7 Cancer Causing Foods You Should Avoid
Cancer causes emotional distress, physical problems, and death. It is not a single disease but a group of other related diseases. Our lifestyle, genes, and the environment can either increase or decrease our risk for cancer. Cancer causes a burden no only to those who suffer from it, but also their family and the public. The number of cancer cases is dropping thanks to education on prevention. Scientists are discovering new ways you can lower your risk including:
- Leading a healthier lifestyle
- Changes in diet
- Chemoprevention
- Finding precancerous conditions early
It seems like there is always a new food warning these days making it difficult to determine who is right. Here is a list from oncologists of the top 7 foods cancer causes that you should avoid.
1 - Processed Meats
Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and ham are right up there with asbestos and smoking when it comes to cancer risk. Eating just two slices of processed ham per day increases your risk of colon cancer by 18%. The problem is with the way the meats are processed which include adding preservatives, smoking, and curing. During cooking certain meats, natural amines and sodium nitrites combine and form cancer-causing compounds. You should also avoid grilling red meat at high temperatures. The grilling process produces aromatic hydrocarbons which are carcinogenic.
2 - Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn contains high amounts of artificial butter and a toxic compound diacetyl that is associated with lung cancer. The microwave bag itself is lined with perfluorooctanoic acid which is likely carcinogenic.
3 - Farmed salmon
Farmed salmon may be cheaper than wild-caught. However, it has higher levels of cancer-causing contaminants. Farmed salmon has four times the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) levels in beef, 16 times the PCBs found in wild salmon, and three times the PCBs found in seafood. This doesn’t mean you should avoid salmon. Wild-caught salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is healthy when baked with olive oil.
4 - Artificial sweeteners
It’s been widely known for years that artificial sweeteners used in diet drinks and coffee have a high potential risk for cancer. A better option would be to use natural plant-based Stevia instead. Studies have shown that regular sugar can cause cancer cells to multiply.
5 - Excessive amounts of alcohol
According to oncologists, there is an active link between cancer and excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol abuse can lead to cancer of the esophagus, breast, head, neck, liver, prostate, uterus, pancreas, and colon.
6 - Trans Fats
When manufacturers turn liquid oils into solid fats trans fats are formed. The purpose of doing this is to increase the flavor and shelf life of certain foods. You can find trans fats in cereals, crackers, vegetable shortening, margarine, baked goods, candies, chips, granola bars, salad dressings, fried foods, and many snack foods. Trans fats are also linked to the soaring obesity rates throughout the world.
7 - Bagels and White Bread
We all love bagels, but they are one of those foods that will rapidly increase your blood sugar. Bagels, white bread, and puffed rice have a high glycemic index that potentially increases your risk of developing lung cancer. You can replace these foods with oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and brown rice.
