Food plays a major role in the general health and overall well-being of humans. Extensive studies on the impact of food on our lives have revealed its connection to the immune system. It is a relatively recent discovery that certain food items contain carcinogens that can, over long-term exposure, cause cancer. These cancer causing foods may often be hidden within the aisles of your local supermarket.
But, what are carcinogens? And, what are cancer causing foods?
By definition, carcinogens are a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissues. These substances need not be bio-hazards or heavy elements. You’ll be surprised to know that some cancer causing foods can be easily found at your corner market.
To determine if something is carcinogenic, scientists use two methods. One is that they study the effect of a substance (or a type of food) in a lab either on cell cultures or on lab animals. However, the lab tests on animals cannot conclusively prove the carcinogenic nature of a substance. During lab tests, animals come into contact with high doses of potential carcinogens. The same substance in smaller quantities might not have the same effect on human cells. Human bodies and animal bodies process the same substance differently. Just to be safer, the general assumption is that high doses of a substance that causes cancer in animal cells will also cause cancer in human cells.
Hence, the other method to identify potential carcinogens and cancer causing foods is epidemiological studies or studies in people. It means studying different groups of people to determine the factors that cause cancer. People, however, unlike lab animals live in an environment that is far from controlled. Therefore, scientists combine the results from both the studies and make the assessment.
And, you may be shocked to know that there are several commonly available cancer causing foods.
Refined white flour
Refined white flour is produced using bleaching agents that leave a residue in the flour. These chemical residues are carcinogenic. Highly processed white flour and the food made with it such as white bread and white pasta contain high amounts of processed carbohydrates. These disrupt blood sugar levels and lead to excessive insulin production, thereby feeding cancer cells.
Microwave Popcorn
When cooked traditionally, in a deep vessel on a stove-top, popcorn can be a healthy snacking option. Microwave popcorn however is a completely different story. The bags containing microwave popcorn often use perfluorinated compounds (PFC’s) that keep the fat from leaking out of the packet. When heated in a microwave, these chemicals break down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) which is a carcinogen. While the corns pop in the bag, they mix with the trans-fat from the package. This can potentially cause cancer.
Smoked and processed meat
Everybody loves a good barbeque. But chargrilled red meat or smoked meat contains chemicals such as Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines (HAAs) or Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemical compounds form in cooked meat and smoked meat, or when the fats from the meat drip over onto open flames. When the HAAs and PAHs metabolize in the body, they can cause damage to the DNA. This could potentially lead to cancer.
Sugary soda drinks
Sugary sodas have no redeeming nutritive qualities. Rather, it only brings with itself a horde of health issues. The extremely high amounts of sugar present in sugary sodas, 100% fruit juices, and artificially sweetened diet colas lead to an overall increased risk of cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, and rectum. Other than the direct link, sodas are also one of the leading causes of obesity which in itself is a huge risk factor for as many as thirteen types of cancers.
Canned food
Canned foods are doubly harmful to health. First, they contain high amounts of preservatives to prevent them from going bad, thereby increasing their shelf life. These chemical preservatives are severely detrimental to health. Second, the lining used in nearly 40% of the cans is bisphenol A (BPA) or a toxic alternative PVC plastic. BPA is a harmful chemical that has time and again linked to birth defects, obesity, diabetes, severe heart conditions, and cancer.
Fast food or processed food
Fast food and processed food such as the beloved potato chips or fried chicken contain a ton of salt and saturated fats. When these food items get fried, they release acrylamide, a probable carcinogen that can lead to several forms of cancer. The principle here is the same as that of sugary drinks. Junk and fast food lead to obesity that leaves people vulnerable to many types of cancers.
Other than the food items mentioned above, regular consumption of alcohol and compulsive smoking can also cause cancers of the mouth, lungs, esophagus, liver, intestines, pancreas, and colon.
Hence, you should be vigilant and avoid any form of cancer causing foods.
It is overwhelming really, to think about how everyday food items can lead to deadly cancers. It is time we started eating mindfully. We must go back to our roots and eat the food that our grandparents grew up eating. Include as many natural dietary fibers in your diet as you can. Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and beans. Indulge in occasional indulgences but as a general rule, remember, moderation is the name of the game. Excess of anything and everything is potentially hazardous for our health.
