancer cells by supporting the immune system.

5. Coconut

Apart from improving skin health and acting as a natural laxative, coconut has some powerful anti-cancer properties. Coconut is packed with healthy nutrients that can be consumed in many forms. You can add coconut water or coconut milk in juices and smoothies. Or even add a few coconut pieces in your everyday breakfast drink.

According to a study, coconut milk contain kinetin riboside which helps in the inhibition of multiple myeloma cancer. Multiple myeloma cancer is the formation of malignant plasma cells within the body. It triggers the immune system that fights infections and other chronic diseases.

Coconut milk, on the other hand, enhances overall immune function. It is often considered as a healthy substitute to inhibit inflammatory growth in the body. (6)

It can also be said that coconut helps reduce the development of colon, prostate, and breast cancer in certain animal studies.

Key Takeaway: If you’re drinking juices with coconut water or coconut milk, there are chances that you might be able to fight cancer more effectively. It restricts the formation of malignant cancer cells in the body the disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system.

6. Blueberries

It’s no surprise that blueberries contain powerful antioxidants that prohibit cancer development. A study on blueberries affecting colon cancer showed that pterostilbene, an antioxidant compound in blueberries, has cancer-fighting benefits.

By including more blueberries in your diet, you can alleviate colon cancer and promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract. It influences colon cancer development by restricting inflammation and cancerous genes in the body. (7)

An 8-week study conducted on rats proved that a higher consumption of pterostilbene on colon cancer can destroy specific cancer-driven genes and proinflammatory markers in the body. It can counter-attack the consumption of high fat and calorie diets to reverse the process of high cholesterol and lipid levels.

Key Takeaway: Pterostilbene, present in blueberries, can suppress the growth of colonic cancer cells in the body. It also plays a hand at lowering high cholesterol and lipid levels which might be a leading cause of colon cancer.

7. Spinach

Cooked meat is a popular food choice around the world. People consume it in salads, sandwiches, curries, and burgers. Cooked meat is also barbecued, fried, and grilled in many cultures. While moderate consumption of such foods is considered healthy, we’re still consuming certain types of carcinogens because of it.

A study suggests that cooked meat contains a carcinogen that has a direct impact on RNA and cancer stem cells. But you can steer clear of its harmful effects with an increased intake of fresh spinach.

This study also offers the conclusion that spinach can help promote normal immune function hindered due to unhealthy lifestyle and diet choices. This is one of the many contributing factors of cancer and tumor progression. (8)

Key Takeaway: A closer look into the health benefits of spinach shed light on the fact that it is a powerful anti-cancer vegetable. It helps reverse the side-effects of carcinogens in the body caused by a higher cooked meat consumption.

8. Banana

Everybody knows that banana is an incredibly healthy fruit that fights constipation. But not many people know that this same fruit has the ability to protect the body against cancer, especially kidney cancer.

A comprehensive study suggests that women who consume bananas among many other fruits and veggies, particularly 75 servings of such foods, reduce the chances of developing kidney cancer. This reduction amounts to as much as 40 percent. And eating at least six bananas per week cuts down the risk by 50 percent.

And that’s because bananas contain a rich content of phenolic antioxidant compounds. These are responsible for preventing cancer in the kidneys.

Another thing that you probably don’t know is that a healthy consumption of bananas goes a long way in minimizing the risks involved with colorectal cancer.

Apple and lettuce also offer the same benefit but bananas have proved to be the most effective. And that’s because they provide the most powerful protection in such cases. (9)

Key Takeaway: The phenolic antioxidant level of bananas contributes to preventing the formation of kidney cancer in women. And not just that, eating bananas on a regular basis is also quite effective when it comes to protecting the body against colorectal cancer cells.

9. Broccoli

You will come across many people that consume a lot of broccoli, especially in the US. And that’s because scientists have proved that this beautiful little green vegetable lowers the chances of developing several kinds of cancers.

Eating broccoli even three times a week goes a long way in reducing the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.

The thing about broccoli is that it benefits the body in more ways than you can imagine. Incorporating the vegetable into your daily diet keeps the liver in a good condition as well. This means that broccoli also protects the body from liver cancer. (10)

So it’s safe to say that consuming steamed broccoli or freshly chopped broccoli provides the body with sufficient sulforaphane. And this is nothing but an extremely strong cancer-fighting component.

Key Takeaway: Broccoli consists of a healthy compound that does an excellent job at fighting cancer cells in the body. Such a characteristic provides protection against cancers such as breast, prostate, and colon.

10. Strawberries

The delicious, juicy heart-shaped fruit can make a huge difference when it comes to combatting cancer. In fact, strawberries have such a great impact on the body that it helps in reversing the growth of cancer cells. And that’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?

Now we all know that strawberries contain a high level of antioxidants, right? These particular elements are responsible for eliminating free radicals from the body. And that means preventing the formation of cancer.

The best part about this juicy fruit is that it has a large amount of fiber content in both the seeds and flesh. And what fiber does is gather and eradicate toxins that often lead to cancer. (11)

Apart from fiber, there are many other cancer-protective nutrients present in strawberries. These include vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, and phytonutrients. So a cup of strawberries or a glass of your favorite strawberry infused smoothie or milkshake is incredibly effective in fighting cancer.

Key Takeaway: When a fruit contains all types of antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins that are directly linked to fighting cancer, then why shouldn’t you add it to your daily diet! And strawberries are that kind of a fruit, so don’t think twice before consuming a bowlful.

11. Ginger

Ginger family plants have incredibly powerful preventative and therapeutic powers. And these are great for carrying out cancer fighting activities. Gingerol is the primary active compound present in ginger that contributes to this purpose. Also, it’s this particular element as well that adds the distinctive flavor that the vegetable is known for. (12)

There’s another benefit that ginger provides to the body. Now we all know that radiotherapy is an effective cancer treatment procedure. What it does is eliminate cancer cells by using the ionizing radiation method. But at the same time, this process tends to negatively impact the healthy cells and normal tissue as well.

So at such times, your body needs natural compounds to protect the non-tumorous cells against the radiotherapy cancer treatment. And ginger’s plant compounds do an excellent job at protecting the healthy tissue against such adverse effects. (13)

Key Takeaway: The main substance present in ginger that’s responsible for its flavor is what your body needs to inhibit cancer growth. Plus, it’s these types of natural compounds that offer protection against the ill-effects of powerful cancer treatment methods like radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

12. Cucumber

Cucumbers are not only a refreshing fruit but also a highly beneficial one. The nutritive value of cucumbers is excellent for treating various kinds of serious inflammatory diseases. And that is the primary reason why this particular ingredient is a part of most traditional foods as well as folk medicine. (14)

Now, let’s talk about the rejuvenating vegetable’s cancer preventing properties. The extract of cucumber has the ability to prevent cancer cell growth.

In fact, cucumbers are known to activate apoptosis. This means that once your body’s cancer cells are exposed to cucumber extract, they begin to die. And it’s this particular function that gives cucumbers such highly effective anti-tumor characteristics.

Another known advantage is that cucumbers contain different types of antioxidants. This includes kaempferol, which does an excellent job at fighting the life-threatening effects of cancer. It even reduces the chances of developing heart disease.

Key Takeaway: So what do we know about cucumbers here? That they house useful compounds like saponins and fatty acids. And these prohibit cancer cells from metastasizing. They also prevent the cells from producing more harmful blood vessels in the body.

13. Grapefruit

A part of the big and healthy citrus fruit family, grapefruit offers many health benefits. One of them is fighting cancer. The delicious fruit contains Vitamin C; an antioxidant. This element prevents the formation of nitrogen compounds in the body that cause cancer.

So consuming grapefruit, as well as other citrus fruits, on a regular basis can lower your risk of developing various kinds of cancers. This includes cervix, breast, bladder, esophagus, colon, and stomach cancer. (15)

Another life-saving compound present in grapefruit comes in the form of a flavonoid called naringenin. What this does is encourage DNA repair. Such an activity is necessary to damage cancer cells.

These facts are encouraging enough to pile some healthy citrus fruits like grapefruit on top of your plate, aren’t they?

Key Takeaway: Consuming 6 ounces of grapefruit three times a day goes a long way in protecting the body against cancer. And even better is the fact that grapefruit contains certain compounds that actively kill cancer cells in the body.

14. Watermelon

Watermelons contain lycopene which is a cancer-fighting compound. It is a powerful and natural antioxidant required by the body to fight a type of kidney cancer.

Lycopene is present in high amounts in watermelon, papaya, and tomatoes. It can help lower the risk of renal cell carcinoma.

The study concluded that women diagnosed with kidney cancer have a 39% lower risk of suffering severe symptoms with a higher intake of lycopene. Watermelon also contains good amounts of lutein, vitamins, and minerals that help treat kidney cancer.

When your body metabolizes such micronutrients, it makes the immune system stronger. It even reduces the risk of inflammation and free radical damage in the body. Drinking watermelon juice for treating and reducing serious symptoms of cancer can be a great way to feel healthy and energetic. (16)

Key Takeaway: Watermelon is a good source of lycopene to reduce kidney cancer risk. It alleviates chronic symptoms associated with renal cells carcinoma, which is a rare type of kidney cancer.

15. Kiwi

Let’s begin by stating that intestinal microbiota elements in the body give rise to metabolites. And these have a carcinogenic nature. So they assist in the formation of cancer cells, especially in the colon region.

At such times, if you make it a point to provide your body with kiwifruit, it can help you a great deal. What this means is that kiwi has the ability to affect the populations of intestinal microbiota. So the fascinating fruit reduces the chances of developing colon cancer in the body. (17)

You should also know that kiwifruit has a high content of vitamin K. Such a component protects the body against chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

So you can fight cancer effectively by adding kiwi to your daily diet. Just remember that it contains plenty nutrients that have the ability to fight cancer in the most natural manner.

One such nutrient is vitamin B6. It supports the immune system, which plays a significant role in combating all types of health conditions.

Key Takeaway: The tiny, bright green fruit can make a huge difference when it comes to fighting cancer. Thanks to the highly beneficial antioxidants and nutrients present in the fruit. Even rubbing slices of kiwifruit on meat will cause harm to the cancer cells found in your body.

Ingredients To Avoid

1. Soy Protein

Not many people know this but soy protein consists of an explosive, toxic chemical solvent called hexane. And this particular element is considered to be a dangerous air pollutant. The compounds present in hexane have developed a reputation of causing major health problems such as cancer and birth defects. (18)

2. Hydrogenated Oils

These include corn oil, canola oil, and soybean oil. The thing about hydrogenated oils is that they go through the process of chemical extraction and modification, which increases the saturated fat content. And trans fats give rise to chronic health conditions such as cancer. (19)

3. Artificial Food Dyes

Artificial food coloring is found in several types of snacks, candy, vitamins, beverages, and breakfast cereals among many other. And children tend to consume a lot of such food items. So you should know that artificial dyes have a carcinogenic nature, and that increases the chances of cancer formation. It is also linked to causing behavioral problems and hypersensitivity reactions. (20)

4. Refined Sugar

This particular ingredient is considered to be the worst on the list. Refined sugars along with foods that contain them constitute as the biggest source of severe insulin spikes. They tend to feed cancer cells, thus helping them multiply in the body. (21)

5. Canned Tomatoes

Canned food, including canned tomatoes, consists of BPA. Now we all know that BPA is a highly toxic chemical. This particular element is directly linked to heightening the chances of prostate and breast cancer. (22)

You should also know that tomatoes have an acidic nature. Such a characteristic encourages the BPA chemical to penetrate into the vegetable. So it’s always better to opt for fresh tomatoes.

6. Glucose

Fruits and vegetables than contain high amounts of glucose should not be consumed more than required. One such fruit is pomegranate and one such vegetable is beets. It’s important to note that only when you include beets and pomegranate into your daily diet in large quantities do they feed the cancer cells.

The thing about cancer cells is that they have a tendency of deriving glucose and other nutrients from such high-glucose sources. So it’s best for the body to keep the intake of beets and pomegranate at the bare minimum. (23)

8 Healthy Juice Recipes To Fight Cancer

Making smoothies and juices is always a good idea. But it’s even better when you want them to fight serious health conditions like cancer. And the best part about it is that juices provide your body with all the nutrients present in that particular fruit or vegetable. Unlike cooked meals, which tend to reduce the nutritional value of such foods. It’s like a direct, healthy deposit into all the cells found in our body.

Also, when dealing with a major health issue like cancer, what you consume is of utmost importance. So the juice and smoothie recipes listed below have excellent cancer fighting characteristics. And that’s because they all contain plenty antioxidants that get into the system to reduce or eliminate cancer cells.

So let’s learn how to drink better!

1. Kale Cucumber Green Juice

There is nothing healthier for the body than the mix of kale and cucumber that tastes like green lemonade.

Ingredients:

1 medium orange, peeled

1 medium apple

10 leaves of kale, stem attached

1 medium cucumber

1-1/2 peeled lemons

Method:

1. The only thing you have to do is add all the ingredients listed above to the juicer. But please don’t forget to wash them first. This should give you at least three glasses of fresh kale and cucumber green juice.

2. Strawberry Grape Smoothie

Pamper your body with the rich minerals and vitamins present in grapes with this delicious, quick-to-prepare smoothie.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of plain yogurt

1 cup of grapes

1/3 cup of milk

3 fresh strawberries

2 cubes of ice

Method:

1. Wash the strawberries and grapes before removing the stems.

2. Pour all the milk in your blender jar. Then add the grapes and strawberries along with yogurt.

3. Blend these ingredients until the mixture becomes frothy and smooth. Lastly, transfer the smoothie into a serving glass.

3. Tropical Mango Orange Pineapple Juice

You don’t need to head on a vacation to an exotic island to enjoy such a tropical drink. Learn to prepare this bright, sweet, and healthy juice right in the comfort of your home.

Ingredients:

2 peeled, quartered oranges

1/2 peeled mango

1/4 peeled, chopped pineapple

Method:

1. Run all the three fruits through the juicer. And that’s about it!

4. Coconut Banana Pineapple Smoothie

What better way to add coconut into your daily diet than by blending it with a yummy fusion of banana and pineapple.

Ingredients:

2 bananas

100ml of pineapple juice

125g of pineapple chunks

200ml of coconut milk

Method:

1. Bring together all the contents listed above in your blender. Turn it on at low speed first, then increase it to medium after a few seconds. Blend the juice for a minute until it becomes smooth.

2. You can add more coconut milk to this if you want to achieve a thinner consistency. But smoothies are supposed to be thick, right? So you don’t need to do that. Simply pour the juice into a serving glass and enjoy it chilled.

5. Blueberry Galaxy Smoothie

The word galaxy implies the blend of hearty blueberries with banana, pineapple, and coconut. This smoothie is just what your body needs to get rid of unwanted elements present in the system.

Ingredients:

1 cup of frozen pineapple chunks

1 cup of frozen blueberries

1/2 cup of vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt

2 cups of frozen slices of banana

1 tbsp of shredded coconut, unsweetened

1/2 cup of unsweetened, vanilla-flavored almond milk, with 2 tbsp extra

Method:

1. Combine only 1 cup of banana slices, blueberries, and 1/2 cup of almond milk in your blender. Start the machine and let the ingredients whip together until the paste becomes smooth. Then transfer this into a medium bowl and set it aside.

2. Then clean the blender before adding the remaining banana slices and milk with coconut and yogurt. Once the paste becomes smooth, you can turn off the blender.

3. Now it’s time to layer the smoothie. First, spoon the blueberry mixture into a glass. Then bring in the yellow mixture over this followed by another blueberry layer.

4. In the end, you can use a small spatula or knife to swirl all the layers.

6. Popeye Power Spinach Juice

We all, including Popeye, know the importance of leafy green spinach, right? So here’s how to spruce up a refreshing glass of spinach juice that benefits your body in more ways than you can imagine.

Ingredients:

5 cups of spinach

1 lime

1/2 cucumber

2 medium apples

Method:

1. There’s nothing more to do than blend all the ingredients in your juicer. Stir the juice well enough before you take that first sip.

7. Green Broccoli Delight

Cleansing your system is essential, even when you don’t have any medical condition, right? So it’s always beneficial to know how to prepare a juice as healthy and delightful as this.

Ingredients:

Juice of 1 lemon

3 small bunches of spinach

1 large sliced cucumber

2 cups of pineapple chunks

Some mint leaves

1-1/2 cups of broccoli chunks

Method:

1. Bring together all the ingredients except the lemon juice in your blender. Wait until the contents turn into liquid form.

2. Then add the lemon juice. And that’s it! Time to pour it into a serving glass to relax your body and mind.

8. Grapefruit Watermelon Detox Mix

For a healthy kick, you will find nothing more refreshing as well as tasty than the blend of grapefruit with watermelon.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp of honey

1 fresh grapefruit

4 watermelon slices, seeds removed

Method:

1. Place grapefruit in your blender to extract its juice.

2. Once you get the grapefruit juice, add watermelon into the juicer. Let both the ingredients mix for 30 seconds.

3. At this point, there will be a lot of foam over the surface of the liquid. So please feel free to discard all of it.

4. You can also add some water to this if you want a thinner consistency.

5. Add honey before stirring the refreshing blend thoroughly. Now pour it into serving glasses to savor the reddish-pink treat.

Wrapping It Up

Healthy juicing habits for cancer patients like these can help alleviate proinflammatory markers and oxidative stress within the body. This helps the body fight against the side-effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatment methods.

Because cancer harms many types of cellular processes in the body, it is important to provide nutrient to suppress abnormal cellular growth. This includes strengthening the immune system, bones, muscles, and blood vessels.

With that out of the way, you might want to up your juicing game to positively affect the body during cancer treatment. The first thing to do is immediately protect your immune system from destroying healthy cells. And you can only do that by focusing on drinking healthy cancer-fighting juices.