Top 10 Carcinogenic Foods To Avoid [Cancer Causing Foods]

Cancer has always been one of the biggest diseases that has caused death in millions of people. On top of this, it also causes immense pain and suffering for those who have already contracted it. But what are some ways you can stay safe from cancer? It is important to take preemptive steps to stay safe from cancer which includes understanding the risk factors that are linked with the disease. In this blog, Galaxy Care Hospital, one of the leading cancer hospitals in Pune India, has discussed some top 10 carcinogenic foods to avoid because they have been proven to cause cancer.

What Are Carcinogenic Foods?

Carcinogenic foods are not just any food that is harmful to one’s health. They are foods that may cause cancer. The National Cancer Institute defines them as “foods that have been recognized by experts to be capable of causing cancer in humans.” Carcinogens attack the DNA causing it to mutate. This mutation can then lead to cancer. The list of carcinogenic foods is not exhaustive and it does not differentiate between meats or vegetables or any other food.

Our body is exposed to carcinogens every day. Some of these carcinogens can cause cancer while some are not able to. There are different carcinogens groups on the basis of how they affect the human body. The groups range from chemicals to biological toxins and radiation.

Top 10 Carcinogenic Foods To Avoid

• Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most common causes of cancer in the world, according to the World Health Organization. However, it is unclear whether or not all those who drink alcohol will actually get cancer. It is advised to avoid alcohol and reduce your chances of developing cancer.

• Processed Meat [Hot Dogs, Salami, Sausages]

There are pieces of evidence that processed meat is carcinogenic. The World Health Organization classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen. It is directly connected to colorectal and stomach cancer.

• Microwave Popcorns

The dangers of eating microwave popcorn are very well known, but it is nevertheless difficult to convince people not to eat this unhealthy food. Microwave popcorn contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA,) which has been linked to cancer and other health conditions like infertility, birth defects and thyroid disease.

• Refined Sugar

Processed sugar is not good for your health. It’s not only that it’s bad when you drink it, but when you eat it. Various studies suggest that eating excessive amounts of refined sugar can cause chronic inflammation in cells, which in turn can lead to cancer.

• Smoked Foods

Smoking meats produce carcinogenic chemicals. It is recommended to avoid smoked foods entirely, but if you do consume smoked foods, make sure your intake is controlled.

• Farm Fish

It is not a secret that farm fish is treated with antibiotics and pesticides which cause cancer. Fish from the fish farm eats these chemical foods to grow their size quickly. These chemicals can be harmful to our health and cause cancer. Nevertheless, the quality of farm fish is much worse than wild-caught fish.

• Red Meat

Red Meat is a class of meat that is said to be probably carcinogenic for humans. It typically refers to beef and pork, but can also include Game and Lamb. Different studies have shown that the consumption of red meat and processed meats (such as bacon) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other illnesses. If you or your loved ones see any symptoms of cancer, feel free to consult the best oncologist in Pune for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

• Hydrogenated Oil

Hydrogenated Oil is a man-made oil that has been chemically altered to improve its texture and taste. Various studies suggest that hydrogenated oils may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. This oil is used to provide a more stable quality than natural vegetable oil and has a longer shelf life than animal fat.

• Pickled Food

The pickled food is causing cancer. The white vinegar in the pickles can react with protein in food to form cancer-causing compounds called acrylamides. Some studies have shown that acrylamide, a chemical found in some foods that are fried or baked at high temperatures, may be linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including breast cancer. If you observe any symptoms, seek treatment from the best breast cancer specialist in Pune.

• Grilled Food 

Grilled Food is a healthy and tasty type of food. However, it can cause cancer as well. The high temperatures that are used for cooking this type of food make it more likely to contain carcinogens. Some studies have shown that grilling meat can increase the risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. People should be aware of the potential risks involved with grilled food and should take caution while preparing it.

Take Away!

Apparently, there are over 200 types of cancer, and they can affect anyone. Cancer is not just a disease that affects people when they get older, but also young people who have been exposed to carcinogens from the environment or from their diet in infancy or childhood. The safest way for a person to decrease the risk of getting cancer is to stay active and healthy. Avoid the listed foods above and lead a healthy life. In case, you feel something isn’t right and you are developing cancer symptoms, do not delay seeking medical help. At Galaxy Care Hospital, one of the best cancer hospitals in Pune, India, we highly recommend getting the right treatment at the early stage of cancer to elevate your survival chances. Feel free to get in touch today!