6 Foods That Causes Cancer And You Must Avoid Them

The food you eat has a big impact on your health, more than you might think. Did you know that around 30 to 40 percent of all cancer cases can be avoided by eating healthy?

In the United States, cancer is the main reason people die. Every year, it takes the lives of 171.2 out of 100,000 men and women. Men are affected more. The National Cancer Institute says that about 39.6 percent of people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. So, it's crucial to focus on preventing it.

Cancer comes in different types, and there are many things that can cause it. Some factors like genetics and age are out of our control, and we can't avoid exposure to certain harmful chemicals. But our lifestyle choices matter too. Things like smoking, drinking alcohol, and how much we exercise can increase the risk of cancer. What we eat is also important. To take care of yourself, it's a good idea to stay away from these 6 harmful foods.

# Red And Processed Meats

The typical Western diet is riddled with red and processed meats – think burgers, cold cuts, and hot dogs. Unfortunately, according to a 2005 European study, a high intake of this meat is associated with colorectal cancer.

Fish has the opposite effect. Eating more fish actually lowers the risk, proving that protein quality matters most. However, no relationship was found with poultry.If you cannot avoid including meat in your diet, try to limit red and processed meat. A daily serving of these meats may increase cancer death by 10 and 16 percent, respectively. It’s a great reason to cook a fillet!

# Smoked Foods

Smoking meat may add flavor to the food, but it also creates carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds alter the DNAand cause cancer. To put it into perspective, PAHs are also found in cigarettes smoke and car exhaust fumes. Why should they be in your food, too?

According to a 2017 study, smoked meats increase the risk of breast cancer, especially in obese and overweight women. In breast cancer survivors, smoked food can increase mortality. Consumption of smoked food is also linked to gastric cancer, emphasizing the dangers of smoked meat.

# Refined And Artificial Sugars

Sugary treats are known to increase the risk of diabetes. However, food rich in sugar could cause pancreatic cancer. In a 2006 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found a relationship between sugar and pancreatic cancer. Specifically, high-sugar foods were to blame, like packaged desserts and candy.

If you have a sweet tooth, learn how to make healthy desserts. Blend frozen banana slices for a nutritious ice cream. Use dates, figs, and honey to naturally sweeten recipes.

# Soda And Fruit Juice

The dangers of sugar don’t stop at dessert. In the United States, sugar-sweetened beverages are the top sources of added sugar.12 This includes soda and “fruit” juice, which are both flavored with artificial ingredients.

As these drinks bring on the pounds, weight gain and obesity are more likely. This heightens the risk of cancer, especially of the breast, endometrium, colon, prostate, and pancreas.To make things worse, diabetes, heart disease, and depression are also likely.

# Deep-Fried Foods

Like red meat, deep-fried food is an American staple. Examples include fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, and chicken nuggets – it’s fast food in a nutshell.Yet, fried food is associated with cancer.

In 2015, a study found out that a high intake increases prostate cancer risk by 35 percent. It’s also related to cancers of the breast, kidney, pancreas, rectum, and colon. Opt for other cooking methods instead. Healthier options include baking, steaming, and poaching.

# Fried Potatoes

Fried potatoes are especially harmful. It doesn’t help that French fries and potato chips are everywhere!Potatoes contain high levels of asparagine, an amino acid. When fried, asparagine creates acrylamide, a potential carcinogen. Studies have found a correlational relationship between fried food and acrylamide, with the consumption of fried food being linked to cancer of the esophagus, kidney, breast, and ovaries.Compared to other foods, french fries and potato chips have highest levels of acrylamide.