1. GMOs (Genetically-modified organisms). The GMOs and the chemicals used to grow them have been shown to boost the growth of tumor, but GMOs have been in everyone’s life, including in most food derivatives made from conventional corn, soybeans and canola. However, sticking with certified organic, non-GMO and naturally produced food with no biotechnologies may help you avoid from the GMOs.
2. Processed meats. Most processed meat products, such as lunch meats, bacon, sausage and hot dogs, contain chemical preservatives that make them appear fresh and appealing, but they also cause cancer. Both sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate have been linked to significantly increasing the risk of colon and other forms of cancer, so be sure to choose only uncured meat products made without nitrates and preferably from grass-fed sources.
3. Microwave popcorn. One of the most convenient and favorite food liked by many people, but it is lined with chemicals which may cause not long infertility, but also liver, testicular and pancreatic cancers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in microwave popcorn bag lining as “linkly” carcinogenic, andseveral studies also linked the chemical to the cause of tumors. In addition, the diacetyl chemical used in the popcorn itself is also linked to the cause of both lung damage and cancer.
4. Soda pop. Soda pop may also cause cancer, just like the processed meat products. Loaded with sugar, food chemicals, and colorings, soda pop acidifies the body and literally feeds cancer cells. Studies showed that chemicals such as caramel color and its derivative 4-methylimidazole (4-MI) used in soda pop were also linked to the cause of cancer.
5. ‘Diet’ beverages and foods. Comparing with the conventional sugar-sweetened soda pop, “diet” beverages and foods is much worse in cancer-causing. A scientific review on over 20 separate studies released by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that aspartame, one of the most common artificial sweeteners, causes different types of illness including cancer and birth defects. Other artificial sweeteners including sucralose (Splenda) and saccharin are also linked to causing cancer.
6. Refined ‘white’ flours. One of the common ingredients in processed foods is refined flour, but it contains excess carbohydrate which is a serious cause of cancer. Study found that regular consumption of refined carbohydrates was linked to a 220% increase in breast cancer among women. High-glycemic food also rapidly raise the level of blood sugar and it directly feeds cancer cells growth and spread.
7. Refined sugars. Refined sugars are also a risk of causing cancer, they tend to spike insulin levels rapidly and feed the growth of cancer cells. Fructose-rich sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are particularly offensive, as cancer cells have been shown to quickly and easily metabolize them in order to proliferate. Since juices, sauces, pies, cakes, cookies, cereals and many other popular, mostly processed food items are loaded with HFCS and other refined sugars, this explains why cancer rates are on the rise these days.
8. Conventional apples, grapes, and other ‘dirty’ fruits. People think fruits purchased in store are healthy, but in fact they are not unless they are organic or verified to be pesticide-free, they could be a major risk of causing cancer. The Environmental working Group (EWG) found that up to 98% of all conventional products (particularly the types on its “dirty” list) is contaminated with cancer-causing pesticides.
9. Farmed salmon. Another high-risk cancer food is farmed salmon. According to Dr. David Carpenter (Director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University of Albany), farmed salmon lacks vitamin D, and it is often contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), flame retardants, pesticides and antibiotics.
10. Hydrogenated oils. Processed foods are commonly preserved and to be kept “fresh” on shelf by hydrogenated oils. But hydrogenated oils alter the structure and flexibility of cell membranes throughout the body, which can lead to a host of debilitating diseases such as cancer. Some manufacturers are phasing out the use of hydrogenated oils and using palm oil and other safer alternatives as replacement, but trans fats are still widely used in processed foods.
