Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease. In fact, more than 1.7 million new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2019, and about 606,880 Americans will die this year alone, according to the American Cancer Society. Although medical progress has been made in the fight against cancer, the best way to reduce your risk of contracting the disease is to take into account your diet.
Research suggests that less than 30% of the risk of developing cancer during a lifetime is due to uncontrollable factors such as genetics and the environment, notes Harvard Health Publishing. Everything else – namely the diet of an individual – is very manageable. Although many studies have not demonstrated a direct cause-and-effect link between diet and cancer, they to have showed multiple links between the two. "He [is] "We are not 100% certain that consuming more or less of certain foods or nutrients will ensure protection against cancer," said Dr. Edward Giovannucci of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. "But science has shown that some eating habits tend to have greater influence."
Here are eight foods and drinks that can increase your risk of cancer.
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These eight foods and drinks can contribute to cancer
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1. processed meat
The World Health Organization classifies processed meat in the same category as tobacco and asbestos with regard to carcinogenicity. Although the three groups are not considered as dangerous, it has been proven that processed meat was at the origin of colorectal cancer. Studies show that "each serving of 50 grams of processed meat consumed daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by approximately 18% [percent]", notes the US agency.
Research has also linked cancer to meat and processed meat, but the evidence is inconclusive.
2. Meat or salted fish
According to the National Cancer Institute, salty foods tend to contain high levels of nitrates and nitrites, both of which react with amines and amides to form compounds that can cause cancer.
In addition, research shows that "the more people eat these foods, the more likely they are to develop stomach cancer," said Dr. Stephanie Fay for the Global Fund for Cancer Research.
3. marinated foods
Like salty foods, pickled foods contain a high amount of nitrates and nitrates. A 2012 survey published by the American Association for Cancer Research found a direct correlation between the consumption of pickled vegetables and gastric cancer. People of East Asian descent are particularly vulnerable to the disease because their diet consists of pickled foods, says the study.
4. grilled
Grilling foods on a bare flame creates heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, two types of chemicals that can cause DNA changes, increasing the risk of cancer, the National Cancer Institute says. The researchers determined that a high intake of well-cooked, fried or barbecued meats increased the risk of colorectal, pancreatic and prostate cancer.
5. Microwave popcorn
Microwave popcorn contains a toxic compound called diacetyl, which can cause scarring of tiny air sacs in the lungs and has been linked to lung cancer, said Eitan Yefenof of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Reader & # 39; s Digest.
The health threat actually comes from popcorn bags, which contain chemicals that can cause cancer, according to Healthline. These chemicals can also be found in pizza boxes, sandwich packs and teflon pans.
6. Alcohol
High consumption of alcohol increases the risk of developing cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, colon and rectum, according to the National Cancer Institute . The US government's 2015-2020 dietary recommendations set a "high consumption of alcohol" as "a consumption of at least 4 drinks a day, 8 drinks or more a week for women and 5 or more drinks for men in one sitting hours). " Those who drink should do it in moderation (one drink a day for women and up to two glasses a day for men).
7. Bagels
Appetizing as bagels, they are also a health risk, especially for non-Hispanic whites. Bagels have a high glycemic index, which means that they can significantly increase blood sugar. According to a 2016 study published by the American Association for Cancer Research, a high blood sugar triggers insulin secretion, which can affect the risk of lung cancer.
8. Soda
Drinking plenty of soft drinks can exacerbate the symptoms associated with cancer, such as gas, bloating, heartburn or reflux, according to Stacy Kennedy, clinical nutritionist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
In addition, many soft drinks contain high fructose corn syrup, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Obesity itself has been associated with 13 different types of cancer, including breast, esophageal and endometrial cancers.
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