The short answer to the question of “can certain foods cause cancer?” is a resounding no; there is no one food or beverage that is known to cause cancer. Likewise, there is no superfood that can prevent cancer either. However, there are foods that can both increase and decrease your risk of developing cancer. It is important to know which foods serve what purpose if you want to minimize your risk of developing most types of cancer.
Though foods do not necessarily cause cancer, research does show that some foods are associated with higher risks of certain types of cancer. These foods have a strong correlation with type 2 diabetes and obesity, both of which increase your risk for cancer. Moreover, some foods contain carcinogens, which are cancer-causing agents. As a health-conscious consumer, it is important to know which foods contribute to your risk of cancer so that you can eliminate them from your diet or, at the very least, minimize your consumption of them.
Small servings of red meat here and there will not only not hurt you, but also, many have some health benefits. However, when consumed in excess, red meat can have detrimental health effects.
In addition to being associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, research has connected red meat to certain types of cancers. This is likely because red meats, in their natural state, are high in saturated fats. When cured or processed, they also contain high amounts of sodium and preservatives. Each of these ingredients, in high amounts, can take a toll on several aspects of your health.
That said, red meat consumption only becomes a problem if you consume it in excess. According to epidemiological studies from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, high intakes of red meat are associated with increased cancer and mortality rates. A “high intake” of red meat, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, is defined as more than three servings of red meat per week. One serving is defined as three to four ounces of steak, lamb, hamburger, pork chops, etc. Ideally, you should keep your weekly consumption of red meat to less than 12 ounces per week.
Processed meats are one of the worst things you can put into your body in terms of cancer risks. In fact, the World Health Organization classifies processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen meaning that, like other substances in Group 1 — including cigarettes and alcohol — processed meats can cause cancer.
Processed meats are any meats that have been cured, salted, smoked or canned. They include but are not limited to the following:
The meats themselves are not hazardous to your health. Rather, the methods used to process meats create carcinogens. For instance, smoking meat can trigger the creation of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Using nitrite to cure meat can lead to N-nitroso compounds, another known carcinogen.
The safe level for processed meats is very low, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer suggesting that individuals consume one serving or less per week, with one serving being 50 grams. Eating 50 grams of processed meat daily can increase your cancer risk by as much as 18%. For reference’s sake, 50 grams of processed meat is about four strips of bacon or one hotdog.
Processed meat is associated with specific types of cancer. One 2019 study found that processed meat consumption is a major risk factor for stomach and colorectal cancers. Another study found that it is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer.
Though foods do not necessarily cause cancer, research does show that some foods are associated with higher risks of certain types of cancer. These foods have a strong correlation with type 2 diabetes and obesity, both of which increase your risk for cancer. Moreover, some foods contain carcinogens, which are cancer-causing agents. As a health-conscious consumer, it is important to know which foods contribute to your risk of cancer so that you can eliminate them from your diet or, at the very least, minimize your consumption of them.
Small servings of red meat here and there will not only not hurt you, but also, many have some health benefits. However, when consumed in excess, red meat can have detrimental health effects.
In addition to being associated with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, research has connected red meat to certain types of cancers. This is likely because red meats, in their natural state, are high in saturated fats. When cured or processed, they also contain high amounts of sodium and preservatives. Each of these ingredients, in high amounts, can take a toll on several aspects of your health.
That said, red meat consumption only becomes a problem if you consume it in excess. According to epidemiological studies from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, high intakes of red meat are associated with increased cancer and mortality rates. A “high intake” of red meat, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, is defined as more than three servings of red meat per week. One serving is defined as three to four ounces of steak, lamb, hamburger, pork chops, etc. Ideally, you should keep your weekly consumption of red meat to less than 12 ounces per week.
Processed meats are one of the worst things you can put into your body in terms of cancer risks. In fact, the World Health Organization classifies processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen meaning that, like other substances in Group 1 — including cigarettes and alcohol — processed meats can cause cancer.
Processed meats are any meats that have been cured, salted, smoked or canned. They include but are not limited to the following:
The meats themselves are not hazardous to your health. Rather, the methods used to process meats create carcinogens. For instance, smoking meat can trigger the creation of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Using nitrite to cure meat can lead to N-nitroso compounds, another known carcinogen.
The safe level for processed meats is very low, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer suggesting that individuals consume one serving or less per week, with one serving being 50 grams. Eating 50 grams of processed meat daily can increase your cancer risk by as much as 18%. For reference’s sake, 50 grams of processed meat is about four strips of bacon or one hotdog.
Processed meat is associated with specific types of cancer. One 2019 study found that processed meat consumption is a major risk factor for stomach and colorectal cancers. Another study found that it is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer.
Along the same lines of overcooking foods, frying foods can release a compound called acrylamide. Fried starchy foods are particularly high in this carcinogen, making French fries, potato chips and fried potatoes one of the worst things you can eat in terms of cancer prevention. Not only does acrylamide damage DNA but also, it can induce cell death — otherwise known as apoptosis.
In addition to creating carcinogens, fried food, when consumed in excess, can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Again, these conditions promote inflammation and oxidative stress, which only increases your risk of cancer.
Though dairy does have substantial health benefits, it can increase certain individuals’ risk of developing prostate cancer. One 2014 review of several studies linked milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products to increased levels of insulin-like growth factor, a hormone that is associated with prostate cancer. Based on findings, researchers hypothesize that IGF-1 may increase the production of prostate cancer cells.
When you consume alcohol, your liver breaks it down into a toxic compound called acetaldehyde, which also happens to be a carcinogen. According to several studies, acetaldehyde promotes damage to DNA cells and triggers oxidative stress. It also interferes with immune function, which could hinder your immune system’s ability to target cancerous and precancerous cells.
Another study found that, in women, alcohol increases the production of oestrogen. High levels of oestrogen are linked to higher risks of oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
No one food is powerful enough to eliminate your cancer risk entirely. However, there are certain foods that are scientifically proven to reduce your cancer risk. Below are some of the best foods you can eat for your overall health:
No single food directly causes cancer, but nor does one single food prevent it. However, certain foods and substances, when consumed in excess, can increase your risk of developing certain kinds of cancers. By either eliminating these foods from your diet or limiting your consumption of them, you can minimize your risk for these diseases. When you add healthy foods to your diet, such as whole grains, fish, fruits and vegetables, and nuts, you can take your efforts to the next level and better safeguard your health.