​​Lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, an essential part of the body's immune system. It begins in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and can develop in various parts of the body where lymphocytes are present, such as lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, and other organs. There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin Lymphoma and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

I chose to create these cookies in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, driven by my personal connection with this disease. My grandfather on my father’s side passed away due to lymphoma a few years ago. This instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and commitment to combat this threatening disease. 

Both Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma pose a great challenge. Nevertheless, the pursuit of scientific advancements continues. Your purchase of Chloe’s Cookies for a Cause plays a vital role in supporting ongoing research to aid this disease.

According to the CDC, various factors can help to decrease the risk of cancer, including avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, and keeping a healthy weight. Nutrition also plays a role. Studies in 2014, 2017, and a 20 year long study found that walnuts, dates, and bananas can help protect against cancer.

Therefore, our cookie this month contains walnuts, dates, and bananas. Introducing: Cancer Fight Bites.

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

Oat flour

Almond flour

Walnuts

Baking soda

Cinnamon

Salt

Wet Ingredients:

Bananas

Medjool Dates

Maple Syrup

Date Sugar

Vanilla Extract

Eggs

Olive Oil

Research

Walnuts

Lots of nuts have cancer-fighting properties, but walnuts have proven to be particularly effective in both treatment and prevention, as they contain n–3 (ω-3) fatty acids, tocopherols, β-sitosterol, and pedunculagin, which all have cancer-prevention properties. A 2014 study on mice found that walnuts inhibited cancer growth. A human breast cancer study in 2019 saw the same results in women. 

Dates

Dates are high in Magnesium, Zinc, and Iron which help with immunity and metabolism. They are also high in vitamins B1, B6, and C. A 2017 study showed that Medjool dates contained significant cell-protecting antioxidants (carotenoids) and anticancer properties.

Bananas

Bananas have long been a healthy snack option, but did you know they could save your life? A 20 year study involving more than 1000 patients with Lynch syndrome released last year by the University of Leeds in 2022 showed that a starch in bananas reduced some cancers by more than half.