Cancer is a disease caused by changes in genetic traits in body cells. One factor that can increase the risk of these changes is an unhealthy lifestyle, such as the habit of eating instant foods, fatty foods, and alcoholic drinks.
According to some studies, certain foods and drinks can increase the risk of developing cancer in the body, especially if consumed too often. Here are the three main foods and drinks that are thought to increase the risk of cancer.
Red meat
Which includes red meat, including beef, pork and mutton. This type of meat is a good source of protein and minerals, but it contains saturated fat and high cholesterol. Eating too much red meat can also increase the risk of colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also helps ensure that consumption of too much red meat can increase one's chances of getting cancer. Not only that, processed meat products such as ham, sausage, bacon, and smoked meat are even categorized as carcinogenic ingredients. That is, the substances contained in these materials are proven to cause cancer.
In addition, how to process red meat itself is also considered to affect cancer risk. Grilling, burning, and frying meat are thought to produce carcinogenic substances. Therefore, the method of cooking by steaming and boiling is considered a healthier way to cook red meat.
Red meat consumption is actually okay, as long as the amount is limited. The daily amount allowed for red meat and processed meat products is around 70 grams. Or you can replace red meat with other, healthier types of meat, lean chicken and fish.
Instant Food and Beverage
The research found that some snack packs contain ingredients that have the potential to trigger cancer, namely acrylamide. This material can also be formed when foods rich in carbohydrates (containing flour and sugar) such as potatoes, are processed at high temperatures.
In addition, other ingredients added to instant foods or drinks are also thought to have the potential to cause cancer. Some of these ingredients are:
Artificial sweeteners
In animal studies, a combination of saccharin and cyclamate artificial sweeteners is known to cause bladder cancer. However, the results of further studies have not provided clear evidence of whether there is a relationship between artificial sweeteners and cancer in humans.
Preservatives
Sodium benzoate is a preservative that is generally added to acidic foods and soft drinks. Sodium benzoate in soft drinks can react to benzene when combined with vitamin C. This material is then touted as one of the triggers of cancer.
Sodium nitrite
This is an additive or additive that is usually found in preserved meat, such as canned meat or sausages. Eating foods that contain high levels of sodium nitrite is thought to trigger stomach cancer.
Read the packaging label before consuming instant food and drinks to find out whether there are substances contained above.
Liquor
Alcohol or alcohol can cause damage throughout the body. Drinking too much alcohol is associated with an increased risk of oral cancer, throat cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and liver cancer.
To prevent and reduce the risk of getting cancer, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle and stay away from cancer-causing foods and drinks. Routinely eating healthy foods such as fibrous foods and foods that are rich in antioxidants, exercising diligently, stopping smoking, and regularly undergoing medical checks (medical check-ups) to the doctor regularly is a cancer prevention step that can be done.
