Article content
The 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.
And in our article today we will focus precisely on this topic.
Specifically, we will tell you what changes you must 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 internal coating 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 for dental fillings.
2. Smoked and otherwise heat-processed meat products
In the production of smoked foods, nitrates and nitrites are used as preservatives and also to stabilize the color of the meat.
However, when exposed to heat they transform into so-called nitrosamines and nitrosamides, which are carcinogenic.
Experts recommend avoiding bacon, sausages, hot dogs and salami in particular.
3. Farmed fish
According to the 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, which then end up in their flesh.
Moreover, these farmed fish are also treated with pesticides, as they are more often affected by parasites.
4. Grilled meat
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed when certain materials burn, such as coal or wood.
The problem occurs when fat from the meat drips onto the grill and flames and smoke flare up, allowing the aforementioned 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 extend their shelf life.
The Harvard School of Public Health states that these fats cause excessive immune system activity and inflammation, which then trigger heart disease, strokes, or diabetes.
Furthermore, during industrial processing additional chemicals are added to these oils to mask unpleasant odors and improve flavor.
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 leach into the popcorn. In the body they then act as blood toxins.
PFOA has been shown to cause tumors in animals (mainly in the pancreas, liver, testes, and ovaries). Factory workers where these substances are used have higher rates of prostate cancer.
7. Non-organic, heavily treated fruits and vegetables
Nowadays, fruit and vegetable cultivation increasingly uses large amounts of pesticides, herbicides, GMO seeds and other chemicals that increase cancer risk.
Therefore try to buy either organic produce or, with conventional produce, try to remove as many of these harmful substances as possible before consumption.
We wrote in more detail about how to do that in this article.
8. Processed foods
As we already mentioned in the second point regarding processed meat products, this type of food in general, not just meat, contains potentially dangerous amounts of nitrites, which mainly 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 fatty acids, colorings and other unhealthy substances.
9. Refined sugar and related sweeteners
Researchers have demonstrated a link between high sugar consumption and several serious disorders. It’s not just sugar, but related sweeteners such as fructose and high-fructose corn syrup.
The risks associated with sugars primarily include 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 illnesses.
10. Many soft drinks and sports drinks
Soft drinks and sports drinks have virtually no nutritional value.
They are full of sugars, corn syrup, fructose, colorings, brominated vegetable oils (flame retardants) or aspartame, which is associated with an increased risk of brain cancer.
