Avoid these 6 cancer-related foods

Getting rid of certain foods and drinks can help reduce your risk of cancer, according to a growing body of evidence.

Eat it, do not eat it, do not eat it, eat it … scientific and media advice (raise your hand) on healthy eating can be confusing at best. Even then, some researchers are regularly discovering that certain foods are linked to cancer. For starters, here is a handful. You may notice that many of them also have environmental costs.

1. processed meat

A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) does not really mince words when it comes to cancer and processed meats, "According to the latest estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Project, an independent academic research organization, About 34,000 cancer deaths each year worldwide are attributable to diets rich in processed meat, "notes the organization. Defining processed meats as "processed meat by salting, salting, fermenting, smoking or any other process intended to improve taste or preservation", they classified processed meats in the same category (carcinogenic for Male, IARC group 1) asbestos for cancer risk. The designation means that there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans. Examples include hot dogs, ham, sausages, salted beef, dried beef and canned meat.

2. red meat

The same report from the WHO classified red meat in group 2A, which means that red meat is "probably carcinogenic to humans". The organization writes: "In the case of red meat, the classification is based on limited evidence from epidemiological studies showing positive associations between red meat consumption and colorectal cancer developing, as well as solid mechanical proofs. " They also note evidence of links to pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. Red meat includes all "mammalian muscle meat", including beef, veal, pork, lamb, mutton, horse and goat.

In addition to reducing the risk of cancer, giving up or reducing the consumption of red meat also provides relief to a planet overburdened by an industry that is trying to raise enough animals to satisfy his appetite. (See more: our growing love of meat is bad for the planet.)

3 and 4. Soda and juice

The link between sugar and cancer has undergone significant changes, but a new major French study has concluded that the consumption of a small glass of sugared beverage per day (100 milliliters, or about 3.3 ounces) is linked an overall increase in cancer risk and a 22% increase in breast cancer risk. And it was not just sweet sodas to blame; 100% fruit juice was also involved. (Most experts recommend eating the whole fruit, which contains all these good fibers, rather than the juice, which is mainly sugar, natural sugar, but still sugar.)

According to the study: "We found that an increase in the consumption of sugary drinks was positively associated with the risk of global cancer and breast cancer." When the group of sugary drinks was split up in 100% fruit juice and other sugary drinks, the types were associated with a higher risk of cancer in general ".

The cohort study involved more than 100,000 participants and the results suggest that sugary drinks could be an modifiable risk factor for cancer prevention.

5. Alcohol

For those of us who enjoy wine with dinner, the Mediterranean diet and its red wine gave us the green light for a moderate drink. Alas, the National Cancer Institute could explain this, noting: "There is a strong scientific consensus that alcohol consumption can cause several types of cancer.In its Report on Carcinogens, the US National Toxicology Program Health and Health Services list the consumption of alcoholic beverages as known carcinogens in humans. "

The institute cites evidence that the more we drink, especially on a regular basis and over time, the higher the risk of developing cancer related to alcohol is high. "Even light drinkers (those who do not drink more than one drink a day) and excessive drinkers have a moderately increased risk of certain cancers." Sigh.

6. ultra-processed foods

The research from the NutriNet-Health cohort study – the group for which data on sugary drinks were compiled – also highlighted a link between cancer and ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed foods, according to the study, include:

"… mass-produced packaged breads and buns; sweet and savory packaged snacks; sweets and industrial desserts; sodas and sweetened beverages; meatballs, poultry and fish nuggets and other processed meat products processed with The addition of preservatives other than salt (eg nitrites), noodles and instant soups, frozen or preserved ready-made meals, and other foodstuffs which are predominantly or wholly based on sugar, oils and fats and other substances not commonly used in culinary preparations such as hydrogenated oils, modified starches, and protein isolates Industrial processes include, but are not limited to, hydrogenation, hydrolysis, and extrusion. , molding, remodeling and pre-treatment by frying. "

The researchers found that a 10% increase in the amount of ultra-processed food consumed was linked to a 12% increase in cancer. They were unable to isolate the specific components of these foods responsible for the results. Therefore, it may be best to avoid them completely until further notice.

As Katherine had earlier advised when writing about the research: "Always prefer natural or low-processed foods as well as freshly prepared dishes and dishes to ultra-processed products." Given the synthetic strangeness and demanding processing and packaging of resources associated with ultra-processed foods, this seems like a very good wisdom to follow.