The food we eat has a direct and indirect effect on our health. The fact that most health complications are associated with the foods we eat, has been proven through a lot of research and study.
2. The food we eat has a direct and indirect effect on
our health. The fact that most health complications
are associated with the foods we eat, has been
proven through a lot of research and study.
Unarguably, the link between foods and cancer is also
a proven fact today.
3. Even cancer specialists have pointed out how some
foods can trigger the growth and proliferation of
cancer cells, and how it can be managed by avoiding
those foods.
There are many substances added to our foods for
increases storage and shelf life. Some additives are
included for enhancing flavor, color, and texture of
foods. There is a possible role of additives in
increasing the risk of cancer in the areas of greater
public interest.
4.
5. There is new range of food additives being
introduced regularly. While not all food additives are
termed as safe for use, clearance from the US Food
and Drug Administration is the key. Only those
additives cleared by the FDA can be used in our
foods. Lab tests are done to determine the effect of
these additives on the body and its supposed risks
associated with cancer.
Additives are normally present in small quantities in
various foods, and some of the nutrients are likely to
have certain beneficial effects too, such as vitamin E
and C added to some food products in the form of
preservatives.
FOOD CONTAMINANTS AND ADDITIVES
6. There are other food compounds that find their way into
our food supply through animal farming, agriculture use,
or processing, even though they are not used directly for
consumption. For instance, antibiotics and growth
hormones used for animal farming and herbicides or
pesticide used for plant-based foods are all additives.
Most of these compounds are known to be directly
associated with cancer, while the rest may have a strong
influence in increasing the risks of cancer. Cancer
specialists hold that it is important to make people aware
of the risks and ways to avoid certain foods that could
have detrimental effects on their health.
7. Sometimes, unintended food
contamination occurs and the
primary reason is exposure to
various chemicals that cause
concern and may increase the
risks of cancer.
Examples include the use of
heavy metals like mercury and
cadmium. These metals can
enter your food supply and may
develop the food chain.
8. Food processing also tends to alter foods in ways that
could lead to increased risks of cancer. For instance,
refined whole grains are harmful because the process of
refining lowers the fiber content and other related
compounds, thus increasing health risks.
FOOD PROCESSING AND HEALTH RISKS
9. Processing of meat is another example – preservatives
are added, like sodium nitrite and salt, for preventing the
growth of bacteria or germs, or meat is passed through
smoking process for preserving and enhancing the flavor
and color.
These processes increase the potential risks of cancer.
Research and clinical trials have established links
between eating processed meats in large amounts with
increased risks of cancer – especially colorectal cancer.
This could be the result of added nitrites to the foods.
10. Some food processing, like
canning or freezing fruits and
vegetables, can help in
preserving the vitamins and
essential components that
may reduce cancer risk.
But, that’s not important.
Fresh fruits can give you
better quality and quantity of
nutrients than frozen or
canned foods.