Beauvais: Teacher-Researcher’s Cancer-Friendly Diet Book
New Book Offers Nutritional Advice for Cancer Patients

Fennel, green anise, ginger, and peppermint – these common ingredients, whether in infusions, sauces, or cooked dishes, are known for their nausea-reducing properties.A 5% cider vinegar mouthwash can mitigate disturbing flavors, while sage leaves can alleviate stomach aches. These are just some of the tips offered in a new book by Philippe Pouillard, a doctor of immunopharmacology and teacher-researcher at unilasalle in Beauvais, France.
Titled “Treat Your Plate to Better Live During Cancer,” the book provides nutritional advice tailored for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.Pouillard and his team developed the resource after identifying a gap in readily available culinary guidance for cancer patients.
“In 2010,we realized that there wasn’t much available in terms of kitchen advice for people with cancer,” Pouillard said. “We then spent two years consulting with patients and organizations in the Oise region.”
Eating During Cancer Treatment: A Complex Challenge
Cancer treatment can significantly complicate the simple act of eating. “Treatment disrupts the olfactory senses and taste,” explains Isabelle Soula, president of the Association Perspectives against Cancer. “It alters how we eat, cook, and even share meals. This loss of appetite can then interfere with treatment, creating a critically important problem.”
Pouillard’s work addresses this challenge by providing practical solutions. For years, he and his team collaborated with patients, spending a day each month in the kitchen. “We had to consider everything, even cutlery,” he noted. “Some people experiencing a metallic taste in their mouth due to chemotherapy found that switching to plastic or bamboo cutlery helped.”
From Website to Cookbook: Expanding Access to Information
The project began with the creation of a website in 2015, Vite Fait Bienfaits, offering recipes, herbal tea formulations, and advice on using plants, spices, and culinary techniques to stimulate appetite. Cooking workshops were also developed.
“We were inspired by the Lille cancer league, which conducted similar workshops during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Pouillard said. “We wanted to continue this practical support for those unable to travel. During these workshops, we prepare recipes alongside the patients.”
Collaborating with Renowned Chefs
To further enhance the resource, Pouillard decided to publish a book compiling all the advice gathered, enriched with recipes from 35 renowned chefs. “We needed recipes that would be appealing and make people want to eat,” he emphasized.
The recipes were developed collaboratively, combining culinary expertise with nutritional considerations. “For example, I approached a Lebanese chef, provided a list of ingredients, and he created a recipe,” Pouillard explained. “We then refined it together, incorporating my food-for-health principles.” The book features contributions from acclaimed chefs such as Troisgros, Pralus, Gomez, Asfaux, Chaput, and Guérard, including Michelin-starred chefs and recipients of the Meilleur Ouvrier de france (Best Craftsman of france) award.
new Book Offers Nutritional Advice for Cancer Patients: Your Questions Answered
What is the new book about?
The book, titled “Treat Your Plate to Better Live During Cancer,” provides nutritional advice specifically tailored for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. It aims to offer practical culinary guidance to help patients navigate the challenges of eating during treatment.
Who wrote the book?
The book was written by Philippe Pouillard, a doctor of immunopharmacology and teacher-researcher at Unilasalle in Beauvais, France.
what inspired the creation of this book?
Pouillard and his team identified a gap in readily available kitchen advice for cancer patients.They realized in 2010 that there wasn’t much existing culinary guidance for people with cancer. They spent two years consulting with patients and organizations in the Oise region to understand their needs.
Why is eating during cancer treatment so difficult?
cancer treatment can substantially disrupt the ability to eat, impacting the senses and the overall enjoyment of food. Isabelle Soula, president of the Association Perspectives against cancer, explains that treatment can alter how we eat, cook, and even share meals. This loss of appetite can hinder treatment.
What kind of advice does the book offer?
The book offers a variety of tips, including which ingredients can help alleviate common side effects of cancer treatment. some examples include:
Fennel,green anise,ginger,and peppermint: Known for their nausea-reducing properties.
5% cider vinegar mouthwash: Can mitigate disturbing flavors.
* Sage leaves: Can definitely help alleviate stomach aches.
Does the book offer specific recipes?
Yes, the book features recipes from 35 renowned chefs designed to be appealing and encourage patients to eat. The recipes were developed collaboratively, combining culinary expertise with nutritional considerations. The book includes contributions from acclaimed chefs like Troisgros, Pralus, Gomez, Asfaux, Chaput, and Guérard.
How were the recipes developed?
Philippe pouillard collaborated with chefs, providing lists of ingredients and then refining the recipes together to incorporate his food-for-health principles.
Is the book based on previous work?
Yes, the project began with the creation of a website in 2015, called Vite Fait Bienfaits, which offered recipes, herbal tea formulations, and advice on using plants and spices to stimulate appetite. Cooking workshops were also developed. The book compiles the facts gathered from the website and workshops.
Where can I find more information?
The article mentions the website Vite Fait Bienfaits, which offers additional information and resources.
Key Takeaways from “Treat Your Plate to Better Live During Cancer”
Hear’s a brief summary of the book’s key features:
| Feature | Description |
| ————————— | —————————————————————————————————————- |
| Target Audience | Cancer patients undergoing treatment. |
| Main Focus | Providing tailored nutritional and culinary advice to help patients eat better during treatment. |
| Origin | Based on research,patient consultations,and a website (Vite fait Bienfaits) offering similar resources. |
| Content | tips for using specific ingredients to combat side effects, recipes from renowned chefs, and practical guidance. |
| Goal | To improve the quality of life and support the effectiveness of cancer treatment by addressing eating challenges. |
| Author’s Credentials | Dr. Philippe Pouillard, a doctor of immunopharmacology and teacher-researcher. |
