You already know that carcinogens are best avoided, and probably associate the word with the obviously unhealthy cigarettes. Carcinogens are definitely in plentiful in those, but the cancer causing bad guys are also lurking in some of your favorite foods. Take note.
Processed Meats
Yet another reason why you’re better off eating a chicken breast than a hot dog. Processed meats are classified as anything that has been processed and cured such as deli meats, sausage, hot dogs, some bacon, etc. Curing can add flavor and it also helps the meat stay fresher longer. The process of curing however requires a variety of chemicals, some of which turn to carcinogens in the body. Plus, when meat is smoked tar can seep into it (for you to consume), and processed meat is also extremely high in sodium which alone is enough reason to tread lightly.
Microwave Popcorn
Before you totally freak out, let’s focus on the key word microwave. Popcorn itself is a perfectly healthy snack as it’s full of filling fiber and super light in calories. But with the modern convenience of microwaves came the prepackaged microwave popcorn bag, which is lined with substances that were deemed necessary to make the popcorn actually pop. One of those chemicals is called perfluorooctanoic acid, and it has a reputation for increasing the risks of developing certain cancers. Get yourself an air popper and don’t look back. Plus, that way you can flavor it yourself and avoid whatever butter type stuff the bagged kinds come with.
Even Potato Chips Have Carcinogens
If you’re sensing a pattern that everything on this list is a packaged food, you would be right. The more processing food undergoes to make it to the shelf to wait out being purchased, the less likely it’s going to be good for you. Potato chips get their carcinogens from the actual frying process. When potatoes are fried in oil at high temperatures they create acrylamide…one of the carcinogens in cigarettes. Tortilla chips are a better bet as far as health concerns go, and they’re also way better for dipping than potato chips anyway, let’s be honest.
Refined Sugar
So sugar itself might not be full of carcinogens, but the way that the body processes it can cause inflammation that increases your risks of developing cancers, so there’s that. Cancerous tumors can actually feed off of sugar that enters your blood stream, so a junk food habit can truly lead to the growth of cancer cells. Natural sugars on the other hand usually come in the form of antioxidant rich fruits, and antioxidants are the antidote for inflammation in the body. Swap your cookie dessert for berries and sleep worry free.
Artifical Food Dyes
Most processed foods contain artificial food dyes, and like half of everything that goes into the processing they also contain carcinogens. Studies done on rats that consumed artificial food dyes didn’t go so well. If you’re going to go with a prepackaged snack try to go for one of those natural brands that advertises things like “no artificial food dye”. It might cost a little extra, but it’s probably worth it.