These nutritionists have a T-bone to choose from four types of foods and one type of drinks that they say can cause cancer.
Studies have shown that a person’s diet can affect their chances of developing various types of cancer; Experts encourage consumption of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans to reduce risk.
“People should aim to eat more nutrient-rich foods by eating at least five portions of different fruits and vegetables every day and choosing whole grain versions of foods. [legumes] Like beans and lentils and unsalted nuts and seeds, nutritionist Matthew Lambert, director of health information and promotions at the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), told the Daily Mail this week.
“These types of foods are higher in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber, which are important in reducing the risk of bowel cancer, among other things,” Lambert added.
Lambert also shared her no-no list, which includes processed meat, alcohol, red meat, sugary and fried foods.
processed meat
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified processed meat as “carcinogenic to humans” in 2015, stating that there is “sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies that eating processed meat causes colorectal cancer.”
According to the World Health Organization, processed meats are salted, smoked, fermented, smoked or otherwise prepared; According to WHO, some of these cooking methods can produce potentially cancer-causing chemicals.
Examples of processed meat include hot dogs, ham, sausages, corned beef, and beef jerky.
British Dietetic Association (BDA) spokesperson Dr. “The increase in cancer risk with processed meat is quite modest,” Duane Mellor told the Daily Mail. “The risk is stated as 18% for every 50 years [grams] “An extra bacon or sausage sounds big, but it could represent an extra two cases of colon cancer per 1,000 people who eat processed red meat.”
The American Heart Association recommends limiting processed meat to 100 grams (about two servings) per week.
The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends replacing deli meats and cold cuts with fresh chicken or fish; bacon, chorizo or salami for spicy vegetarian sausages; and chili sausage and kidney bean, chickpea, or lentil soups.
Alcohol
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the mouth and throat, larynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, liver and breast.
“When it comes to alcohol, there are no health benefits to drinking,” Lambert said. “We recommend not consuming alcohol, as even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of cancer. “Alcohol is harmful for some types of cancer, especially if you smoke.”
The National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention advises women to limit alcohol to one drink per day and men to no more than two drinks per day. Adults over 65 should not drink more than one drink per day.
Red meat
Also in 2015, the IARC declared that red meats such as beef, veal, pork, lamb, mutton, horse and goat are “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
“The strongest, but still annoyedEvidence for an association with red meat consumption is for colorectal cancer. There is also evidence of links with pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer,” IARC researchers wrote about their decision at the time.
Lambert explained that meat contains heme iron, which can facilitate the production of potentially carcinogenic chemicals.
“Heme, which contains iron and gives red meat its color, may trigger the formation of cancer-causing compounds that have been shown to damage the intestinal lining, increasing the risk of bowel cancer,” Lambert said.
WCRF recommends limiting red meat consumption to three servings per week; This is equivalent to approximately 350 grams to 500 grams.
Sugary and fried foods
Being overweight or obese has been linked to a higher risk for 13 types of cancer, according to the CDC.
“We advise people to eat less ultra-processed foods, high in saturated fat, sugar and salt. This includes foods such as cakes, biscuits and pastries. [chips]”Sugar-sweetened drinks and fast food like pizza and burgers,” Lambert told the Daily Mail.
“While there is no evidence that confectionery can directly cause cancer, they can lead to weight gain over time, as small amounts can contain a lot of calories and can be easy to overconsume,” he added.