Cancer is probably the most feared and fearful disease of all that affects mankind. Unfortunately, there are certain foods that cause cancer, which you will learn about in this article. On the bright side, enormous efforts are being made worldwide to discover its causal factor.
The most important of these factors, improper diet, was noted by Ellen G. White and other leaders of the health reform movement that developed in the second half of the nineteenth century in the United States.
Unfortunately, the medical establishment paid little attention to the proposals of proponents of natural medicine. Consequently, until only recently, anyone who might suggest that certain foods cause cancer and certain foods that prevent cancer was considered a fraud.
However, in recent decades, there has been a rapid increase in scientific evidence that eating certain foods has a great deal to do with cancer.
According to experts, diet is today’s primary cancer-causing factor. It is indeed ironic that foods, which should provide health and life, should become the principal cause of cancer and death.
Something must be wrong with the bulk of the developed world’s dietary habits: They eat too many animal-based foods, which foster cancer, in proportion to plant-based foods, which help protect against it.
Foods That Cause Cancer
MEAT: Numerous scientific studies, both experimental and statistical, have revealed that meat consumption is a significant risk factor in most types of cancer (brain, lung, stomach, kidney, urinary bladder, uterus, ovarian, and prostate, among others).
- The so-called red meats (beef, lamb, and pork),
- Meat cooked well done or grilled on a barbecue,
- Fried meat,
- Salted and/or cured meats like ham, bacon, and sausages.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: All alcoholic beverages promote cancer, even those considered to have medicinal value, such as wine or beer. These do not require large doses to induce cancer. This effect is present even with moderate consumption.
One glass of wine a day increases the risk of breast cancer in women by 250%. There is a proven relationship between the overall consumption of alcoholic beverages and cancers of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, breast, lung, liver, pancreas, colon, and urinary bladder.
MILK: According to various studies, milk is among the many foods that cause cancer. Excessive whole milk (not nonfat) consumption is associated with the appearance of some types of cancer: breast, lung, ovarian, prostate, and urinary bladder. A possible explanation is that milk can transmit the bovine leukemia virus, which is carcinogenic.
SHELLFISH: These tend to be contaminated with carcinogenic chemical substances that have been dumped into the sea.
EGGS: There is statistical evidence that excessive egg consumption (more than three per week) is associated with cancers of the breast, stomach, lung, pancreas, colon, endometrium, and ovaries. There are a variety of explanations for this association.
- Cholesterol: Eggs’ elevated cholesterol content may act to promote cancer.
- Saturated fat is the predominant fat in eggs, a factor in cancer development.
- Viruses: Hens are often contaminated with leukemia-type viruses, which may pass to eggs and cause a variety of cancers. Although this hypothesis has not been proven, prudence dictates that eggs should be well-cooked (boiled). This also prevents salmonella infection.
FISH: Unfortunately, fish is among the foods that cause cancer. However, there is less experimental and statistical evidence concerning cancer and fish than there is concerning meat. However, there is a relationship between regular fish consumption (mainly salted or cured fish) and cancers of the larynx, nasopharynx, endometrium, and pancreas:
- The chemical pollution of the water with carcinogenic substances affects the fish.
- The curing and salting of the fish entail the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.
REFINED PRODUCTS: When white bread, rolls, and other refined products are used instead of whole grains in the diet, there is a corresponding relation to cancer formation. At least three composition characteristics explain why they’re amongst the foods that cause cancer.
- Lack of fiber.
- Excess sugar content.
- Trans fatty acids: These are commonly found in refined industrial baked goods, fried foods, and margarine. In addition to raising cholesterol levels and promoting arteriosclerosis and heart attack, they are related to cancer of the breast and the endometrium.
SPICES: A diet rich in hot spices can be a risk factor for certain types of cancer, such as cancer of the mouth and esophagus. Some studies suggest that hot chilies may be carcinogenic, while others state that they protect against cancer.
COFFEE: Many people will hate to know that coffee is among the foods that cause cancer. However, coffee consumption has been associated with cancer of the urinary bladder and with fibrocystic mastopathy or fibrocystic disease of the breast, which can be precancerous. This effect is not due to the caffeine in coffee but rather to some of the components in its essence. Consequently, decaffeinated coffee also increases the risk of urinary bladder cancer.
SUGAR: Various epidemiological studies have related excess white sugar (saccharose) consumption with the following types of cancer:
- Colon cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Cervical cancer.
There is no data concerning brown (raw) sugar or maple sugar, although it is reasonable to suspect that they are not as harmful since they contain some minerals and vitamins that refined white sugar lacks. Although fructose has certain drawbacks when used in excess, it protects against prostate cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can specific cooking methods make food more likely to cause cancer?
Yes. (HCAs) Heterocyclic amines and (PAHs) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are produced when foods are cooked at very high temperatures, like when meat is fried, grilled, or broiled until browned. It has been shown that these chemicals can damage DNA and raise the risk of cancer.
Tips: Choose gentler cooking methods like steaming, baking, or poaching—Marinate meats before high-heat cooking to reduce HCA formation.
Does the type of red meat play a role in how much it might cause cancer?
Evidence suggests processed red meats pose a higher risk than unprocessed red meats. Processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs undergo curing, smoking, and salting, processes linked to forming carcinogenic compounds (like N-nitroso compounds).
Tips: Swap processed meats for healthier protein options like fish, beans, or poultry, and limit your unprocessed red meat intake.
How does sugar factor on the list of foods that cause cancer?
Sugar itself doesn’t directly cause cancer, but excess sugar consumption often contributes to obesity, a known risk factor for numerous cancers. Limit sugary foods and drinks to maintain a healthy weight and decrease the risk associated with foods that cause cancer.
I’ve heard of acrylamide – is that a big concern regarding foods that cause cancer?
Acrylamide is a potentially carcinogenic compound in some starchy foods when cooked at high temperatures. While research is ongoing, it’s wise to limit heavily fried or browned starchy foods, seeking alternative cooking methods to reduce acrylamide exposure.
Is there a type of alcohol that’s worse than others when it comes to foods that cause cancer?
All types of alcohol increase cancer risk, and the risk increases proportionally with the amount consumed. There is no truly “safe” level of alcohol if you’re focused on reducing your risk of cancer.
Are foods high in salt or pickled on the list of foods that cause cancer?
Yes, these foods are concerning. High salt intake is associated with stomach cancer, and pickled foods can contain carcinogenic compounds. Enjoy these foods only as occasional treats.
Is organic a safer choice when avoiding foods that cause cancer?
While there’s no definitive proof that organic foods directly lower cancer risk, it makes sense that the reduced exposure to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers found in conventionally grown foods could be beneficial in the long term.
Do GMOs play a role in foods that cause cancer?
Current scientific evidence shows no connection between GMO foods and increased cancer risk. Rigorous safety testing is required before GMO foods can be sold.
Will taking dietary supplements protect me from foods that cause cancer?
Supplements do not replace a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Prioritize whole-food sources of nutrients, and discuss any supplements with your doctor, notably if you have a health condition.
Where can I find reliable information about foods that cause cancer?
World Cancer Research Fund: https://www.wcrf.org/
National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/
American Institute for Cancer Research: https://www.aicr.org/
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia Of Foods and Their Healing Power.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia Of Foods and Their Healing Power. Trans. Annette Melgosa. Vol. 2. Chai Wan: Editorial Safeliz, 2005.368-369,372-373.
- American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR): https://www.aicr.org/
- World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF): https://www.wcrf.org/
- National Cancer Institute (NCI): https://www.cancer.gov/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/obesity/index.htm
- PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/