Introduction
We all know that eating healthy is important for our overall health and wellbeing, but did you know that some of the food we eat can actually be toxic and linked to cancer? It’s true! There are certain food ingredients that have been linked to cancer, and it’s important to be aware of them so that you can make informed decisions about what you put into your body. In this article, we’ll be discussing 6 toxic food ingredients that have been linked to cancer, so that you can make sure to avoid them in your diet.
6 Toxic Food Ingredients That Have Been Linked to Cancer — Eat This Not That
When it comes to eating healthy, it’s important to be aware of the ingredients in your food. Unfortunately, many of the ingredients found in processed foods have been linked to cancer. Here are 6 toxic food ingredients that you should avoid:
1. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. These sweeteners are often found in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and other low-calorie foods. It’s best to avoid these ingredients and opt for natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup.
2. Trans Fats
Trans fats are found in many processed foods, such as margarine, fried foods, and baked goods. These fats have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, as well as other health problems. It’s best to avoid trans fats and opt for healthier fats, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
3. Nitrates and Nitrites
Nitrates and nitrites are preservatives found in processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats. These ingredients have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, as well as other health problems. It’s best to avoid processed meats and opt for leaner, healthier meats, such as chicken or fish.
4. Refined Sugars
Refined sugars, such as white sugar, brown sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. These sugars are often found in processed foods, such as candy, cookies, and cakes. It’s best to avoid these ingredients and opt for natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup.
5. MSG
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer found in many processed foods, such as chips, crackers, and canned soups. This ingredient has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, as well as other health problems. It’s best to avoid MSG and opt for natural flavorings, such as herbs and spices.
6. Artificial Colors
Artificial colors, such as Red 40 and Yellow 5, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. These colors are often found in processed foods, such as candy, cereal, and soda. It’s best to avoid these ingredients and opt for natural colors, such as fruits and vegetables.
By avoiding these 6 toxic food ingredients, you can reduce your risk of cancer and other health problems. It’s important to read labels and opt for natural, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
Before you take a big bite of that juicy burger or sprinkle cinnamon on your morning oatmeal, you should know that you might be consuming chemicals that have been linked to cancer. That’s right, the FDA hasn’t banned all toxic ingredients quite yet.
Part of the reason these chemicals still exist in our food is that they have shown conflicting results in studies. For example, the artificial sweetener Aspartame, found in many soft drinks, has long been debated as a potential carcinogen. While a recent 2021 study published in Environmental Health reported aspartame to cause cancer in rodents, the FDA still labels Aspartame as a safe sweetener.
Cancer-causing chemicals are also present in our food unintentionally. Unlike an artificial sweetener that’s added to enhance the taste of your diet soda, chemicals such as Aflatoxins can work their way into animals that produce our meat and dairy products. While these chemicals are known carcinogens, it’s difficult to regulate them because it’s all dependent on detection.
But there are safe ways to limit your exposure to cancer-causing food ingredients, such as turning to food alternatives, monitoring cooking times, and adding an extra step to food preparation.
Read on to find out exactly what toxic food ingredients have been linked to cancer and the ways you can avoid them.
And for more, don’t miss 8 Fast-Food Chains With the Most Toxic Food Packaging.
Acrylamide is a chemical that’s used to make paper, dyes, and plastics, but it can also be found in our food. It’s been identified by several organizations—the US National Toxicology Program, US Environmental Protection Agency, and International Agency for Research on Cancer—as a likely human carcinogen. The FDA reports that acrylamide is common in plant-based foods cooked at high heat. They recommend avoiding foods with high levels of acrylamide: potato chips, French fries, cookies, toast, and certain types of cereal. There are also certain food prep strategies to reduce the amount of acrylamide in your food, such as soaking raw potatoes in water before cooking them.
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Think twice before eating red meat, because chemicals called HCAs are mutagens in meat that have been linked to cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) explains how HCAs are often formed when meats are cooked at high temperatures, because that’s when amino acids, sugars, and creatine or creatinine react, thereby altering DNA. To reduce the risk of cancer, NCI recommends turning your meat a lot when you cook it, microwaving your meat before cooking it at a high temperature, and taking off any char before you eat it.
Much like HCAs, PAHs are commonly found in red meat. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, PAHs are actually found in the smoke produced by cooking meat. When the fat and juices drip onto the grill, that smoke will contain PAHs that then attach themselves to the meat. That’s why PAHs are also found in other smoked foods beyond meat, like chicken or fish. The best way to avoid PAHs is to not cook your meat over an open flame, and if you do, make sure you limit the amount of time it is on the grill.
Aflatoxins sneak their way into our nuts and grains primarily via two fungi species: Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO reports that aflatoxins are carcinogens that have been known to cause liver cancer. According to the FDA, the chemical also affects animals, so it can be transferred into animal products such as milk, meat, and eggs. The best way to avoid aflatoxins is to proactively check expiration dates and buy local ingredients when you can.
Before you take a bite of that cinnamon roll, you should know that certain types of cinnamon contain a toxic compound called Couramin. Healthline reports that Couramin can cause cancer if consumed regularly. There’s still a way to get your cinnamon fix without the risk of ingesting Coumarin: simply use Ceylon cinnamon, according to Healthline. Your best bet is to purchase it on Amazon.
Most commonly found in our environment, Hydrazines are also present in some of the foods we eat, such as fish that were in contaminated water or plants that naturally built up the chemical. The CDC reports that hydrazines are known carcinogens; they’ve caused tumors in multiple animal organs, including the lungs, blood vessels, and colons. The FDA has already regulated that hydrazines cannot be added to water for steam that will come into contact with food, but it’s difficult to detect the presence of this chemical in contaminated fish.