6 Major Foods That Causes Cancer

 Foods for cancer patients to avoid

Cancer is a complicated condition. There are numerous distinct forms of cancer as well as numerous conceivable causes. Although there are many unanswered questions, we do know that a number of factors can influence the onset of cancer.

Both one's genetic makeup and family history matter. However, outside variables that you may have some control over, such as your lifestyle choices, have a greater impact. In reality, studies indicate that 80–90% of malignant tumors are caused by outside sources.

Your food is one of the most crucial lifestyle elements to take into account. That's because a significant body of research has established a link between specific diets and an increased risk of developing specific cancers.

In this post, we'll examine the individual foods and drinks that may raise your chance of developing cancer in more detail and discuss the scientific data supporting this association.

Foods that may make you more likely to get cancer

Certain foods can raise your risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity, which are linked to a few cancer forms. Other foods contain carcinogens, which are dangerous elements that can result in cancer.

But it's important to remember that not all cases of cancer are brought on by exposure to toxins. Your genetics, the extent and length of your exposure to the carcinogen, and other factors all play a role.

Let's explore what science has found regarding the foods that may raise your chance of developing certain cancers with this in mind.

1. Processed meats

Any sort of meat that has been smoked, salted, cured, or canned is considered processed meat. Red meats dominate processed meats. Red meat that has undergone processing includes:

1. Hot dogs
2. Salami
3. Sausage
4. Ham
5. Corned beef
6. Beef jerky

Processed meat production techniques may produce carcinogens. For instance, meat curing with nitrite can produce N-nitroso compounds, which are carcinogens, according to a 2018 article from Trusted Source. Additionally, smoking meat can produce cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

A 2019 assessment by Trusted Source found that processed meat is a significant contributor to colorectal cancer risk. It has also been related to stomach cancer.

According to research published in 2018, eating a lot of processed meat increases your risk of developing breast cancer.

2. Fried food

A substance known as acrylamide is created when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures. This could occur while toasting, roasting, baking, and frying.

Foods that are fried and starchy are especially high in acrylamide. This also applies to fried potato items like potato chips and french fries.

In rat tests, acrylamide was discovered to be carcinogenic, according to a 2018 review. It is "possibly carcinogenic to humans," according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

A 2020 study found that acrylamide causes DNA damage and causes apoptosis, or cell death.

Consuming a lot of fried food increases your chances of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These circumstances may increase oxidative stress and inflammation, raising your risk of developing cancer.

3. Overcooked food

Carcinogens can be produced when food is overcooked, especially meat. Heterocyclic amines and carcinogenic PAHs are produced when meat is cooked at a high temperature, claims a 2020 article from Trusted Source (HCAs). Through modifications to your cells' DNA, these drugs may raise your risk of developing cancer.

Foods cooked at high temperatures or over an open flame are more prone to be overcooked. Such techniques for cooking include:

1. Grilling
2. Barbecuing
3. Pan-frying

Furthermore, according to a reliable Food and Drug Administration source, overcooking starchy foods like potatoes causes more acrylamide to accumulate.

Use healthier cooking techniques, such as: to lessen your chance of exposure to carcinogens from high-heat cooking.

1. Poaching
2. Pressure cooking
3. Baking or roasting at lower temperatures
4. Slow cooking in a crock pot or slow cooker

4. Dairy

Dairy consumption may increase the risk of prostate cancer, according to some studies. Foods that are dairy include things like:

1. Milk
2. Cheese
3. Yogurt

A 2014 review found that consuming dairy raises levels of an insulin-like growth factor 1. (IGF-1). An increased risk of prostate cancer is linked to this. Prostate cancer cells may produce or proliferate more frequently as a result of IGF-1.

5. Refined carbs and sugar

Refined carbohydrates and sugary diets may indirectly raise your risk of developing cancer. These foods include, for instance:

1. Sugar-sweetened beverages
2. Baked goods
3. White pasta
4. White bread
5. White rice
6. Sugary cereals

If you consume a lot of sugary, starchy meals, you may be more likely to become obese and acquire type 2 diabetes. A 2020 study found that both factors encourage oxidative damage and inflammation. This could put you at greater risk for developing particular cancers.

A 2019 review found that having type 2 diabetes raises the risk of developing ovarian, breast, and endometrial (uterine) cancer.

A 2017 study found that consuming a lot of sugar and refined carbs may also cause high blood glucose levels, which may be a risk factor for colon cancer.

Try to replace these foods with healthier substitutes, such as:

1. Whole grain bread
2. Whole grain pasta
3. Brown rice
4. Oats

6. Alcohol

Your liver converts alcohol into the cancer-causing substance acetaldehyde when you drink.

A 2017 review found that acetaldehyde encourages DNA damage and oxidative stress. Additionally, it hinders the ability of your immune system to recognize and destroy precancerous and cancerous cells.

In women, drinking raises the body's estrogen levels, per a 2015 study. This is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer that is estrogen receptor positive.

The conclusion

Some cancers may be more likely to strike you if you consume processed meat, overcooked food, or fried food. This is due to the possibility that some foods contain carcinogens or substances that cause cancer.

Alcohol is converted by your body into carcinogens. Additionally, some cancer types may be made more likely by dairy, sugar, and processed carbohydrates.

Try to minimize your intake of these foods and concentrate on leading a healthy lifestyle to lower your risk of developing cancer. This includes increasing your intake of foods that may minimize your chance of developing cancer, exercising frequently, and discovering stress-reduction techniques.