Don’t feed Cancer!

Yes, you read it right. Don’t feed cancer cells in your body. For that, we must understand what are cancer cells, how cancer is developed and the direct relationship between cancer and food.

Our body is made up of trillions of cells. They are the basic building blocks of the human body. These cells take in nutrients from our bloodstream and convert them into energy which leads to the optimal functioning of the human body. Cells grow, divide and die out when needed. New cells are formed and the body carries out this cycle till death.

How are cancer cells different from normal cells?

Several factors lead to changes in the normal cells. This change in cells stops the normal growth, division and death of cells and these cells grow uncontrollably. The uncontrollable growth of these cells leads to cancer. All cancer begins in the cells of our body. The change occurs in one cell or a group of cells. In medical terms, this change in the cell is called gene mutation. This gene mutation can happen in any cell of the body. Therefore, you see any part of the body can get cancerous.

Several factors lead to a gene mutation in human cells, inherited mutated cells, age, smoking, overconsumption of alcohol, excessive exposure to UV rays, environmental factors like exposure to chemicals, contracting certain viruses, inflammation and consuming unhealthy food.

There is a direct relationship between food and cancer.

Cancer is a very complex disease. Many factors lead to cancer but research has partially proven that certain foods lead to a higher possibility of developing cancer.

• Some foods are carcinogens, which have cancer-causing properties like processed meats e.g.,  pickles, refined flour, genetically modified food, hydrogenated oil, microwave popcorn, potato chips and, sausages, tinned meats, corned beef, ham and bacon etc. The process used for curing meat with nitrite can form carcinogens called N-nitroso compounds. Smoking meat can also lead to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Prolonged and excessive consumption leads to cancer.
• A diet high in sugar and low in fiber can also be a contributing factor for developing cancer since sugar fuels the cells in our body. Excessive sugar will therefore also fuel cancer cells and tumour growth. E.g aerated drinks, sugary beverages, ice teas, pastries and doughnuts made of hydrogenated vegetable oils and cookies and candies etc.
• Excessive fried foods e.g French fries, patties, samosas etc are also dangerous. The process of frying at high heat and reusing the same oils at high temperatures forms a compound called acrylamide. This causes inflammation in the body when consumed in excess over a prolonged period. Inflammation is the leading cause of cancer.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking and tobacco causes inflammation that in turn can lead to cancer. However moderate consumption of alcohol has not reported any harmful effects.
• Artificial colours contain chemicals that alter the healthy gut bacteria that are present in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract which is essential for processing food. They also leak into the bloodstream and overwork the immune system since they cause infection in the gut. Most foods cooked in restaurants and street food contain artificial colours. Packaged food also contains artificial colours.
• Excessive consumption of dairy. The high fats in processed cheese, hormones in milk products, and flavoured yoghurts, all have hidden sugar and lead to obesity or a change in the endocrinological system of the human body that may lead to developing cancer.
• Canned items. We are flooded with choices like never before. All are mostly packed or canned food items. The lining of these kinds of packing contains Bisphenol. This causes metabolic disorders that inevitably could lead to cancer. eg. packaged water, canned corn or fruits, tomato puree, canned jams and spreads, canned beans, coconut milk and canned soups and cereals.

 

It is important to read the labels behind all packaged and canned foods. A longer shelf-life means a high percentage of preservatives, chemicals and anti-caking agents. All these lead to inflammation.