If you want to stay healthy, the first thing you should do is stay away from all unhealthy foods and maintain a light, regular, and nutritionally balanced diet.

Many studies have shown that cancers such as liver, stomach, colorectal, and breast cancer are closely linked to diet. Experts recommend that if you don’t want to get sick, it’s best to limit harmful foods right from the start.

Foods High in Nitrites

Pickled vegetables such as pickled mustard greens, salted eggplants, and fermented onions are common in Vietnamese meals. These dishes not only add variety and stimulate appetite but also help reduce feelings of greasiness.

However, to make pickles, a large amount of salt is used. During fermentation, nitrites are formed—dangerous compounds included in the “blacklist” of substances linked to liver cancer and other internal organ cancers.

Fried and Grilled Foods at High Temperatures

According to nutrition experts, grilling or cooking food at high temperatures can create compounds that alter your DNA, potentially leading to cancer. Eating large amounts of these foods may increase the risk of prostate, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.

Moreover, if food is undercooked, it may cause digestive disorders—particularly diarrhea—which can seriously affect your health.

Alcoholic Drinks

Although alcohol enters the digestive tract, it does not break down there. Instead, it travels to the liver via the bloodstream. The liver produces enzymes that metabolize alcohol into carbon dioxide and water. During this process, liver cells are damaged, fat metabolism is inhibited, and alcoholic fatty liver disease may develop.

Research shows that the more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of developing cancers such as head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.

Moldy Foods

If you notice that food is bruised, moldy, or discolored, you should throw it away immediately. Even if the spoilage looks minor and the taste seems unchanged, the aflatoxins inside can severely damage your liver and cells.

Aflatoxin is a highly toxic substance produced by molds such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Its toxicity is 68 times greater than arsenic, and just 1 mg can cause cancer. These toxins are commonly found in moldy grains and nuts.

Vegetables and Fruits Contaminated with Chemicals

Vegetables and fruits are generally encouraged by health experts as part of a daily diet. However, caution is needed with produce exposed to pesticides, growth stimulants, or harmful preservatives.

Most of these chemicals are classified as toxic and banned in agriculture because of their harmful effects on human health, including an increased risk of cancer.