A cancer dietician has revealed the surprising list of foods and drinks that she says we CAN consume without risk – including red meat, artificial sweeteners and fizzy drinks.
Nichole Andrews is a registered dietician and nutritionist specialising in oncology, with over 15 years of experience in the field.
The 38-year-old regularly takes to TikTok to share advice with her 200,000 followers and, in her latest post, shared a list of ‘safe’ items.
“I know how amazing and powerful nutrition can be to help survivors have better treatment outcomes and reduce risk of recurrence,” Nichole, who is based in Tri-Cities, Washington, US told Need To Know of her work in the field.
“Sadly there is so much misinformation out there, that people cannot eat well – so I am so happy to clear up that confusion and help people eat with confidence.”
Having previously shared the foods she will never touch due to leading a “cancer prevention lifestyle” – including alcohol, pepperoni, and sugary beverages – Nichole has now shared some rather surprising safer options.
In the video, she lists items including microwave popcorn, artificial sweeteners, coffee, peanut butter, rotisserie chicken and soy products.
Contrary to popular belief, Nichole says it is in fact safe to consume red meat, but she advises not to go above 18oz per week.
Nichole explained: “Red meat is not going to increase the risk of cancer at consumption, like alcohol and processed meats do, however they will increase risks of colorectal cancer after 18 ounces a week.
“I usually keep to one serving of red meat a week, or I just don’t have any at all.”
And while health nuts often tell us to steer clear of fizzy drinks, Nichole says diet sodas are fine – with it being the sugar in them that can lead to heightened risks of developing cancer.
Excess body fat tissue can increase the risk of 13 different cancers, according to the expert.
Nichole added: “Making sure to keep your body fat tissue down is going to be balancing a healthy level of calories.
“I don’t want my calories to be coming from sodas.
“You go for a meal out and have a large soda, and it’s going to have a tonne of extra calories.
“When I go out to eat I’ll have water or an unsweetened ice tea, or [you could have] a diet soda.”
As for foods that can help lower your risk of developing cancer?
Nichole recommends cruciferous vegetables, berries, garlic, tomatoes, green tea, turmeric, leafy greens, nuts, carrots and legumes.
