Cancer is one of the leading reasons that lead to death all over the world. There are studies, which suggest that simple changes in lifestyle through a healthy diet can prevent around 30-50% of all cancers. Increasing evidence points toward specific dietary habits that result in increasing or decreasing the risk of cancer.
Some organizational studies repeatedly indicate that high consumption of certain foods may increase the possibility of developing cancer. Those foods include:
Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates: Processed foods are all those that contain a high amount of sugar and low fibre and nutrients. Consumption of these foods has been linked to developing a higher risk of cancer. The high levels of blood glucose and insulin content in all those foods are contributing factors towards cancer risk. Insulin has proved to stimulate cell division that supports the growth and spread of cancer cells. Thus elimination of cancer cells becomes very difficult. Higher levels of blood glucose and insulin can also contribute heavily towards inflammation in one’s body. Over a long period of time, this can lead to the growth of abnormal cells and the possible growth of cancer. To protect against cancer, one should either take foods that boost insulin levels in limited quantity or avoid them completely.
Processed Meat: Processed Meat refers to meat that is treated to preserve flavour by undergoing salting, curing or smoking. The foods include hot dogs, ham, bacon, salami and certain deli meats. Observational studies see a connection between the consumption of processed meat and an increased risk of cancer, especially colorectal cancer.
Overcooked Food: Cooking certain specific foods at high temperatures like grilling, frying, sautéing and barbequing can produce harmful compounds like heterocyclic amines. The excess build-up of these harmful compounds can contribute to inflammation. This, in turn, plays a role in the development of cancer.
Dairy: A number of observational studies also indicate that high consumption of dairy products can also increase one’s risk of prostate cancer. One of the studies followed almost 4000 men suffering from prostate cancer. Results indicated that a high intake of whole milk increases the risk of progression of disease and death.
