There is no one food that will prevent cancer. However, researchers propose that a healthy diet that contains a variety of phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals may help to destroy cancer-causing compounds, prevent cancer cells from dividing, protect cells from damage and boost the activity of immune cells that fight cancer.

If you are currently battling cancer, easy-to-prepare meals are an important consideration.

Soup during the fall and winter is a great option. Any leftovers can be frozen for another quick meal.

The Chicken Mushroom Barley Soup is definitely easy to prepare. You can use rotisserie chicken as an easy option. If you do not want chicken, you can substitute navy beans as a protein source.

The foods in this recipe that are great sources of phytochemicals (fight disease) are: onion, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, oregano, turmeric, barley and beans (if used).

Chicken Mushroom Barley Soup Serves 4-5

Ingredients:

2 T olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

1 Tablespoon chopped garlic

2 carrots, cut into ¼” thick rounds

10 oz white mushrooms, sliced

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp turmeric

1 cup quick-cooking or medium pearl barley

1 ½ cup diced, cooked chicken OR 1- 15 oz can navy beans, drained and rinsed

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Salt and pepper

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms and cook until mushrooms release their liquid, about 5 minutes. Add barley, oregano, thyme and turmeric and stir for one minute.

Add broth and 3 cups water and bring to a boil.

Lower heat, cover and simmer until barley is tender, about 10 minutes (if you use medium barley, this will take about 30 minutes to simmer). Season with salt and pepper and serve. Enjoy!

Other foods that researchers have found to be cancer fighting foods are:

  • Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage)
  • Berries: raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, blackberries
  • Citrus Fruits: grapefruit, oranges, lemons
  • Beans: navy, kidney, black, garbanzo
  • Whole Grains
  • Lycopene containing foods: tomatoes, watermelon, red peppers, carrots
  • Vitamin D containing foods: milk, shrimp, salmon, cod eggs, mushrooms
  • Garlic, onions, leeks and chives