Cancer, a disease affecting millions of people globally, is known to have numerous risk factors. While some are out of your control, most of these factors, including smoking, diet, stress levels, and drinking alcohol are manageable. In fact, diet has been considered as one of the major risk factors that you can manage and reduce the risks of cancer. Therefore, it’s important to eat a healthy and balanced diet.
That said; here are the top 7 cancer causing foods that you should avoid:
Processed meat
Processed meat such as bacon and hot dogs produce high levels of nitrates, sodium, and other chemicals that threaten your cells’ life. Besides, it has carcinogenic effects that are known to increase stomach cancers.
Refined sugar
Cancer cells flourish in refined sugar and any other food that is converted to sugar, including pasta, grains, and bread among other. Thus, diets with high levels of sugar are considered a major risk factor for cancer.
Canned tomatoes
Most cans that store canned foods have a lining of a chemical substance known as bisphenol or BPA that alters the genetic functioning of the cells. Tomatoes have exceptionally high levels of acidity, which allows them to absorb the BPA from the lining of the can.
Farm-raised salmon
Farmed Salmon have elevated levels of cancer-causing chemicals such as mercury, PCBs, and dioxins. Since they feed on unnatural diets, they also have minimal healthy omega-3 and are contaminated with antibiotics, pesticides, chemicals and other carcinogens.
Cow dairy products
Several studies have found that cow milk, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese increase the risks of breast, ovary, and prostate cancers. However, this is not attributed to milk sugars, fat, or added growth hormones, but is brought about by intrinsic hormones and proteins such as casein found even in organic dairy products.
Microwave popcorn
Microwave popcorn has significant levels of artificial butter that produce fumes containing a toxic compound–diacetyl, which has been linked to lung cancer. Besides, the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the lining of microwave popcorn bags has been deemed as carcinogenic.
Hydrogenated oils
Hydrogenated oils can alter the structure and flexibility of the cell membranes. They are also rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which are known to increase the risk of cancer, particularly skin cancer. Furthermore, studies have unveiled that hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils found in industrially processed foods can double breast cancer risks.
Final Thoughts
Cancer is a very complex and life-threatening disease. Thus, it is crucial to do everything possible to avoid it. You should take action to limit cancer causing foods from your diet. This will not only lower your risks of cancer, but will also enhance your overall health.
