Cancer is a disease that has become more prominent in recent years, and the cases keep increasing globally. Our environment and diet play a significant role in causing cancer.

Many carcinogenic compounds are present in the food we consume that can trigger this deadly disease. To prevent cancer, we must avoid foods that are cancer-causing and opt for a healthy diet that reduces the risk of cancer.

Processed Meats

Processed meats are a significant contributor to cancer due to the nitrites and nitrates used in the curing process. Nitrites react with amino acids during cooking to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.

Studies have shown that eating processed meats such as bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and cold cuts increase the risk of colon, stomach, and bladder cancer.

Soda and Sugary Drinks

Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, fruit drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks contain high levels of sugar, which promote the growth of cancer cells.

These drinks lead to an increase in insulin levels, which produces hormones that feed cancer cells. Drinking soda and sugary beverages regularly also increases the risk of obesity, a known risk factor for various types of cancer.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are commonly used as low-calorie alternatives to sugar, but they pose a severe risk to cancer. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose are linked to a rise in cancer rates.

They are believed to cause DNA damage in cells that lead to cancer growth. Therefore, it is better to use natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup instead of artificial sweeteners.

Pesticide-Contaminated Fruits and Vegetables

The fruits and vegetables we consume are sprayed with pesticides that lead to many health hazards, including cancer.

Pesticides are toxic chemicals that have been linked to causing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myelomas in many studies. Thus, it is advisable to buy organic fruits and vegetables that are free of harmful pesticides to reduce the risk of cancer.

Grilled and Fried Foods

Grilled and fried foods are prepared at high temperatures, and the process produces carcinogens known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs damage DNA cells and increase the risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancer.

It is better to use baking or boiling methods of cooking rather than grilling or frying at high temperatures.

Salted and Pickled Foods

Salted foods like pickles, salted fish, and sauerkraut have a high concentration of salt, which increases the risk of stomach cancer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Salt serves as a preservative for these foods, but it can also trigger the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines, endangering our health. Thus, it is advisable to reduce the intake of salted foods to prevent cancer.

Canned Foods

Canned foods contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a highly toxic chemical that can leach into the food from the can’s lining when heated. BPA is a type of estrogen that has been linked to cancer, especially breast cancer, in many studies.

It is therefore recommended to eat fresh foods instead of canned, or choose BPA-free cans when necessary.

Red Meat

Red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb is a significant source of dietary protein and iron. However, regular consumption of red meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

Studies have shown that heme, a component in red meat, produces carcinogens when digested, leading to cancer growth. Thus, it is advisable to reduce red meat intake to prevent cancer.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a carcinogen that increases the risk of breast, liver, colon, and rectum cancer. The more alcohol consumed, the higher the risk, according to the National Cancer Institute.

This is due to the way alcohol is metabolized in the body, resulting in the production of harmful chemicals that damage DNA cells. To prevent cancer, it is best to limit alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether.

Hydrogenated Oils

Hydrogenated oils are found in many processed foods such as baked goods, crackers, and fried foods. These oils contain trans fats, which have been linked to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Trans fats increase inflammation in the body, leading to abnormal cell growth and increasing the risk of cancer. It is better to use natural oils such as olive oil and coconut oil instead of hydrogenated oils to reduce the risk of cancer.