Studies have linked diets containing large quantities of plant foods that are low in both fat and salt to lower cancer risks, such as berries, vegetables and whole grains.
Avoid eating fried, burnt and charred meats as these may contain carcinogens. Instead use lower heat methods, such as baking or casseroles, for cooking meat safely.
1. Processed Meat
Numerous processed foods contain excessive sugar, salt, chemicals, and saturated fats that can contribute to obesity, inflammation and decreased immunity – as well as contributing to chronic illnesses such as cancer.
Processed meats such as hot dogs, salami and bacon that are preserved with nitrates and nitrites contain carcinogenic substances that could potentially create carcinogens when heated to high temperatures during preparation.
The World Health Organization classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen. Eating just 50 grams a day (roughly four strips of bacon or one hot dog) increases your colorectal cancer risk by 18%; additionally it may increase heart disease and diabetes risks and lead to elevated levels of an acrylamide chemical found naturally within our bodies.
2. Red Meat
Red meat contains myoglobin protein that, when broken down by gut bacteria, produces N-nitroso compounds which damage the lining of the bowel and increase risk for colorectal cancer. Processed red meats like bacon, pepperoni and many deli meats often contain added nitrates which also create these compounds.
Tatum suggests consuming red meat less frequently and in smaller portions to lower colorectal cancer risks. According to large population studies, frequent consumption has been linked with an increased colorectal cancer risk.
Temperature plays an important part in cancer risk. That irresistibly delicious char on grilled foods comes from cooking at high temperatures, which may release carcinogenic compounds into the environment. When planning meals with lean proteins like poultry, fish or beans as the focus, try switching up how you cook meat so as to minimize potential carcinogen formation and carcinogenic risk.
3. Tomatoes
The tomato is botanically considered a fruit, yet typically found among vegetables in grocery stores due to its lower levels of sugar than sweeter fruits such as strawberries and bananas.
Tomatoes get their vibrant red hue from an anticancer phytochemical called lycopene, which may offer protection from prostate cancer and heart disease, with some studies even citing reduced overall cancer risks. Cooked tomatoes provide more readily accessible lycopene to your body for use – tomato juice, pizza sauce and watermelons all are great sources of this essential mineral!
Garlic, another food commonly associated with vegetables, can also help fight cancer by its anti-carcinogenic compounds – which give garlic its distinct aroma – preventing cancer-causing substances from forming and speeding up DNA repair processes.
4. Bread
When people hear “cancer-fighting food,” their thoughts often turn to broccoli, berries and other plant foods that contain natural chemicals that could stop cancer cells from forming or growing; these are called phytochemicals and they have also been known to protect against chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Bread is an integral component of many diets, yet selecting the most nutritional variety can be challenging. Opting for whole-wheat bread over white is more nutritous; its lower levels of sugar provide fiber and protein content while offering greater satiation.
Avoiding processed meats, fried foods, sugary beverages and alcohol as well as dairy can help lower cancer risks, but no single food will prevent cancer entirely – that’s why leading a balanced lifestyle is key for staying cancer-free.
5. Tea
Tea may help fight cancer thanks to epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant found in plants. EGCG helps neutralize free radicals that damage cells and interfere with normal functions, while simultaneously improving some anticancer medications’ efficacy.
Avoid processed foods such as breakfast cereals, mass-produced bread, ready meals, ham and crisps because they increase your risk of certain forms of cancer. They contain more salt, sugar and fat than other food options and may lead to weight gain – an additional factor contributing to cancer risk.
Eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts contain compounds which may help protect against cancer – consider mixing into stir fries or salads! But before taking supplements or vitamins for cancer treatments consult your physician first; some vitamin/mineral combinations could interfere with chemotherapy treatments and delay recovery.