Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world today. It occurs when the body’s cells start to divide uncontrollably, and abnormal growths called tumors develop.
Though there are many factors that can contribute to the development of cancer, including genetics and lifestyle choices, what you eat can also play a significant role. While some foods have been found to have cancer-preventing properties, others have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Here is a list of the cancer-causing foods you need to avoid.
Processed Meats
Processed meats have been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Group 1 carcinogen, which means they are known to cause cancer in humans. Examples of processed meats include hot dogs, bacon, sausages, and deli meats.
These meats are high in salt, nitrates, and other preservatives which have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal and stomach cancers. If you must eat processed meats, ensure that you limit your intake and choose low-sodium options whenever possible.
Red Meat
Red meat is another food that has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
While there is no clear consensus on how much red meat you should consume to stay healthy, research has suggested that eating large amounts of red meat increases your risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. If you must eat red meat, choose lean cuts and try to limit your intake to no more than two servings per week.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are a staple of many fast-food restaurants and households, but they are also one of the unhealthiest foods you can consume.
When foods are fried, they are exposed to high heat and oils, which can lead to the formation of harmful compounds like acrylamide, which has been shown to cause cancer in animal studies. Instead of frying your foods, try baking, grilling, or steaming them.
Refined Sugars and Grains
Refined sugars and grains are a significant source of empty calories in the American diet. These foods lack essential nutrients and fiber, and they spike your blood sugar levels, which can lead to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation.
Studies have found that people who consume high amounts of refined sugars and grains may be at increased risk of liver, breast, and pancreatic cancers. To reduce your cancer risk, try to limit your intake of sugary drinks, candy, cakes, and pastries and opt for natural sweeteners like honey and fruits.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to a range of health problems, including liver disease and cancer. Studies have found that drinking alcohol increases your risk of developing esophageal, liver, colon, and breast cancers.
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While there is no clear consensus on how much alcohol is safe to consume, the American Cancer Society recommends that women limit their intake to one alcoholic drink per day, while men should have no more than two drinks per day.
Smoked and Grilled Meats
When meats are cooked at high temperatures using methods like grilling, smoking, and barbecuing, they can form harmful chemicals like heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which have been linked to cancer.
To reduce your risk of exposure to these harmful compounds, try to limit your consumption of smoked and grilled meats or cook them at lower temperatures for shorter periods.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin are commonly used in many food and drink products marketed to people looking to lose weight.
However, studies have suggested that these sweeteners may be linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bladder cancer. While more studies are needed to confirm these findings, it is best to limit your intake of artificial sweeteners and opt for natural sweeteners whenever possible.
Salt-Preserved Foods
Many cultures around the world preserve foods like fish and vegetables using salt, which can help to extend their shelf life. However, salt-preserved foods have been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
The high levels of salt used in the preservation process can damage your stomach lining and increase your risk of developing cancer. If you must eat salt-preserved foods, try to limit your intake and opt for fresh or frozen alternatives whenever possible.
Canned Foods
Canned foods are convenient and can be a quick and easy meal option, but many canned foods are also high in sugar and salt, which makes them unhealthy.
Additionally, the lining of many canned foods contains a chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA), which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. To reduce your exposure to BPA, choose fresh or frozen foods over canned options whenever possible, or look for BPA-free canned foods.
Dairy
The link between dairy consumption and cancer risk is a controversial topic. Some studies have suggested that high dairy intake, particularly milk, may increase your risk of prostate and ovarian cancers.
However, other studies have found no link between dairy and cancer. If you choose to consume dairy, try to limit your intake and opt for low-fat options like skim milk and non-fat yogurt.
