Prostate Cancer Healthy CHILI CON CARNE — Just in time for fall and football!

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When we talk about having a healthy, balanced diet, we often think about weight control, general fitness or keeping cholesterol down. However, some studies suggest eating for cancer prevention might be worth keeping in mind. Particularly when it comes to preventing prostate cancer.

Because each person is exposed to unique environmental and lifestyle factors, cancer risk can vary. Although some factors cannot be controlled (such as inherited genetic mutations), there is a range of modifiable environmental and lifestyle factors that can help reduce the risk of developing cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a 30-40% cancer burden can be attributed to lifestyle risk factors such as tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, a diet low in fruit and vegetables, overweight and obesity, and physical inactivity. There’s no downside to aim for a healthy eating pattern, and if these studies are correct, some of the foods you eat may have a positive impact on helping prevent prostate cancer.

Here on the International Prostate Cancer Foundation, we have many resources available to help you stay informed on your healthy and wellness journey. The recipe below is just one of the great resources you can find in the Health and Nutrition portion of the Resources Center.

CHILI CON CARNE

One-pot dishes are great when you’re short on time and energy. This chili can be made as fiery as you want and can be served with rice, tacos or flour tortillas with shredded cheese and guacamole. It also freezes well for easy future dinners. Source: Macmillan Cancer Support

Ingredients (serves 4):
½ pound of lean ground beef
1 Tbsp of oil
1 onion (diced)
1 clove garlic
1 14oz can chopped tomatoes
½ can (3oz) tomato paste
1 cup mushrooms
1 red bell pepper sliced
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground cilantro
1 14oz can of kidney beans, drained
1 chopped chili pepper (if desired)
alt and pepper to taste
Garnish with scallions and lime
OPTIONAL: serve with sour cream, crackers, or cheese

Method: Saute the onions and garlic in a pan over a medium heat until they become translucent. Add the ground beef and stir until browned (about five minutes), then add the spices and chili (if using) and mix thoroughly. Add the tomato paste and canned tomatoes and simmer gently for around 10 to 15 minutes. Add the bell peppers, mushrooms and kidney beans and cook for a further five to 10 minutes. Serve as desired.