5 Everyday Foods That Could Be Increasing Your Cancer Risk
Did you know? India ranked third globally in cancer incidences and 2nd in cancer mortality, in 2020.
Cancerthat is generally caused by genetic mutations, occurs due to multiple reasons like errors during cell division, inherited genetic factors, damage from environmental factors like tobacco, UV radiation, certain infections and poor lifestyle choices including food habits. Talking about food habits, It is very important to know what we eat, especially in India, where food is not just about nourishment but culture, tradition and taste…
Though many of us in India follow a home-made diet, still a lot many foods that we eat today can lead to cancer. Though no single food can be responsible or do directly cause cancer, certain daily food habits might increase the risk of it. Knowing about these can help you take early precautions and especially make better choices.
- Deep-Fried Foods
India’s rich fried food heritage is ancient and dates back to over 5000 years. This rich tradition includes street snacks like samosa, pakora, vadas to multiple main courses, starters and sweets, reflecting regional variations and historical influences… Enjoying them occasionally is fine, however, regular or frequent consumption of deep fried foods leads to the formation of trans fats and harmful compounds like acrylamide, which are linked to cancer. It is suggested to opt for more and more air fried or shallow fried snacks or foods, whenever possible. - Spicy & Oily Curries
Not just outdoor snacks, food at fast food centres or restaurants, but even at home, Indian cooking often uses a heavy amount of edible oil, ghee and strong spices. Though few spices like turmeric, ginger are protective, excessive use of some spices like red chillies, spice mixes, and oil regularly can irritate the digestive tract and contribute to acidity and inflammation, ultimately increasing the risk of cancer over time… - Pickles & Preserved Foods
Almost every Indian household has someone or more who are fond of achars. There is a jar of Achar on the dining table of almost every Indian household. But pickles are rich in salt, oil & preservatives. Frequent consumption of these can lead to stomach or esophageal cancers. It is always better to reduce the consumption of it and balance your foods with more and more salads and fruits… - Sugary Sweets and Beverages
Indian sweets obviously without any doubt are the best sweets in the world. From rasgullas, gulab jamun, and rabdi to gujiya, India has a rich variety of sweets, even for every occasion or festivals, reflecting regional variations and historical influences. However, excess sugar can lead to diabetes, obesity and thus can be linked to several cancers like Breast & collorectal cancers. So it is always suggested to opt for fruit based desserts and limit portions as much as you can. - Overcooked or Charred Foods
Indians are fond of tandoori and barbecued dishes. However, cooking meat or veggies at high temperatures can produce harmful chemicals, which can damage your DNA and raise your risk of cancer. Opting for steamed or baked foods and including a more plant based diet including proteins like dals, pulses etc is good for health.
India is known for its rich flavourful, spicy food and a variety that no other country in the world has. And eating in India is always a mix of flavours, however, a balance is always essential. By reducing the intake of the above mentioned foods, we can reduce our long term cancer risk. Along with it, adding fresh veggies, fruits and whole grains to our diet can help better in keeping us healthy.