Caprese Salad with a Twist Against Cancer

Before we leave summer and it’s bounty of fragrant fresh herbs and produce, I thought I would share an idea with you.  A platter of tomato-mozzarella-basil is beautiful, healthy and delicious. Tomatoes are a powerful anti-cancer fruit, particularly due the synergistic effects of lycopene, beta-carotene, vitamin C, phenols and other nutrients and antioxidants in the tomato working together to offer cancer protection. Basil has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains flavonoids that help shield cell structures from radiation and oxidative damage, and may protect liver cells. Both fresh basil and basil oil have strong antibacterial capabilities, so by adding the herb or oil to your salad, you can help ensure your vegetables are safe to eat. But while basil offers much it is not the only herb in town. Consider this take on the salad and reap the benefit of a combination of tasty cancer-fighting herbs.

                 Caprese Salad with a Twist

Slice tomatoes and cheese; if you prefer, you can use sliced red or sweet onion, grilled eggplant or zucchini instead of the cheese. Layer/fan them on a platter.

Chop herbs (I use basil, parsley, cilantro and one or two sage leaves, but any combination of herbs that you have and enjoy will be fine). You will need 1-2 cups chopped.

Note: I especially recommend including parsley in this dish, as I think that should be included in our daily diet.  Tumor cells depend on blood vessels to supply the nutrients necessary for the tumors to grown and multiply.  The apigenin in parsley blocks the formation of new blood vessels and therefore may delay or stop the development of tumors and will reduce the number of tumors in our body. 

Stir in olive oil, sea salt and ground pepper to taste. You should have enough oil to mix with the herbs and allow for a slight drizzle over the cheese; spoon over tomatoes and cheese.

Variation:  add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.

Note: the herb mixture can be used on grilled meats, fish, chicken or vegetables.

For more delicious ways to enjoy parsley and other cancer-fighting herbs, consider a few other tasty salads.

For my recipe for bulgur tabouleh, click here.

For my recipe for red beet and cabbage salad loaded with fresh herbs, click here.

For more information on cancer fighting herbs, click here.

Remember, everything we put in our body either contributes to health or disease.  Healthy food can be incredibly delicious if prepared to please the eyes and taste buds, so try out some new recipes and enjoy what life has to offer.  And while you are enjoying the bounty, you just might thwart cancer.  

Elyn

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer coach, radio talk show host, keynote speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She mentors women who are coping with issues of well-being associated with breast cancer and its aftermath; she is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn has been featured on CNN Money, Talk About Health and more and has contributed to Breast Cancer Answers as well as written for the Pink Paper, Breast Cancer Wellness, Integrative Oncology Essentials, and she writes the Options for Life column for the Natural Healing-Natural Wellness Newsletter. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys.