Aflatoxins, carcinogens in the foods we eat daily: Your doctor

Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) found that what we eat is the main cause of cancer because many foods contain aflatoxins, potent carcinogens that are not seen or have any odor or taste.

Aflatoxins are found in most foods, are corn, rice, peanuts, nuts, chili, chicken, milk, eggs, sausages and beers.

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Aflatoxins, potent carcinogens [19659006] In this regard, the researcher of the Institute of Biology (IB) from UNAM Magda Carvajal Moreno warns that tortillas and their derivatives, such as totopos, sopes and tamales, are most contaminated with these substances

According to a study conducted by researcher Carvajal, 95% of white maize and 60% of yellow maize are contaminated with aflatoxins

These carcinogens are produced by the mold of the fungus Aspergillus flavus.

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"They do not look, they do not taste or smell, they resist heat, (they support between 260 and 320 degrees Celsius without decomposing) and processes such as cooking, ultra pasteurization, nixtamalization and fermentation. "19659003 At a conference at the Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Permanent Seminar (SPAAN) of the University of Food Program (PUAL), the specialist claimed that what we eat is the main cause of cancer risk with 36%, in front of tobacco consumption, responsible in a 31% and infections, with 11%.

What effects

The consumption of these carcinogens is related to distinct types of cancer such as liver, pancreas, lung, colorectal and cervical cancer.

"Although they act in millionth of a milligram, they are the ca the most potent biological rcinogens known. We are all born with latent proto-oncogenes, and aflatoxins, by a chemical mechanism of oxidation, turn them into carcinogens, which accumulate for years in the DNA and mutate, mainly in individuals predisposed genetic ", He points out

. Can we counteract its effects? According to the expert, yes and to achieve this it is recommended to eat probiotic foods, blackberries, green and red peppers, spinach, broccoli, beets, cherries, green beans, tomatoes and carrots.

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