When your parents were young, no one was concerned about foods that cause cancer. The research was very young at the time, but there were also far less processed foods on the market. People ate healthier and more pure foods, because that was what was available to them.
Today, it seems like doctors link everything to causing cancer – it’s hard to determine what to really stay away from. While you think you may be doing the right thing for your health by drinking diet sodas or low-calorie popcorn, you’re actually eating some of the worst cancer-causing foods out there! Here Really bad foods that you should try to avoid
This tasty treat that is often associated as a movie comfort food, contains a highly toxic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the bag lining. In several studies, it has been proven that people that have been exposed to PFOA have been at a higher risk to develop bladder and kidney cancers. If you want to enjoy your popcorn without worrying about this harmful chemical, make your own or buy it from the supermarket pre-popped.
2 - Canned tomatoes
I know what you’re thinking… You’ve likely heard how the nutrient Lycopene in tomatoes lowers cancer risks, but that benefit is completely cancelled out when the lining of canned tomatoes contain chemicals that disrupt hormonal activity in the body. Since tomatoes are so acidic, the chemical BPA actually leeches from the lining into the tomatoes. This toxic chemical has been linked to different cancers, heart disease and reproductive problems. Next time you feel like making a nice red sauce, go with a glass jar or stew the tomatoes yourself.
3 - Farm-raised salmon
Sure fish, especially salmon, is known as one of the healthiest foods out there, but unfortunately more than 60% of salmon in the U.S. is farm-raised… and could be deadly. Farm-raised fish are fed unnatural diets and contaminated with chemicals, antibiotics, pesticides and other known carcinogens found in materials like asbestos. Farmed salmon is also fattier than fresh salmon, which means it soaks up more toxins. Next time you want a healthy omega-3 packed, treat yourself to fresh Alaskan salmon instead.
4 - Potato Chips
This popular snack has been known to have acrylamide, a popular carcinogen that is found in cigarettes. This chemical is produced from deep-frying the chips in temperatures that reach 248 degrees Fahrenheit and is a necessary step to make the chips crispy. Unfortunately, acrylamide has been linked with causing cancer and foods like potato chips should be cut out of a daily diet.
5 - Salty, pickled and smoked foods
They may be delicious, but many salty, pickled and smoked foods are processed with the preservative nitrate, which changes in our bodies to N-nitroso composites, which are associate with high cancer-developing risks. Smoked foods like meat or nuts absorb the smoke, which contains the same tar found in cigarettes. Colorectal and stomach cancer are linked to salty, pickled and smoked foods. Do you have a taste for these cravable foods now?!
6 - Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenation is an industrial process that turns unsaturated fat into a stable solid fat, resulting in trans fatty hydrogenated oil.
Trans fats have been proven in several studies (such as this one) to increase one’s risk of cancer. Those who consume the most trans fats through hydrogenated oils have a 25% higher risk of death than those who consume the least.
Hydrogenated oils include canola oil, soybean oil and certain vegetable oils. Use olive oil instead.
7 - Soft drinks
Soft drinks, soda, pop… no matter what you call it, it’s still detrimental to your health! Soda is packed full of calories, sugar and artificial ingredients, and has ZERO nutritional benefit. One can of soda contains about ten packets of sugar and most popular diet and sugared sodas are nearly as corrosive to dental enamel as battery acid. Think the occasional soda won’t hurt? Studies have shown that only drinking two sodas per week nearly doubles the risk of pancreatic cancer. There are plenty of alternatives out there, so next time you’re craving something sweet, think about what you’re putting into your body. Your health is an investment, never forget that.
8 - Red meat
If you love a delicious steak now and then, don’t worry! Red meat is actually a good thing in your diet in small doses, but only if it’s grass-fed beef, which can actually help fight certain cancers. However, people who eat meat like hamburgers every day have a greater risk in developing deadly cancers, upping their risk to 22% in men and 20% in women. Red meat is particularly good at causing colon cancer. So, enjoy your steak dinner now and then, but don’t do it every night of the week and when you do crave red meat, stick to grass-fed, organic beef.