Get To Know Foods and Drinks That Trigger Cancer

Many studies have looked at the possibility that certain food components or nutrients are associated with an increased or decreased risk of cancer in humans, especially if consumed too often or in excess. This is because these food components contain isolated compounds that are carcinogenic (dangerous substances that can cause cancer).

From the research conducted, results were obtained showing that food components were associated with changes in cancer risk, not food components that were responsible or caused changes in risk.

Foods and Drinks that Trigger Cancer

The following are foods and drinks that are carcinogenic and can trigger cancer:

a. Red meat

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies red meat into group 2A, which means “possibly carcinogenic” to humans. The following are examples of red meat:

• beef
• pork
• lamb/goat meat

In research conducted by experts, strong evidence has been found of a link between colorectal cancer and consuming large amounts of red meat. Also with pancreatic and prostate cancer. Because of these risks, the World Cancer Research Fund International recommends limiting red meat consumption to three servings per week, with a total cooked weight of 12–18 ounces.

b. Processed Meat

Processed meat is meat that has been preserved through smoking, pickling, or salting. Examples include: sausages, hot dogs, salami, bacon, ham, corned beef, beef jerky and others. The process of making processed meat often uses nitrites which can produce carcinogenic substances. Even smoking meat without chemicals can produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a type of carcinogen. Frequent consumption of processed meat is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer. Experts have also linked it to stomach and breast cancer.

c. Processed Foods

Processed foods include: packaged snacks such as cookies and chips, frozen foods, sugary cereals, soda, spreads such as margarine and cream cheese, sweet foods such as candy and chocolate, fast foods such as pizza, hamburgers, and fried chicken. Usually these processed foods contain chemicals such as flavourings, colorings, emulsifiers and other additives to make the product taste better and last longer. Processed foods also often contain high amounts of salt, sugar, fat and cancer-causing chemicals. But it is generally low in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Frequently consuming processed foods can also cause obesity, which is a risk factor for cancer.

d. Sweet Foods

Foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, such as candy, white bread, pasta and sweet drinks, can indirectly increase the risk of cancer. For lovers of sweet food and drinks, apart from being at risk of obesity and diabetes, they also increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer and colorectal cancer.

e. Alcohol

Alcohol is a class 1 carcinogen, meaning that it has shown sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity. Because in the body, alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage cell DNA and cause cancer. Experts have linked alcohol to an increased risk of cancer of the throat, esophagus, breast, liver, colon and rectum. The greater the amount of alcohol consumed, the higher the risk of developing cancer.

f. Other Chemicals

Cancer-causing chemicals that may be present in food include:

• Nitrites and nitrates, which manufacturers use to preserve processed meat.
• Butylated hydroxyanisole, a preservative that may be carcinogenic to humans.
• Potassium bromate, which manufacturers use as a flour additive, although it has toxic and carcinogenic effects.
• Heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are produced from smoking and roasting meat at high temperatures.

And other chemicals that can trigger cancer, such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners and food coloring, which may be found in processed foods.

It is true that cancer can be caused by many factors, but there are things we can do to prevent and reduce the risk of getting cancer, such as living a healthy lifestyle, reducing or staying away from foods and drinks that trigger cancer, regularly consuming healthy foods such as foods with fiber and foods rich in them. antioxidants, exercising diligently, stopping smoking, not drinking alcoholic beverages and having regular medical check-ups. Immediately consult a doctor if you have complaints and suspicious symptoms via telemedicine or go to the nearest health facility.