Junk foods cause cancer

Recent studies suggest that there may be a link between junk food consumption and cancer in women. It has always been known that excessive consumption of unhealthy foods elevates the risk of obesity and heart disease. But the recent association of junk food with increased chances of developing cancer is a new one.

Two separate studies that focused on the link between a diet rich in junk foods and cancer in women have shown that high intake of processed and fatty foods can raise a woman’s risk of cancer. One study done over the course of thirteen years showed that women with high blood sugar levels had a significantly elevated risk of developing cancers of the skin, urinary tract, uterus and pancreas. Blood sugar levels tend to rise more rapidly on account of unhealthy eating habits and unhealthy foods.

Diets that are high in fats and processed foods cause an elevation in blood glucose levels and this can lead to Type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that individuals with Type 2 diabetes face a higher risk of cancer. The other study showed that middle aged women who followed a high fat diet were at an increased risk of breast cancer. The study involved a questionnaire based on food frequency. The results revealed that the risk of breast cancer increased by 15 percent in women who obtained 40 percent of their total calories from fats. These fats included saturated, mono unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Such research emphasizes the importance of following a healthy diet. There are various foods that are linked to a higher risk of cancer. Junk foods such as French fries and other foods that contain acrylamide are at the top of the list. The heating of starchy foods leads to the production of the chemical known as acrylamide. This chemical is known to be a probable carcinogen in humans. Fried foods are unhealthy also because there are a greater number of free radicals produced when the oil is heated repeatedly. Grapefruit is a healthy fruit, but women who are at risk for breast cancer are advised to regulate their consumption of grapefruit. Some studies have shown that consumption of a quarter of grapefruit every day can increase the chances of developing breast cancer by 30 percent. This is because grapefruit hampers the activity of a liver enzyme thereby causing the intestine to reabsorb the natural estrogen in the body. This leads to increased levels of estrogen. Soda is another product that has been linked to cancer. Both regular and diet soda contribute to obesity which is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in both men and women. Substituting soda with healthy drinks like water, vegetable and fruit juices can significantly lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Saturated fats are known to be extremely unhealthy, but studies also link trans-fats with breast cancer. It was found that high blood levels of trans-fats in women contributed to a higher risk of breast cancer. Processed meats are also known to contribute to cancers which affect the lungs, esophagus, liver and colon when consumed regularly. Studies have shown that the preservatives BHT and BHA can cause cancer in animals and hence may also be a potential human carcinogen. These preservatives are found in many common foods. Some non-organic oranges are subjected to food dyeing and one particular dye known as food dye citrus no. 2 has been associated with cancer in animals. The peels of such oranges must be avoided. Those who consume too much refined sugar may increase their risks of cancers of the digestive tract and breasts. Cancer of the digestive tract has also been associated with smoked and pickled products.

There are some foods that are beneficial in fighting cancer and hence should be included in your diet. Fruits such as citrus fruits, berries and apples and vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower are full of flavonoids. These work as antioxidants and help protect the cells from DNA damage. Tomato is also effective against cancer because it contains lycopene. Other foods that help fight cancer include onions and garlic. There are sulfur compounds present in onions and garlic that help to strengthen the immune response against cancer. They may also help in restricting the growth of tumors. Garlic especially has been associated with a reduced risk of stomach cancer. Green tea is a beneficial food which protects the body from cancer in different ways. It helps to restrict the formation of carcinogens, improves natural immunity and restricts the spread of cancer cells. These valuable properties of green tea are due to EGCG present in it. Many experts believe that EGCG is one of the most potent anti-cancer compounds. Selenium which is a trace mineral is also known to help fight cancer. It is contained in foods such as brown rice, wheat germ, oats, sea food and Brazil nuts.