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Two surprising foods to avoid for cancer prevention, according to a nutritional expert
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Are you aware that there are only two common foods you should avoid to reduce your risk of cancer? Nichole Andrews, a dietitian specializing in oncology, has revealed these surprising culprits in a bid to raise cancer awareness.
In a recent post, Nichole shared that despite popular belief, consuming everything won’t increase your cancer risk. She emphasized that there are only two foods linked to a higher chance of developing cancer:
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Alcohol: Nichole clarified that all types of alcohol, including red wine, can contribute to the risk of breast and liver cancer.
- Processed meats: She defined processed meats as those subjected to treatments like smoking, salting, or addition of chemicals to extend shelf life or enhance flavor. Examples include bacon, sausages, deli meats, and hot dogs. Consuming these meats, even in small amounts, can increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Nichole addressed misconceptions about sugar causing cancer: "As an oncology dietitian, let me clarify: sugar alone doesn’t cause cancer or make it grow faster. But consuming too much sugar can lead to excess calories, weight gain, and increased body fat – all of which can raised cancer risk."
She explained that it’s not sugar itself but excess body fat that’s associated with a higher risk of 13 types of cancer, including breast and colorectal, due to inflammation and hormonal imbalances. Nichole recommends maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and building muscle mass to reduce body fat and lower cancer risk, instead of completely eliminating sugar.
While Cancer Research UK echoes Nichole’s warnings about alcohol and processed meats, they assured that there’s no evidence to support that avoiding sugar reduces cancer risk or improves survival chances after a diagnosis.
Nichole’s advice is clear: focus on moderation and overall balanced lifestyle to minimize cancer risks associated with your diet.
AskHealth does not provide medical advice. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for consultations with healthcare providers.
