According to medical experts, cancer is a complex set of diseases, which might be a result of various factors, such as: genetics, specific infections, poor lifestyle habits, like poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco, and alcohol use and environmental exposure to various types of chemicals and radiation.
These factors have been scientifically proven to raise the risk of cancer.
The World Cancer Research Fund estimated that around 20% of the total American cancer patients are linked to weight gain, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excess consumption of alcohol.
Fortunately, cancer can be prevented, and the risk of this disease is reduced by:
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Avoidance of smoking
- A diet rich in organic vegetables and fruits
The following 8 foods are extremely harmful and can increase the cancer risk:
Refined and Artificial Sugary Foods
The excessive consumption of foods rich in refined sugar and artificial fructose sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup causes the development of numerous health problems.
These foods increase insulin levels and boost cancer cell growth. The American Society for Clinical Nutrition journal published a study in 2006 which showed that the participants who consumed higher amounts of sugar-sweetened foods had an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Therefore, make sure you replace these foods with healthy and natural alternatives like stevia, raw honey, maple syrup, blackstrap molasses, or jaggery.
White Flour
Numerous processed foods these days are high in refined white flour, which is rich in carbohydrates, which negatively affect health, raise the blood sugar levels and raise the cancer risk.
Studies have shown that women who consumed excessive amounts of carbohydrates had an increased risk of breast cancer. Therefore, substitute refined white flour with healthier alternatives like whole- wheat, almond, quinoa, or barley flour.
Smoked and Pickled Foods
The regular consumption of pickled and smoked foods endangers health, as the smoking process of smoked meats leaves numerous toxic ingredients in the meat, while pickled foods are high in nitrates which are transformed into N-nitroso, an ingredient which raises the cancer risk.
Plus, these foods are abundant in preservatives which ensure a longer shelf life and lead to cellular damage and cancer development. Hence, we recommend avoiding them completely.
Red and Processed Meat
Processed meats like ham, sausages, and bacon, are rich in harmful preservatives and salt. Researchers have found that the excess intake of processed meat might lead to colorectal cancer.
The excessive intake of red meat raises the chances of developing prostate and colorectal cancer as well. Therefore, make sure you consume grass-fed meat only.
Farmed Salmon
Farmed and wild salmon are two types with huge differences, as the latter offers numerous health benefits, while the first poses serious health risks.
The consumption of farmed salmon might, in fact, cause cancer.
Researchers have found that farmed salmon contain significantly higher levels of harmful chemicals and cancer-promoting ingredients, like mercury, dioxins, toxaphene, flame retardants, and polychlorinated biphenyls.
Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oils are converted into poisons when processed and manufactured. These oils are actually chemically extracted from vegetables in order to preserve and prolong the shelf life of processed foods.
Yet, they are high in trans fats and omega–6 fatty acids.
The small amount of these acids might be beneficial for health, but the higher amounts negatively affect the membrane’s structure and flexibility of cells, thus raising the risk of numerous cancer types, including skin cancer.
Trans fats, on the other hand, increase the risk of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Therefore, you should use extra virgin coconut or olive oil instead.
Potato Chips
Potato chips are produced at extremely high temperatures, which causes the creation of acrylamide, a popular carcinogen.
According to a study published by the National Cancer Institute, this ingredient raises the risk of developing ovarian, breast, prostate, and digestive tract cancer.
Potato chips are also rich in calories and fats which raise the blood pressure and cholesterol levels and lead to obesity.
Potato chips are also rich in artificial flavors and preservatives, so make sure you avoid them and replace them with homemade ones prepared in olive oil.
Moreover, you should definitely try baked banana or apple chips as well.
Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn bags contain an extremely toxic chemical known as perfluorooctanoic acid, which has been found to raise the risk of kidney and bladder cancer and cause an impaired fertility in women.
These products are also rich in numerous GMO products and preservatives, such as propyl gallate.
