Foods that increase your risk of cancer

Cancer Causing foods, Foods that may increase risks of cancer, Foods to reduce cancer risks, healthy foods, unhealthy foods

Several researches have pointed towards foods that should be avoided to reduce the chances of developing cancer.

Foods that increase your risk of cancer

Overview

Cancer is a complex disease. There are many different types of cancers, as well as many potential causes. Although it is difficult to determine the exact cause of any cancer, there have been several studies going on for decades to find out the factors that can contribute to the development of cancer.

Genetic makeup and family history play a role. But external factors that you may have some have control over — like your lifestyle habits — have an even bigger impact. In fact, research shows that 80 to 90 percent of malignant tumors are related to external factors. (Source)

It is a well known fact that one of the most important lifestyle factors affecting our health is our diet. The same goes for cancer as well. Several studies have shown that some foods are associated with a higher risk of certain types of cancer.

Read on to take a closer look at specific foods and beverages that may increase your risk of cancer.

Foods that may increase your risk of cancer

1) Ultra processed foods - Popular items such as instant noodles & soups, boxed meals, ready-to-eat-meals, bakery foods such as biscuits, buns, rusk, etc. contain hydrogenated oils which throw off the balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in the body , causing general inflammation, in turn leading to cancer.

ultra processed foods

2) Red meat, steak, lamb, etc. have certain impounds that enhance the formation of carcinogenic compounds, thereby increasing risk factors of cancer. (Source)

red meat

3) Apart from what you eat it is also important to consider "how you cook". High heat cooking like grilling, deep frying, barbeque, etc. can cause carcinogenic chemicals to enter in our blood stream e.g. French fries, onion rings, fried fish and chicken, chips, burnt toast, burnt popcorn, etc. (Source)

Grilled meat

4) Refined sugar causes a spike in blood glucose and can increase the risk of several cancers. Foods such as candies, cotton candies, soda, fruit juices, popsicles, donuts, package cakes, pancake syrup, chocolate syrup, energy bars, breakfast cereals (cornflakes), ketchup, barbeque sauce, bottled salad dressing are best avoided to prevent cancer. (Source)

Refined Sugar

5) Packaged fruits and vegetables containing pesticides and herbicides- chemicals are used to increase the shelf life of many fruits and vegetables which eventually find their way into our systems. So organic foods make a better choice in terms of gaining good health.

Packaged fruits and vegetables

6) BPA - Bisphenol is a product used in the lining of some cans that has been found to increase the risk of metabolic disorders and some cancers eg. plastic water bottles or the packaged water, canned corn, tomato paste, canned fruits, canned beans, coconut milk and canned soups.

Packaged foods

7) Alcohol and tobacco - Alcohol abuse is a leading cause of cancer. Excessive consumption which disrupts the blood sugar levels in your body and is harmful to your cells eg beer, cocktails, vines, etc. Tobacco in the form of cigarettes, paan, gutka leads to oral cancer. (Source)

Alcohol and Tobacco

8) Dairy - High calcium intake leads to the development of prostate cancer. Food such as processed cheese, low fat dairy (sugar is added to account for low fat content), flavoured yogurts, ice creams, milkshakes, smoothies, milk chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, etc are also some of the food items increasing the risk of developing cancer. (Source)

Dairy

9) Junk/ fast foods - Cheese burgers, pasta, pizza, street side vada-pav, deep fried samosas, should not be consumed on a regular basis as they are not good for our health. (Source)

Junk Food

While there are foods that increase your risk of cancer, there are other foods that may help in lowering the risk of cancer as well.

Foods that may reduce the risks of cancer

According to scientific research, some foods contain beneficial compounds that may help reduce the risk of cancer. This includes foods like:

1. Fruits and vegetables. According to a 2017 review fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. These compounds can help protect your cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage. (Source)

Fruits and Vegetables

2. Nuts. A 2015 study found that nuts may help reduce inflammation and cancer risk. (Source)

Nuts

3. Beans. Beans are rich in fiber. According to a 2015 study, fiber may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. (Source)

Beans

4. Whole grains. Whole grains are associated with a lower risk of cancer, according to a 2020 review, whole grains, like quinoa and brown rice, are rich in fiber and antioxidants. (Source)

Whole grains

5. Fish. Fish offers healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats may lower the risk of some cancers by reducing inflammation, according to a 2014 study. (Source)

Fish

Bottomline

Ultimately, while some of these foods would be best removed from your plate for good, others are fine as long as they are consumed in moderation. We must not be afraid of food but we must be aware of what we eat. Not only cancer, but mindful eating can help us in maintaining our overall health as well.

Make smart and healthy choices. Try to restrict your intake of cancer-causing foods and opt for a healthier diet