See, carcinogens are substances that directly contribute to your risk: things like tobacco and asbestos.
It is estimated that half of all cancers and deaths could be prevented by eating the correct diet."
She explains that the major underlying factor contributing to the development of cancer isoxidative stress.
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These electron-charged particles damage your DNA.
This is what happens as we agecell damage and tissue degeneration.
Oxidative stress drives the formation and growth of cancer cells."
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Some foods can counteract oxidative stress, neutralizing the effect of free radicals on our DNA.
These foods contain what you know asantioxidants, which are present in many fresh fruits and vegetables.
Here are the foods you should avoid whenever possible.
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Choose homemade versions of thesecomfort food mealsinstead.
Instant Noodles
The same problem that plagues your shelf-stable meal can be found with your instant noodles.
Try purchasing egg noodles and a low-sodium broth to make your own more nourishing version.
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The 30 Unhealthiest Snacks on the Planet
Instant Soup
The same is true for instant soup packets.
Simmering pasta and frozen veggies in chicken broth is nearly as quick and far better for you!
Not only is the homemade version better for you, it’s also far tastier!
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It has even been outlawed in the EU, Canada, and Brazil.
Many of them also contain sugar, which isn’t ideal either.
Steer clear of these ultra-processed products.
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Consider taking the time to make your own homemade dough.
It’s a bit more labor-intensive, but it’ll be devoid of hydrogenated oils and bromated flours.
Sorry, but you’re going to want to steer clear whenever you’re able to.
Well Plated
Sugar, hydrogenated oils, and artificial flavorings make these a no-no.
Red Meat
Red meat has been found tocause cancer, especially when consumed in large quantities.
Instead, it’s best to eat smaller portions ofhigh-quality steak, and pair it with loads of veggies.
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Lamb
Lamb isn’t just red meat, it’s also very high in saturated fat.
Veal
Yep, despite its pale appearance, veal counts as one of your red meat servings.
Avoid eating too much of it if you don’t want to increase your cancer risk.
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Thinly slice onions and pickle them for a delicious cancer-fighting condiment instead.
Fried Chicken
Frying isn’t the only problem withthis beloved Southern staple.
Refined flour present in the batter on chicken only contributes to its carcinogenic properties.
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The red meat used in this classic dish means it should be a special occasion option only.
Chips
Store-bought chipsare just as bad for you as French fries.
Poach chicken gently to keep it from overcooking.
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Stew your vegetables over low heat or enjoy them raw to reap their health benefits.
Burnt Toast
Like your toast a little on the well-done side?
We don’t blame you.
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But crispy, caramelized toast can be carcinogenic.
Spread freshly baked bread with yourfavorite nut butterand enjoy the healthful nutty aromas of this snack.
Burnt Popcorn
This guilty pleasure is not the best choice for anti-cancer benefits.
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Overcooking popcorn, especially in butter or oil, can make it a poor choice.
Red meat cooked to a crisp and slathered with sweet barbecue sauce?
Best braise your brisket and enjoy it in small quantities to avoid the health hazards here.
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Make your ownveggie burgersfor a healthier alternative.
Processed Meat
Meat’s carcinogenic properties only increase when it is processed with nitrates.
She also calls attention to another2018 studyindicating that processed meat consumption may increase breast cancer risk.
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Braise a pork roast at home and thinly slice it for sandwiches instead.
Deli Turkey
Despite not being red meat, deli turkey is often preserved with nitrates, too.
If your deli counter offers sliced roast turkey, choose that for your sandwich instead.
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Bacon
Bacon is one of the worst offenders for nitrates.
Grilling them makes things even worse; best to steer clear entirely.
They may even contain bromated flour and refined sugars.
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Best to avoid these, too.
Bread your own chicken fingers in homemade bread crumbs and bake them for a far healthier alternative.
Best to leave this one at the gas station.
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Researchers have found that spikes in blood glucose can increase the risk of several cancers.
Soda
Sodais almost entirely made of high-fructose corn syrup.
To fulfill these cravings, stick to fizzy water with real fruit instead.
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Popsicles
This summertime treat is almost pure sugar.
For ahomemade versionthat’s just as refreshing, freeze whole watermelon slices on a popsicle stick.
Donuts
Donuts aren’t just packed with sugar; they’re also deep-fried!
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Best steer clear of these, particularly if they’re shelf-stable and made with bromated flours.
Drizzle it on pancakes made from a box, and you’re serving up a fairly carcinogenic breakfast.
And for more on unsuspecting sources of HFCS, check out11 Surprising Foods That Contain High Fructose Corn Syrup.
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For a real burst of energy, an apple is a much better choice.
These refined, highly processed options are loaded with refined sugar.
Barbecue Sauce
Just like ketchup, store-bought barbecue sauce is mostly sugar.
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Making a spice rub is a far better way to add flavor to your favorite meats.
Bottled Salad Dressing
Prepared salad dressingscan be filled with additives including sugar.
Luckily, it’s so easy to make your own at home.
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Just combine a heaping tablespoon of mustard with two of vinegar and four of heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil.
Whisk to combine, season to taste with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
Prepared Applesauce
Applesauce might seem healthy at first, but most brands are filled with sugar.
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Also, be sure to opt for organic to reduce the risk of pesticide contamination.
This list of the mostcontaminated fruits and vegetableson the American market is released every year by the EWG.
Conventional Spinach
Another healthy food gone awry!
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Choose organic spinach whenever possible to ensure that you’re actually reaping the health benefits of thissuperfood.
Choose organic kale whenever you could to avoid contaminants.
Conventional Nectarines
One of the most popular summer fruits is also one of the most contaminated.
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Be sure to choose organic nectarines whenever it’s possible for you to.
Conventional Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor awaybut not if it’s conventional!
Organic is where it’s at.
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Go for organic fresh and dried cherries to avoid contamination.
Conventional Pears
Pears are also highly contaminated, so choose organic whenever you could.
And don’t think you’re helping matters by choosing canned pearswe’ll get to that in a second.
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Conventional Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of America’s favorite foods.
Rich in lycopene and vitamins, they’re excellent for your health, as long as you choose organic.
Conventional Bell Peppers
Bell peppers, especially colorful varieties, are rich in vitamins.
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Organic peppers are best, in this case.
Conventional Cucumbers
Cucumbers are increasingly popular among foodies, especially when fermented into gut-healthy pickles.
But they’re also one of the most contaminated, taking 17th place in the EWG’s ratings.
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Choose organic blueberries to ensure you’re reapingonlyhealth benefits from these little fruits.
And what’s more, even organic varieties had trace residues of some pesticides.
Choose other dried fruits, like prunes or dried organic cherries, to avoid contamination and carcinogenic compounds.
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Opt instead for tomatoes in glass jars, ormake sauces using fresh, organic tomatoes.
Canned Tomato Paste
The same problems plaguing canned tomatoes also make canned tomato paste an issue.
Some brands package their tomato paste in cardboard, which is a far better option.
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Instead of opting for canned coconut milk, look for brands packaged in cardboard boxes.
Make your own from chicken bones, or buy in a carton to keep BPA at bay.
Alcohol
After tobacco use, alcohol abuse is the leading cause of cancer.
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Hard Liquor
Some would have you believe that alcohol converts to sugar in the body.
Beer
Beer is problematic for a number of reasons, and alcohol is just one of them.
Enjoy in moderation, and opt for less sweet versions whenever you might.
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Processed Cheese
Highly processed cheeses like American cheese are perhaps the worst offenders.
Not only are they processed and often filled with hydrogenated oils, some brands also contain sugar.
More often than not, it’s sugar.
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Fruit-flavored yogurts are full of added sugars.
It will make for a much healthier treat.
Smoothies
Store-bought smoothies are often filled with too much sugar and milk or yogurt.
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Curb your chocolate cravings by digging into a small square ofdark chocolateinstead.
In reality, there’s nothing healthy about this ultra-sweet drink.
But most frozen yogurt brands don’t even boast the healthy probiotics of regularyogurt.
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And if you go for low-fat brands, you may be consuming even more sugar.
is far better than one of these milky, over-sweet beverages.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Canned sweetened condensed milk is a triple threat for cancer risk.
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Choose coconut milk for a similar creaminess without the BPA, sugar, and dairy.
Salad
A salad could seem like a healthy choice, butin reality, looks can be deceiving.
Make your own from fresh, organic ingredients to ensure you’re controlling what’s on your plate.
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Grilled red meat, served on an overly processed bun, with a slice of processed cheese?
Say “no thank you” to this one.
Pizza
Pizzaposes similar problems, especially if it’s cooked in a wood-fired oven.
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“It is the quantity that makes the poison,” says Gallani.
“We must not be afraid of food, but we must be aware of what we eat.
But if we eat these foods rarely throughout a healthy diet there is nothing dangerous.”
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So what should you eat more of in your diet instead?
Any of thesefoods that lower your cancer risk!
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