Talking about cancer-causing foods, everyone may have heard or read it somewhere. However, the sources of information today are very diverse and not everything you read online is true. There is a lot of information about foods causing cancer, but the most reputable source is the warning from WHO. According to official press reports, the World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly issued warnings about certain foods that are frequently found in diets, but pose potential health risks. Below are 6 foods identified by WHO as carcinogens, many people still eat them every day without knowing their harmful effects:
1. Processed meat (typically sausages, smoked meat, etc.)
Processed meat such as sausages, ham, smoked meat, etc. has been classified by WHO as a group 1 carcinogen. However, during the processing, these types of meat are often marinated with a lot of spices, leading to the formation of nitrite. When entering the body, nitrite will be converted into nitrosamine under the effect of stomach acid, increasing the risk of cancer, especially colon, stomach and esophageal cancer. Therefore, although delicious, you should limit eating these types of processed meat.
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2. Salted fish
Fish marinated with salt for many days to smell or salted fish dried in the sun are all foods with very high salt content. If you eat too much, it can increase the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer and stomach cancer. Because they can produce nitrosamine when entering the body, increasing the risk of cancer. In addition, the drying process can potentially cause bacterial contamination, mold, and aflatoxin. To minimize the risk, you can soak the fish in warm water before eating to remove some of the odor and absolutely do not eat fish that has mold or has a strange smell. image
3. Hot food (over 65 degrees Celsius)
Food with a temperature that is too high, especially over 65 degrees Celsius, can cause damage to the esophageal mucosa. Damaged esophageal epithelial cells will repair themselves and continue to grow, but during this process, the cells can develop abnormally and lead to esophageal cancer. WHO has warned that hot foods and drinks can cause type 2A cancer. Therefore, we should avoid eating hot foods regularly. 4. Betel
Betel, a familiar food in many countries, is classified by WHO as a type 1 carcinogen. They contain arecoline, a substance that can damage normal cells and affect the DNA repair process, leading to oral cancer, esophageal cancer and other cancers. In addition, the rough fibers of areca will rub and damage the oral mucosa. The ingredients in this dish further accelerate the cancerization process of cells.
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5. Cured foods
Cured foods such as rice, soybeans, nuts, bread, etc. can produce aflatoxin - a very strong carcinogen. In addition to causing acute poisoning, aflatoxin can also accumulate in cells and cause many cancers. Especially liver cancer. Therefore, even if you are frugal, you should not eat spoiled food to protect your health.
6. Burnt grilled food
Grilled dishes are not "friendly" to health, especially when burnt. Because it can produce benzopyrene, a very strong carcinogen that has been warned by WHO many times. This substance can cause lung, stomach, esophageal, bladder and many other types of cancer. To reduce the risk, you should limit eating burnt food and limit grilling with fire, smoke... especially charcoal. Only grill until cooked, if burnt or charred, throw it away, do not eat to protect your health. image
Did you know: Foods that help reduce the risk of cancer
A healthy diet with natural foods can help reduce the risk of cancer by providing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that protect the body:
- Green vegetables and fruits: Contain a lot of fiber, vitamins C, E, and antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals that damage cells - Causes of cancer. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale contain sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to have powerful anti-cancer properties.
- Fish and foods containing omega-3s: Salmon, mackerel, and chia seeds provide healthy fats that help prevent breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Whole grains: Brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat are high in fiber, which helps support the digestive system and reduces the risk of colon cancer.
Develop healthy eating habits
- Limit processed foods and sugar: Eat fresh, home-cooked foods to control the quality of ingredients and the amount of seasoning.
- Eat lots of vegetables and fruits: Increase green vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. - Drink enough water: Drinking enough water helps eliminate toxins in the body, supporting kidney and liver function.