Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is a complex disease that involves the growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body.

While the exact cause of cancer is still unknown, several factors can contribute to its development, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and diet.

What we eat can have a significant impact on our health, including our risk of developing cancer. Some foods can promote cancer growth and progression, while others have anti-cancer properties that can help prevent and fight the disease.

Here are 30 foods that you should avoid or limit if you want to reduce your risk of cancer:.

Processed Meats

Processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon are high in sodium and chemicals like nitrites and nitrosamines, which can damage DNA and lead to cancer.

Red Meat

Eating a lot of red meat, especially beef and pork, has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. It is best to limit your intake to no more than 18 ounces per week.

Sugar and High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are found in many processed foods and beverages. They promote inflammation in the body, which can contribute to cancer growth and progression.

Sweetened Beverages

Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and energy drinks has been linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including pancreatic and colorectal cancer.

Fried Foods

Fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, and onion rings are high in unhealthy fats and calories. They can also contain acrylamide, a chemical that is formed when foods are cooked at high temperatures.

Acrylamide has been shown to cause cancer in animals.

Salty Foods

Consuming too much salt can damage the lining of the stomach and increase the risk of stomach cancer. It is recommended to limit your daily intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in excess has been linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. It is best to limit your intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Grilled or Charred Foods

Cooking meats at high temperatures can create charred, blackened areas that contain carcinogens. It is best to cook meats at lower temperatures or to marinate them before cooking.

White Flour

White flour is used in many processed foods, including bread, crackers, and pasta. It has been stripped of its nutrients, including fiber, and can cause spikes in blood sugar that promote cancer growth.

Artificial Sweeteners

While artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin are low in calories, they have been linked to an increased risk of cancer in animal studies. More research is needed to determine if they have the same effect in humans.

Soy Products

Soy products like tofu and soy milk contain phytoestrogens, which can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.

While some studies have suggested that soy can reduce the risk of breast cancer, others have found that it may increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

Corn Oil

Corn oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer.

Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are high in bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical that has been linked to cancer. It is best to use fresh or frozen tomatoes instead.

Hydrogenated Oils

Hydrogenated oils are found in many processed foods and contain trans fats, which can increase inflammation and promote cancer growth.

Fast Food

Fast food is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Eating fast food regularly has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer.

Highly Salted Pickled Foods

Highly salted pickled foods like pickles, olives, and sauerkraut can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Candy

Candy, especially those containing artificial colors, can be high in sugar, which can promote cancer growth.

Margarine

Margarine is often made with hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats. These fats can increase inflammation and promote cancer growth. It is best to use butter or a trans fat-free spread instead.

White Rice

White rice is processed and stripped of its nutrients, including fiber. It can cause spikes in blood sugar that promote cancer growth.

Dietary Supplements

While some dietary supplements, like vitamin D, have been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, others may actually increase the risk. It is best to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

Low-Fiber Foods

Low-fiber foods like white bread, white rice, and processed snacks can cause constipation and increase the time that waste sits in the colon. This can promote the growth of cancerous cells.

Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are high in cholesterol, which can contribute to the development of some types of cancer, including colorectal and prostate cancer.

Conventional Dairy Products

Conventional dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can contain hormones and antibiotics that can increase the risk of breast and prostate cancer.

White Potatoes

White potatoes are a high-glycemic food that can cause spikes in blood sugar and promote cancer growth.

White Pasta

White pasta is stripped of its fiber and nutrients and can cause spikes in blood sugar that promote cancer growth.

Baked Goods

Baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pastries are high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined flour. They can promote inflammation and increase the risk of cancer.

Canned Fruit in Syrup

Canned fruit in syrup is high in sugar and can cause spikes in blood sugar that promote cancer growth. It is best to choose fresh or frozen fruit instead.

Processed Cheese

Like conventional dairy products, processed cheese can contain hormones and antibiotics that can contribute to the development of certain types of cancer.

Refined Vegetable Oils

Refined vegetable oils like canola, soybean, and corn oil are high in omega-6 fatty acids and can increase inflammation in the body.

Bottom Line

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing cancer, making dietary changes can have a significant impact on your overall health and reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit your intake of processed and high-fat foods.