There is almost a spate of super foods, which are touted to be the best options to prevent cancer. But what about those foods which could be giving you cancer! The carcinogens present in almost all processed foods contribute to certain types of cancers. And what is even more of a shocker is that cancer could be the result of all these foods which you might be eating regularly. The rest of the article focuses on giving you a trail of 7 such foods which could end up being the primary culprit behind cancer.
Canned tomatoes: While fresh tomatoes enjoy the reputation of being ‘cancer-suppressers’, their canned counterparts are quite the opposite. Bisphenol A is the chemical that is used to make the lining of almost all the canned foods. This is in turn a major contributor to cancer. According to studies, BPA influences the functioning of the brain in rats. The acidic content of tomatoes causes the BPA to drip from the lining into the tomatoes themselves. This makes canned tomatoes absolutely unfit for children.
Sodas and other carbonated beverages: Excessive consumption of sodas makes one vulnerable to a stroke. Being loaded with sugar, sodas are nothing but empty calories that result in weight gain, contributing further to obesity. These carbonated beverages might also lead to insulin resistance in the body and bodily inflammation. GERD is another affliction associated with the excess consumption of beverages. The food chemicals and artificial colorings of the sodas make them one of the most potent cancer causing foods.
Processed meats: This is actually a pretty long list that includes, but is certainly not limited to, sausages, bacon and hot dogs. The high chemical and salt content are what make processed meats an absolute no-go. The preservatives and chemicals, including sodium nitrate, which go into the making of such meats, are known carcinogens.
Micro-popcorn: Looking at those popcorn bags, you could never guess just how dangerous could they be for your health. PFOA, the chemical that is used in the lining of the popcorn bags, is one of the major causes of infertility in women. According to research, PFOA drastically ups the risks of developing bladder, kidney, liver, testicular and pancreas cancers.
Potato wafers: This cheap, delicious ‘any time of the day’ snack has been linked to diseases and conditions, which aren’t limited to just weight gain. The trans-fats and excess levels of sodium contribute to obesity and increased blood pressure, respectively. Similar to other evening junks, potato chips are no less when it comes to preservatives, artificial colors and flavors. Further, frying these wafers at high temperatures results in the production of the carcinogen ‘acrylamide’, something common to cigarettes as well. However, given the sheer availability and market reach that these enjoy, it’s often difficult to not give in to the temptation of snacking on them. Should that be the case, it’s better to get yourself a pack of corn or tortilla chips because of their low fat and sodium content.
Hydrogenated oil: Some of the vegetable oils contain high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids. Though Omega-6 fatty acids are generally considered to be good for your health, any excess can actually be contraindicative; leading to a few types of cancer, especially skin cancer and other heart diseases. Try on getting the perfect mix of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon are good sources of Omega-3. The truth behind hydrogenated oils is that they are often used in the preservation of processed foods. These oils often alter the flexibility and structure of the cell membranes; something that is so closely linked to cancer.
Processed flour: Refined grains don’t retain their natural nutrients. The high glycemic index of white flour causes it to raise insulin and blood sugar levels, if consumed over a period of time. This increases the risks of diabetes while feeding the cancerous cells as well.
Refined sugars: Apart from boosting the levels of insulin in the body, refined and simple sugars are also known to tip off the process of metastasis. Long standing research has proved that both cancers and tumors use sugar as their primary agent to help them feed and grow. Sweeteners rich in fructose such as HFCS are also guilty of doing the same. It can be inferred that pastries, pies and all other sweet processed foods are things one should definitely avoid in a bid to stay fit and cancer free.
Any diet food or frozen foods: Foods which have ‘diet’ or ‘low fat’ labeled on them are foods you should certainly keep off your plate. This is because, aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in all of these, is linked to the onset of various cardio-vascular disorders, congenital defects and certain types of cancer.
Reference: https://blog.portea.com/9-cancer-causing-foods-that-you-are-consuming-on-a-daily-basis/
