Many mesothelioma patients are curious about methods to improve their prognosis. In some cases, they may read about and consider diet plans and trends.

One diet that a patient may come across is called the Rainbow Diet. Researchers believe that this diet has many properties that make it beneficial in fighting against cancer.

What is a Rainbow Diet?

The Rainbow Diet is a diet plan that is abundant in fruits and vegetables. It is thought that if a person eats from every color of the rainbow, that they will acquire a strong immune system and have the ability to combat many diseases.

Studies have revealed that individuals with a plant-based diet have a nutritional advantage for combatting certain cancers. Plants and fruits that are a part of this diet are full of vitamins and antioxidants.

This diet plan is thought to help with fighting diseases such as:
  • Leukemia
  • Lung Cancer
  • Breast Cancer
  • Gastrointestinal tract cancers

Eating Colors of the Rainbow

Each color of this diet is thought to not only play a critical role in combating cancer, but they can also help improve a patient’s overall health. These colorful superfoods are rich in many different kinds of vitamins and nutrients.
colorful vegetables image

It is very important that a mesothelioma patient keeps their body strong before, during, and even after they have treatment. However, it is always suggested that patients let their doctor or dietician know of any changes they are considering making to their diet.

Eating from the rainbow includes:

Red – Foods in this group help by fighting inflammation. They are also thought to prevent damage in genes that may help promote cancer growth. This color is rich in vitamin A, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Examples of foods in this group: tomatoes, strawberries, cherries, red lentils, and red beans.

Orange – This power group is thought to help by boosting the immune system. These foods also help with naturally empowering the body to battle free radicals that cause damage and cancer to develop. It is thought that this group helps maintain respiratory health, boosts the immune system and can prevent infection.

Examples of foods in this group: carrots, pumpkin, mangoes, sweet potatoes, and peaches.

Yellow – The foods in this category are full of antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. This color may help with disease prevention and can contribute to helping against inflammation.

Examples of foods in this group: corn, pineapples, yellow lentils, yellow/golden beets, and yellow squash.

Green – Foods in this category are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, antioxidants, and vitamin K. It helps with not only the immune system, but it helps the heart, lungs, and other organs to properly function. Foods in the green part of the Rainbow Diet also help with digestion.

Examples of foods in this group: avocado, broccoli, zucchini, green apples, and leafy greens.

Blue, Indigo & Purple – Feasting from this color is thought to prevent genetic damage and reduce inflammation. It is also supposed to help with inhibiting cancer activity and to kill cancer cells.

Examples of foods in this group: blueberries, grapes, purple peppers, eggplant, and blackberries.

White & Brown – Replenishing the body with foods from this group is thought to help purify and detoxify the body. Foods from this group could also help with healthy cellular growth, reduce inflammation, destroy viruses, and to prevent cancer from growing.

Examples of foods in this group: onions, leeks, mushrooms, nuts, and fiber.

Black – these are considered superfoods. Unlike the foods in the other color groups, this group has more antioxidants. These foods are also thought to reduce not only the risk of cancer but heart disease and diabetes.

Examples of foods in this group: black beans and black chia seeds.
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    Sources & Author

  1. How Eating a Rainbow Diet Helps Prevent Cancer. The Truth About Cancer. Retrieved from: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/rainbow-diet-cancer/. Accessed: 10/16/2017.
  2. WHAT IS A RAINBOW DIET? PART 1. Natural Balance Foods. Retrieved from: https://www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk/community/dietary-needs/what-is-a-rainbow-diet-part-1/. Accessed: 10/16/2017.
  3. THE RAINBOW DIET MEAL PLAN. Natural Balance Foods. Retrieved from: https://www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk/community/dietary-needs/the-rainbow-diet-meal-plan/. Accessed: 10/16/2017.
  4. Power Foods – Eating a Rainbow Diet. American Holistic Health Association. Retrieved from: https://ahha.org/selfhelp-articles/power-foods-eating-a-rainbow-diet/. Accessed: 10/16/2017.
  5. Heart Protection--The Colorful Way. Prevention.com. Retrieved from: https://www.prevention.com/rainbow-diet-fruit-and-vegetables. Accessed: 10/16/2017.
  6. What is vitamin A and what does it do?. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/. Accessed: 10/16/2017.
  7. Eat the Colors of the Rainbow With These Clean-Eating Recipes. One Green Planet. Retrieved from: http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/eat-the-colors-of-the-rainbow-with-these-clean-eating-recipes. Accessed: 10/16/2017.
  8. ​​​Top Foods for Cancer Patients. Healthxchange.sg. Retrieved from: https://www.healthxchange.sg/cancer/food-nutrition/top-foods-cancer-patients. Accessed: 10/16/2017.
  9. Maureen Keane, M.S., Daniella Chace, M.S. (2007). What To Eat If You Have Cancer. New York. McGraw-Hill.
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About the Writer, Nicole Godfrey

Nicole Godfrey is the Senior Content Writer for Mesothelioma Guide. She writes and edits pages to make sure that mesothelioma patients and their families receive the most current and significant information about mesothelioma.