Speaking of the top cancer causing foods to watch out for, do you know there are certain foods that can be prone to causing cancer to the body?
Cancer is a complex disease. There are many different types of cancers, as well as many potential causes.
Genetic makeup and family history play a role, but external factors like your lifestyle habits, have an even bigger impact.
One of the most important lifestyle factors to consider is your diet.
This is because a large body of research has shown that some foods are associated with a higher risk of certain types of cancer.
Now, let’s look at based on clinical research, the top cancer causing foods to watch out for!
Cancer Causing Foods
There are some foods that can increase your risk of diabetes type 2 and obesity, which are associated with certain types of cancer.
Meanwhile, there are other foods containing carcinogens, which are harmful substances that have the capacity to cause cancer.
In this article, we’d be looking at the top cancer causing foods to watch out for and to avoid so much of its consumption for better health benefits.
1. Alcohol
Alcohol tends to cause damages to the tissues over time, which can lead to changes in the cell’s DNA and increased risk for cancer.
According to a 2017 review, acetaldehyde promotes DNA damage and oxidative stress.
There are many stories debating the health risks and benefits of alcohol consumption, but as far as cancer experts are concerned, alcohol has been linked to an increased risk for several diseases.
These several diseases includes; Breast Cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc.
Therefore, if you’re a lover of beers and alcoholic substances, it is advisable to reduce or cut down your intake levels for better health.
2. Processed Meats
These are any type of meat that’s been preserved by smoking, salting, curing, or canning.
Processed meats are also known as Red meats such as beef, pork, venison, hot dogs, sausage, ham, corned beef and lambs.
Therefore, the methods used to make processed meats can create carcinogens which causes cancer.
The temperature at which red meat is cooked can increase cancer risk.
For example, chargrilled meats such as burgers and steaks have more potential carcinogens than the same items prepared at a lower temperature using methods such as baking or sous vide.
Although, it was not clinically advised to stop eating red meats, rather to try to reduce the frequency of red meat intake and choose smaller portions.
3. Fried Foods
The daily intake of fried foods by people in the world today is outrageous.
Fried starchy foods are especially high in acrylamide. This includes fried potato products, like french fries and potato chips.
When starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures, a compound called acrylamide is formed.
According to a 2020 study, acrylamide damages DNA and induces apoptosis, or cell death.
Therefore, lovers of fried foods should slow down on its consumption so as to avoid being at risk of having cancer.
4. Sugary Foods & Drinks
Are you a sweet tooth person, who loves anything and everything sweet?
Well, it’s absolutely not healthy to keep consuming these sugary items as it not only increases your blood sugar level, it also exposes you to cancer.
These sugary products include sweet beverages, baked foods, sugar cokes, white bread, etc.
These sweetened options can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can lead to heightened cancer risk.
It is therefore advised to reduce or moderate the intake of these sugary items and add wheat bread and vegetables to our diet.
5. Ultra-Processed Foods
These foods are indirectly linked to cancer risk due to increased levels of sugar and sodium, which can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Ultra-processed foods are industrial products transformed from Whole Foods through refinery process.
They include packaged snacks, frozen meals and pizzas, sugary beverages, canned goods, processed meats, refined bread, etc.
Eating these ultra-processed foods that are high in calories and low in nutritional value can increase your cancer risk by causing weight gain and obesity.
Obesity can increase your risk for cancer, therefore, it is advisable to reduce the amount of ultra-processed food in your diet by focusing on moderation and opting for smaller portion sizes.
Moving Forward
According to scientific research, there are certain beneficial compounds or foods that may help reduce the risk of cancer.
These foods includes;
- Fruits & Vegetables: These fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. These compounds can help protect your cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage.
- Fish: Fish offers healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats from fish may lower the risk of some cancers by reducing inflammation.
- Whole grains: Whole grains, like quinoa and brown rice, are rich in fiber and antioxidants which play a vital role in reducing the risk of cancer.
- Beans: They contain fiber, which may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Therefore, to reduce your risk for cancer, try to limit the consumption of the above mentioned foods such as red meats, processed meats, sugary foods, etc.
And instead, focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating foods that will help reduce the risk of cancer such as beans, fish, fruits, whole grains, etc.
Also incorporate the lifestyle of exercising regularly and engaging in more relaxing activities like yoga to help keep your body and mind healthy.