You eat every day, but do you know that certain foods that you consume without thinking about it can create a breeding ground for certain diseases? What you choose on your plate every day could influence much more than your weight or your energy.
As science advances in understanding cancer, specialists are warning about the impact of certain “classic” foods on our health. Here, you will discover elements that systematically appear in doctors’ recommendations to reduce long-term risks. Three American oncologists shared their eating habits with the media.
1.Processed meats: a proven danger
Oncology experts point out that processed meats like bacon, ham, sausages and other processed meats are particularly problematic. These products are often high in nitrites and other additives, and their processing promotes compounds that can be harmful to your body’s cells.
According to the oncologist consulted, these foods are not simply “not recommended”, but should be limited as much as possible, because they promote a pro-inflammatory state, a risk factor for certain cancers, particularly colorectal.
2. Ultra-processed products: inflammation and risks
Ultra-processed products, prepared meals, industrial snacks, sodas or other foods rich in additives – constitute another group that specialists point the finger at. Their high content of saturated fats, added sugars and food additives not only promotes weight gain: it maintains a chronic inflammatory environment conducive to abnormal cell multiplication.
Oncologists explain that it’s not just the quantity that matters, but what can disrupt your metabolism and your intestinal microbiota.
3. Alcohol: a recognized risk factor
Even in moderate quantities, alcohol is among the substances scientifically recognized as being able to increase the risk of several cancers. Its metabolite, acetaldehyde, can damage DNA and disrupt natural cellular repair mechanisms.
In the context of prevention, the oncologist reminds us that it is not a question of demonizing every occasional drink, but of recognizing that alcohol is directly involved in several types of cancer, and that limiting its consumption is a concrete way to reduce your exposure to these risks.
4. Foods rich in saturated fats: be careful of excess
Certain foods rich in saturated fats, such as fried foods, certain red meats and products very rich in fat, are warned by specialists because they are associated with an unbalanced metabolic terrain.
If these foods do not formally “cause” cancer directly, their excessive consumption promotes inflammation, obesity and other biological mechanisms which in tumor development according to numerous scientific studies.
5. Choose better: concrete advice to reduce risks
What these specialists insist on repeating is that daily food choices have an impact on the general condition of your body. Rather than focusing on an isolated food, the objective is to promote a diet rich in raw products, vegetables, fruits and to avoid foods whose cumulative effect maintains inflammation.
- Cooking at home with minimally processed ingredients.
- Limit alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Promote fiber, polyphenols (present in red fruits, green vegetables and certain spices) which, according to scientists, can help protect cells against oxidative stress.
Remember: just because a food is common on your plate doesn’t mean it has no consequences. Certain processed products, rich in additives or saturated fats, are today identified by oncologists as elements which can, in the long term, . “It’s better to cook at home and enjoy your meals,” concludes Dr. Mussallem.
FAQ: cancer risk according to oncologists
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What foods increase the risk of cancer according to oncologists?
Certain foods are associated with an increased risk of cancer according to oncologists and international health agencies.
- Processed meats such as industrial cold cuts.
- Ultra-processed products rich in additives.
- Alcohol, even consumed moderately.
- Foods very high in saturated fat.
Why are processed meats considered dangerous?
Processed meats are classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
They contain in particular nitrites and nitrates which can form carcinogenic compounds in the body, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.
Do ultra-processed foods really promote cancer?
Ultra-processed foods promote chronic inflammation, a mechanism recognized in the development of certain cancers.
According to oncology experts, their high content of added sugars, saturated fats and additives disrupts metabolism and the intestinal microbiota.
Is alcohol dangerous even in small quantities?
Alcohol is a cancer risk factor recognized by the World Health Organization.
Its metabolite, acetaldehyde, can damage DNA and increase the risk of breast, liver, oral and colon cancers.
How to reduce the risk of cancer through diet?
Reducing the risks requires a diet mainly composed of raw and minimally processed foods.
- Favor fruits, vegetables and foods rich in fiber.
- Limit alcohol and industrial products.
- Cook at home to better control the ingredients.
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“`html
Certain foods are associated with an increased risk of cancer according to oncologists and international health agencies.
- Processed meats such as industrial cold cuts.
- Ultra-processed products rich in additives.
- Alcohol, even consumed moderately.
- Foods very high in saturated fat.
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Processed meats are classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
They contain in particular nitrites and nitrates which can form carcinogenic compounds in the body, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.
” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Do ultra-processed foods really cause cancer?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “
Ultra-processed foods promote chronic inflammation, a mechanism recognized in the development of certain cancers.
According to oncology experts, their high content of added sugars, saturated fats and additives disrupts metabolism and the intestinal microbiota.
” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Is alcohol dangerous even in small quantities?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “
Alcohol is a cancer risk factor recognized by the World Health Organization.
Its metabolite, acetaldehyde, can damage DNA and increase the risk of breast, liver, oral and colon cancers.
” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How can we reduce the risk of cancer through diet?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “
Reducing the risks requires a diet mainly composed of raw and minimally processed foods.
- Favor fruits, vegetables and foods rich in fiber.
- Limit alcohol and industrial products.
- Cook at home to better control the ingredients.
” } } ) }
“`
Photo credit: @shutterstock
