Cancer Causing Foods: 10 Foods to Avoid in Your Diet

Cancer is a deadly disease that has touched the lives of many people in one way or another. Most of us have a friend or family member who has fought the battle against this disease, and some of us have even experienced the fight ourselves. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can also have devastating effects on the body, causing sickness and hair loss. With all the terrible effects of cancer and its treatments, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Our food is one of the biggest sources of cancer-causing agents today. Not all foods are created equal; some are better for our health than others. In this article, we will discuss 10 of the top potentially cancer-causing foods that we should all avoid in our diets.

1. GMOs
Genetically modified foods (GMOs) are a rapidly growing industry. Today, much of our food supply now stems from these GMO crops. While there is debate around whether GMO crops can contribute to the risk of humans developing cancer, it’s better to be safe than sorry. According to a study published in Current Oncology, a previous study that linked GM foods to causing cancer had not been subject to “satisfactory objective refereeing, and certain tainted financial interests were also operative”.

2. Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn may seem like a nice, light snack, but you better be careful. Inhaling the fumes from a freshly popped bag of popcorn was once believed to cause lung cancer, but that has since been proven not to be true. However, there is a lung disease known as diacetyl that is associated with inhaling the fumes from microwave popcorn. Additionally, the nonstick coating on the inside of the bag breaks down into a compound called perfluorooctanoic acid, which is linked to an increased risk of cancer mortality.

3. Canned Foods
Most cans are lined with a product called bisphenol-A (BPA), which even small exposure to can increase the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other disorders. It’s best to steer clear of canned foods and opt for fresh options instead.

4. Grilled Red Meat
Preparing meats on the grill releases heterocyclic aromatic amines, a known carcinogen. Cooking meat at high temperatures on a grill can create these carcinogens and increase the risk for cancer. It’s best to limit your consumption of meat cooked in this manner.

5. Refined Sugar
Eating refined sugar has resulted in increased rates of obesity, which can also lead to cancers such as breast, prostate, uterine, pancreatic, and colorectal. Opt for natural sugars instead.

6. Soda
Drinking one or more sodas per day could expose you to 4-methylimidazole, a possible carcinogen. Instead, drink water or other low-sugar options.

7. Processed Meats
Lunch meat, hot dogs, and bacon are all considered processed meats. These meats are high in salt and contain preservatives and other chemicals. Smoked meat, in particular, is even worse as the meat often becomes contaminated by carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

8. Artificial Sweetener
The use of artificial sweeteners has been demonstrated to cause cancer in lab rats, but further study has yet to definitively link cancer in humans as a result of using artificial sweeteners. Still, it may be wise to use these sweeteners in moderation.

9. Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oils contain a high amount of Omega 6 fatty acids, which are known to cause an increased risk in heart disease and some cancers including skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, and rectal cancer.

10. Chips
Potato chips are often fried and very high in fat. They also contain all types of artificial flavors and preservatives. When chips are fried in high heat, a product called acrylamide is created, which is a known carcinogen that can also be found in cigarettes!

Conclusion
While many of these foods are quite tasty, consuming too much of them on a regular basis could increase your risk of developing cancer. Seek out alternatives that not only taste great but are grown and prepared safely so they don’t contain the cancer-causing agents found in many of these foods. Your health is worth the extra effort!