Six Cancer Causing Foods You Probably Eat Every Day

With over half of cancers being avoidable, it seems that we need to take a closer look at what we are subjecting out bodies to that might be at the root of the cancer epidemic. Indeed, one of the greatest exposures to cancer is in what we eat.

 

Cancer causing foods are likely in your everyday diet and you didn't even realize it. Below you'll see 6 cancer causing foods to avoid:

 

1. Microwave Popcorn

 

There is more than just kernels in most microwave popcorn. Dr. Andrew Weil explains that artificial butter contains another dangerous chemical that can damage the lungs when inhaled.

 

In fact, a couple of years ago a Colorado court awarded a man a $7.2 million settlement for "popcorn lung", which is a lung condition caused by inhaling too much microwave popcorn. To reduce your risk of exposure to these chemicals, air pop your popcorn and add your own flavoring instead.

 

2. Processed Meats

 

Bacon, lunch meat, hot dogs, sausages, and other processed meats have been shown to be cancer causing foods, increasing the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67%, a study by the University of Hawaii concluded.

 

More shocking statistics shared by the Organic Consumer's Association reveal hot dogs commonly contain sodium nitrite, a cancer causing ingredient the USDA has been trying to ban since the 1970s. Leukemia risks soared a staggering 700% with hot dog consumption.

 

3. Refined Sugar/Soda

 

Refined sugar is a danger because not only it is typically GMO since it's genetically modified sugar beets, but also it rapidly spikes insulin levels, which feed cancer cells.

 

Fructose, the type of sugar found in soda, is a serious cancer culprit as well. It contains caramel color, a known carcinogen. Soda acidifies the body, which in turn causes cancer cells to multiply. Skip the sodas altogether limiting your intake of refined sugars.

 

4. "Diet" Foods

 

If you see buzz words like "diet", "low-fat", "fat-free", or "sugar-free", then those missing items are likely to be replaced with chemicals. Diet foods are loaded with artificial sweeteners, artificial colors and flavors, and more.

 

One artificial sweetener, Saccharin, was determined to cause cancer in lab rats, as the National Cancer Institute points out. As for food dyes and coloring, Red 3 has been acknowledged for years by the Food and Drug Administration to be a carcinogen, yet is still in the food supply. Choosing the regular version of foods in moderation is a better option than the diet counterparts, and will help you avoid cancer causing foods.

 

5. Hydrogenated Oils

 

Hydrogenated oils, like vegetable oil, contain trans fats. The Mayo Clinic says it's considered to be the worst type of fat there is. It's known to cause cancer, heart disease and immune system problems, says Dr. David Brownstein of News Mac Health.

 

In fact, there is no safe amount of trans fats in your diet, so avoiding this cancer causing food altogether would be advised. You can avoid hydrogenated oil but instead choosing coconut, palm, or olive oil. Organic butter is a better option as well.

 

6. French Fries/Potato Chips

 

We know that these foods aren't good for us, but did you realize that they're considered cancer causing foods? These fast food staples are fried in hydrogenated vegetable oil and then heavily salted. We've already discussed the dangers of hydrogenated oils, but the high salt content is also concerning. It increases the risk of high blood pressure as well as other health problems.

 

In addition, both french fries and potato chips were found to have higher levels of acrylamide, which studies have shown increase the risk of cancer. Potatoes also have some of the heaviest pesticide residue of all the fruits and vegetables.