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American Cancer Institute (NCI) on its website states that most cancers can be prevented. Scientists estimate that this is 60 to 70% of all cases.
How? Simply by consciously making a few decisions regarding our diet and lifestyle.
Now, in our article today we will focus on this very topic.
Specifically, we will discuss what changes you need to make in your life to improve your health and avoid toxins that increase your risk of developing cancer.
1. Cans coated with plastic containing BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance commonly found in plastics, especially those used for the inner lining of metal cans.
Laboratory studies on cells and animals have shown that bisphenol A causes cancer, infertility, diabetes, and obesity.
BPA is even found in some composites used to make dental fillings.
2. Smoked and other heat-processed meat products
During the production of smoked foods, nitrates and nitrites are used as preservatives and also as substances that stabilize the color of the meat.
However, when exposed to heat they convert into so-called nitrosamines and nitrosamides, which are already carcinogenic.
Experts recommend avoiding bacon, sausages, smoked meats, and salami in particular.
3. Farmed fish
According to Food and Water Watch farmed fish contain much higher concentrations of toxins than wild fish.
These are mainly polychlorinated biphenyls, which are known carcinogens.
Additionally, fish raised in captivity have a higher risk of disease, so antibiotics are added to their feed and then end up in their flesh.
Moreover, these farmed fish are treated with pesticides because they are more frequently affected by parasites.
4. Grilled meat
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed when certain materials, such as coal or wood, are combusted.
The problem arises when fat from the meat drips onto the grill and the resulting flames and smoke allow those PAHs to stick to the roasted or grilled meat.
PAHs are known carcinogens that you should try to avoid.
5. Hydrogenated (hardened) vegetable oils
Hydrogenated oils are not natural but man-made substances. These oils have a chemically altered structure to prevent oxidation and prolong their shelf life.
Harvard School of Public Health states that these fats cause excessive activity of the immune system and inflammations , which then trigger heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.
Furthermore, during industrial processing additional chemicals are added to these oils to mask their unpleasant odor and improve taste.
6. Microwave popcorn
The bags in which microwave popcorn is sold are coated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) to prevent the oil from soaking through the packaging.
When heated, however, these chemicals penetrate the popcorn. They then act as blood toxins in the body.
PFOA has been shown to cause tumors in animals (mainly in the pancreas, liver, testes, and ovaries). Workers in factories where these substances are used have an increased incidence of prostate cancer .
7. Non-organic, heavily treated fruits and vegetables
Today, an increased amount of pesticides, herbicides, GMO seeds, and other chemicals that raise the risk of cancer are used in growing fruits and vegetables.
Therefore, try to buy organic produce or, with conventional produce, strive to remove as many of the listed harmful substances as possible before consumption.
8. Processed foods
As we already mentioned in point two regarding processed meat products, overall this type of food, not just meat, can contain potentially dangerous amounts of nitrites, which especially increase the risk of stomach cancer.
In addition, processed foods are full of other unhealthy ingredients such as white flour, sugar, vegetable oils high in omega-6 and low in omega-3, colorings, and other unhealthy substances.
9. Refined sugar and related sweeteners
Researchers have demonstrated a link between high sugar consumption and several serious disorders. This includes not only sugar but related sweeteners such as fructose and high-fructose corn syrup.
The risks associated with sugars include mainly high levels of bad LDL cholesterol in the blood, low levels of healthy HDL cholesterol, increased risk of heart disease, elevated triglyceride levels, obesity, reduced immunity, arthritis, and many other diseases.
10. Many soft drinks and sports drinks
Soft drinks and sports drinks have almost no nutritional value.
They are full of sugars, corn syrup, fructose, colorings, brominated vegetable oils (flame retardants), or aspartame, which has been linked to an increased risk of brain cancer.
