Dietary habits that increase the risk of cancer

There are a number of habits under our control that can significantly reduce the risk of developing different types of cancer.

It is estimated that changes in dietary habits can prevent cancer by up to 50%.

Carcinogens can enter our bodies in many ways, from inhaling tobacco and asbestos to foods that can contribute to the development of cancer.

The body produces free radicals daily as a byproduct of many extracellular processes, which damage DNA and cause cellular damage.

Certain foods can neutralize the effect of free radicals on our DNA, and these foods contain the antioxidants found in many fresh fruits and vegetables.

It is estimated that half of all cancers and deaths can be prevented by following a proper diet.

According to mako, experts have monitored 5 dangerous eating habits that we all follow from time to time and it is important to be aware of them:-

1. Processed foods

A study that followed more than 100,000 participants identified an increased risk of cancer linked to the consumption of specially processed foods. 

A 10% increase in the rate of ultra-processed foods in the diet was associated with a significant increase more than 10% of the risk of breast cancer.

The study focused on NOVA's "ultra-processed foods" group. 

This group includes: packaged bread, sweet or savory packaged snacks, processed desserts, carbonated and sugary drinks, recalled meat products with added preservatives, frozen ready meals.

Among foods considered "moderately processed" that have not been shown to increase cancer risk:

 canned vegetables, candied dried fruits, canned and frozen legumes, rice, pasta and eggs, meat and fish preserved in salt, cheeses without processed starch and fresh foods, unwrapped bread.

2. Red and Processed Meat

The carcinogenic properties of meat in general, and red meat in particular, increase when processed.

Processed meat products such as sausages and burgers contain chemicals and very high amounts of sodium.

In 2015, the World Health Organization officially classified processed meat as "carcinogenic to humans".

In a review published in 2017, the authors found that for 3.5 pieces of red and processed meat per day, the risk of colon cancer increased by 12%.

Another study from 2018 indicated that eating processed meat may also increase the risk of breast cancer.

3. Burned food

Burnt potato chips or toast can increase your risk of cancer. 

A few years ago, the British Health Organization warned against overheating grain and starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, vegetables and even coffee.

High heating and combustion produce large amounts of acrylamide, a hazardous chemical.

One study found that a slice of untoasted toast contained about 9 micrograms of acrylamide, but when toasted slices were particularly brown, 167 micrograms of acrylamide were found per kilogram.

A similar test on french fries revealed very alarming figures, with scientists finding 1052 micrograms of acrylamide per kilogram of french fries.

4. Increase the consumption of cheeses and dairy products

A 2017 study by the US National Cancer Institute identified a link between cheese consumption and an increased risk of breast cancer.

A 53% increase in cancer risk was found in women who ate the most types of cheese, especially American cheese, cheddar and cream.

Studies have shown that a diet high in calcium may contribute to an increased risk of prostate cancer, but the data is inconsistent.

In a health study conducted by doctors at Harvard University, 20,885 doctors who consumed 2.5 servings of milk a day experienced a 34% increased risk of prostate cancer.

There is also evidence that dairy products are linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

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