The incidence of cancer is expected to increase by more than 75% by the year 2030 in developed countries, and over 90% in developing nations. So it is better to protect us and our loved ones from this deadly disease. Prevention is better than falling victim and leading to death helplessly.
What are carcinogens?
Substances and exposures that can lead to cancer are called carcinogens. There are many factors, which may cause cancer. Some of these may be inherited from our parents ( genetic factors), while others may be affected by outside exposures (environmental factors). Outside exposures may include a wide range of exposures, such as:
Lifestyle factors which include all factors related with lifestyle such as poor nutrition, carcinogenic foods, smoking, alcohol, less physical activities, etc.
Natural exposures-Ultraviolet rays, infectious agents, etc.
Medical treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, immune system-suppressing drugs, etc.)
Pollution-Such as toxic residue of insecticides in foods, environmental pollutions etc.
Workplace exposures- include factory fumes, toxic gases, etc.
While individually we can do very little with natural exposures, medical treatments, pollution and workplace exposures, we must consider to change our lifestyle and food habits from unhealthy to healthy one.
Here are some top carcinogenic foods we must avoid:
Hydrogenated oils or Trans fats. They are commonly used to preserve processed foods. But hydrogenated oils alter the structure and flexibility of cell membranes throughout the body, which can lead to a host of debilitating diseases such as cancer. Trans fats are widely used in processed foods. So beware if purchasing processed foods.
Conventional dirty fruits. We may think we are eating healthy, but unless the fruits we buy from the store are organic or verified to be pesticide-free, they could be a major cancer risk. So it’s always better to buy seasonal local fruits than much hyped exotic fruits. For example eating local Guava and Banana is much better than Apple and Strawberries. Refined white flours. Refined flour is a common ingredient in processed foods, but its excess carbohydrate content is a serious cause for concern. A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Mile Markers, and Prevention found that regular consumption of refined carbohydrates was linked to a 220 percent increase in breast cancer among women. High Glycemic foods.High-glycemic foods in general are known to rapidly raise blood sugar levels, which directly feeds cancer cell growth and spread.
Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). Both GMOs and the chemicals used to grow the organisms may cause rapid tumour growth. But GMOs are everywhere, including in most food derivatives made from conventional corn, soybeans, and canola. However, you can avoid them by sticking with certified organic, certified non-GMO verified and locally-grown foods that are produced naturally without biotechnology
Charred food - from burnt popcorn - to burnt toast and baked foods, are highly carcinogenic. When the proteins are heated to the point that the flesh starts to brown and blacken, you have the presence of heterocyclic amines (HCA), which are known carcinogens. Most foods such as toast cooked at high temperatures usually contain acrylamide. Acrylamide is produced industrially for use in products such as plastics, grouts, water treatment products, and cosmetics. Acrylamide is also found in cigarette smoke. Acrylamide causes nerve damage and cancer in animals exposed to acrylamide at high doses.
Microwave Popcorn. Chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in the lining of the popcorn bag, are part of a class of compounds that may be linked to infertility in humans, according to a recent study. In animal testing, the chemicals cause liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancer. Studies show that microwaving causes the chemicals to vaporize--and migrate into your popcorn. Similarly, the diacetyl chemical used in the popcorn itself is linked to causing both lung damage and cancer. Pop natural kernels the old-fashioned way: in a skillet. For flavourings, you can add real butter
Sugar - white or brown. Sugars, which tend to rapidly spike insulin levels and feed the growth of cancer cells. Fructose-rich sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are particularly offensive. And since cookies, cakes, pies, sodas, juices, sauces, and many other popular, mostly processed, food items are loaded with HFCS and other refined sugars, this helps explain why cancer rates are on the rise these days. Instead of sugar, substitute honey.High salt. Stomach cancer is associated with high salt intake, with spicy foods and smoked food. A diet overloaded with salt is putting millions of us at twice the risk of contracting stomach cancer, research has revealed. Eating just 12g of salt a day doubles the likelihood of stomach cancer.
Artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are carcinogenic. Aspartame, one of the most common artificial sweeteners, causes a range of illnesses including birth defects and cancer. Sucralose (Splenda), saccharin and various other artificial sweeteners have also been linked to causing cancer
Excessive alcohol intake is toxic
Farm-raised fishes. Farm raised fishes and fish products contain high amounts of PCBs. Farmed fishes not only lack in vitamin D, but they are often contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), flame retardants, pesticides, and antibiotics.
Sodas/soft drinks, soda pop has been shown to cause cancer as well. Loaded with sugar, food chemicals, and colourings, soda pop acidifies the body and literally feeds cancer cells. Common soda pop chemicals like caramel colour and its derivative 4-methylimidazole (4-MI) have also specifically been linked to causing cancer. Sodas have also been proved to leach the minerals - principally calcium - that are temporarily gained through other healthier foods.
It is conclusive that since most fast food comprises combinations of sugars, salts, preservatives and trans fats, it is reasonable to assume that the increased cancer rate is due to the spread of fast food franchises. Also a point worth mentioning that when a smokers diet contains large amounts of carcinogens (as found in fast food) the likelihood of cancer increases manifolds. While it is in the interests of the human body to lower our intake of meats, sugars and junk food, it is also in the interests of the planet.
Read more about cancer and carcinogensYou may like these also:
Cancer a nutritional deficiency?
Flaxseeds-The world’s healthiest food
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