Did you know the American Cancer Society now reports the chances of getting cancer are now 1 in 2 for men, and 1 in 3 for women? Those staggering numbers indicate a growing epidemic in the U.S., but it isn’t time to throw in the towel. In their annual cancer progress report, the American Association for Cancer research stated, “It is estimated that more than 50 percent of the 585,720 cancer deaths expected to occur in the United States in 2014 will be related to preventable causes”. With over half of cancers being avoidable, it seems that a closer look needs to be taken at what we are subjecting our bodies to!
Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oils, like vegetable oil, contain trans fats. The Mayo Clinic says it’s considered 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. Even the FDA has made a preliminary determination to say trans fats are not generally regarded as safe, like previously thought. You can instead use coconut oil, palm or olive oil. Organic butter is a better option as well!
French Fries/Potato Chips
Foods heated above a certain temperature have high levels of acrylamide. According to the National Cancer Institute, acrylamide is found in cigarette smoke and industrial building materials, as well as some foods. Both french fries and potato chips are found to have high levels of this chemical that studies have shown increase the risk of cancer. Potatoes are also part of the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen,” meaning they have some of the most pesticide residue of all fruits and vegetables.
Microwave Popcorn
There is more than just kernals in most microwave popcorn. It contains PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) which is a likely carcinogen. Artificial butter contains another dangerous chemical that can damage the lungs when inhaled. To reduce your risk of exposure to these chemicals, air pop your popcorn and add your own flavoring instead!
Processed Meats
Bacon, lunch meat, hot dogs, sausages and other processed meats have been shown to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67% a study by the University of Hawaii concluded. 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. Look for meats free of nitrites to help reduce the your risk with these cancer causing foods.
Red Meat
A brand new study confirms the belief that red meat increases cancer risks. A sugar molecule, called Neu5Gc, becomes part of your own cells when it’s consumed. Your body then attacks it, resulting in inflammation and higher cancer risk. Just opt for grass fed organic beef, which contains conjugated linoleic acid that can actually fight against certain cancers. Also, keep red meat consumption to a minimum to further decrease your risk.
Farmed Salmon
If you are avoiding processed and red meat, you might find yourself eating more salmon. Avoid the farmed version of this fish because a study at the University of Albany found it is often full of cancer causing contaminants such as pesticides, antibiotics, PCBs, and even flame retardants. Opt for the wild version instead!
Refined Sugar/Soda
Refined sugar is a danger because not only is it typically GMO because it’s genetically modified sugar beets, but it rapidly spikes insulin levels. This, in turn feeds cancer cells. Skip the sodas altogether to limit your intake of refined sugars
“Diet” Foods
“diet”, “low-fat”, “fat-free”, or “sugar-free” often indicate that many of these missing items are replaced with chemicals! Diet foods are loaded with artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, flavors and more. One artificial sweetener, Caccharin, was determined to cause cancer in lab rats. In fact, “the three most widely used dyes, red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6, are contaminated with known carcinogens, ” says CSPI. Another dye, “Red 3, has been acknowledged for years by the Food and Drug Administration to be a carcinogen, yet it is still in the food supply”!! Choosing the regular version of these foods in moderation is better.
Refined White Flour
Highly processed flours have a high carbohydrate content which upsets the blood sugar balance inside the body and leads to a higher production of insulin, and thus feeds cancer cells. Avoid carbohydrates that are highly processed such as white bread, white pasta, white rice, soda and concentrated fruit juices to avoid this reaction in your body.
GMOs/Glyphosate
Whith no testing done by the FDA to ensure safety, GMOS (Genetically Modified Organisms) have made their way into the majority of our foods. These GMO foods have been modified to withstand heavy doses of a pesticide called glyphosate or are engineered to contain a toxin that kills bugs. Independent testing has indicated that GMOs are shown to cause rapdd tumor growth in lab rats. The only way to avoid GMOs and pesticides is to choose foods that are certified organic.