5 Things That Can Cause Cancer

Cancer is amongst the leading causes of death in India. You must be aware of the common reasons that can cause cancer like genetics, radiation, poor lifestyle etc. but what may surprise you is that there are certain other things, which can increase the risk of cancer. Here is a list of things that have shown to increase the risk of cancer:

1. Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs): To meet the increased demand for food, there is a rapid growth in the production of genetically modified crops such as soy and corn. GMO is known to have ill effects and is also known for causing diabetes. You should check your food labels and packaging to see that the food you are buying is organic and non-GMO.

2. Canned foods: To keep the canned products fresh, the cans are lined with chemicals like BPA which is known to alter the brain cells. Therefore, it is best to use fresh foods instead of canned foods whenever possible. BPA is also a part of many plastic containers, so while buying them check for BPA free label.

3. Meat: Processed meat and its products contain chemical preservatives like sodium nitrite which can increase the risk of cancer especially colon or rectal cancer. It is best to avoid meat products like bacon, sausage and hot dogs. Red meat is also known to increase the risk of cancer, so it is better to avoid it.

4. Sugars and sweeteners: Sugar is a food for cancer cells and promotes their growth. Foods like cookies, cakes, pies, sodas, juices and cereals contain high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) which is the main reason for the growth of cancer cells. At the same time, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame metabolized as toxin DKP, which is also known to be carcinogenic. So, it is best to avoid diet colas and artificial sweeteners.

5. Alcohol and tobacco: Increased alcohol consumption or having tobacco in any form like chewing or smoking, can increase the risk of cancer, especially breast, mouth and colorectal cancer. It is suggested to limit the intake of alcohol to not more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

By making small changes in your lifestyle and avoiding the foods mentioned above, you can reduce the risk of developing cancer.