3 Pancake Recipes That Can Reduce the Risk of Cancer

Disclosure:  This is a contributed post.

I am very well read into cancer friendly and unfriendly foods (unfortunately), just to be clear. Unfortunately, because the reason for this was my father’s cancer diagnosis. So, when I say pancakes can reduce the risk of cancer I am not forgetting the fact that refined white flour and sugar are a major no-no. 

However, a few simple changes in the pancake base will make pancakes healthier. Plus, pancake recipes allow experimenting with other ingredients that will pack them with nutrients without spoiling their deliciousness. Like those rich in selenium.

Benefits of Selenium in Pancake Recipes

Selenium is a mineral that works in conjunction with vitamin E to help prevent oxidative damage in the body and reduces the risk of cancer. Selenium also regulates the metabolism and works as powerful anti-oxidant. For this reason, consuming foods high in selenium can take stress off the organs like the liver and thyroid. 

Other benefits of selenium:

- Boosts immune system

- Fights infertility

- Fights Depression

- Reduces the risk of heart disease

Crucial Changes in the Pancake Base

• Replace regular flour with whole wheat, oatmeal, coconut flour, almond flour or soy flour;
•  Replace regular refined sugar with honey, pure maple syrup, molasses, agave syrup or stevia;
• Replace regular milk with non-dairy milk, like almond, soy, rice or coconut milk. If you are using yogurt for fluffiness (I highly recommend that you do), choose a low-fat or nonfat variation or soy yogurt;
• Use healthier vegetable oil alternatives both in the batter and for frying, like olive oil or coconut oil.
• Eggs are a standard pancake ingredient that is quite rich in selenium so that’s a good start.

Incorporating Selenium Foods into Pancakes

Brazil nuts are the no.1 selenium-rich food on the planet. They, obviously, pair very well with banana in pancake recipes, so here is the fastest and easiest version: place two cups of Brazil nuts, water, cinnamon, and 4 bananas in the blender and blend well. Fry and garnish with berries. That’s it!

Here is another quick and easy pancake recipe that makes use of another selenium-rich food: spinach. Place spinach, banana, eggs, yogurt, old fashioned oats, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, honey and salt in a blender and mix well. Great for sneaking spinach into your kids’ breakfast.

Savory Pancake Variations

Pancakes don’t have to be sweet. I usually prepare savory pancake recipes whenever I have “tired” vegetables in my fridge or when I am not in the mood for spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I usually make the Korean pancake version that usually combines different vegetables, with meat/seafood/fish or without it. I have prepared the recipe that combines kale, chili peppers and soybean paste. It is usually served with a dipping sauce consisting of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Very exotic and tasty!

If you decide to include meat, choose grass-fed beef, chicken or turkey that are especially rich in chromium. When it comes to fish, best options are yellowfin tuna, canned sardines, or halibut. Mix and match and find your favorite combo!

For more Pancake recipes visit the – Best American Pancakes – Quick, Easy and Delicious Recipes – MyGreatRecipes