These foods pose hidden cancer risks. Are you affected?

There are many delicious foods in China, but do you know that some of them may cause cancer and you should never eat too much of them? Let's follow the Hunan Cancer Hospital to find out which ones they are!

Cured fish, bacon, sausage

Many people like to eat cured fish, cured meat, and sausages . However, these foods have long been listed as Class 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer! Because they produce a large amount of nitrite during the pickling process, which will be converted into strong carcinogens such as nitrosamines in the stomach acid environment. Processed meat is also dangerous, and high temperatures will produce carcinogens such as heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Tobacco and alcohol

There are at least 69 known carcinogens in tobacco smoke, which are closely related to many cancers; and acetaldehyde, a metabolite of alcohol, is also a carcinogen. For the sake of health, it is recommended to stay away from tobacco and alcohol.

Potato chips and other fried snacks

Fried potato chips, French fries, fried dough twists... these fried snacks are the favorites of young people. However, high oil and sodium content are harmful to the cardiovascular system, and high-temperature frying will produce carcinogens such as benzopyrene and acrylamide. Don't eat the browned or blackened parts!

Moldy nuts and betel nuts

Nuts are healthy snacks, but moldy nuts are prone to breed aflatoxin, a type of carcinogen that can induce liver cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to buy nuts in small quantities and multiple times, and check whether they are moldy or spoiled before eating.

Betel nut is a carcinogen and the main cause of oral cancer. It has been banned in many countries. For the sake of oral health, please stay away from betel nut.

So how should we eat healthily?

1. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are delicious and healthy, rich in fiber and vitamins. When eating salted fish, add more green vegetables, celery, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, etc. to reduce the absorption of nitrite. Vitamin C is a reducing agent of nitrite, so you can eat more green peppers, lemons, fresh dates, kiwis, oranges, etc.

2. Eat meat and vegetables in moderation

Animal foods provide high-quality protein and vitamins, but are also high in fat and cholesterol. It is best to consume 120 to 200 grams per day, and the vegetable intake should be no less than 300 grams per day.

3. Exercise moderately after meals

Life is about exercise! It is recommended to do moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Zhang Jian and Liu Wei from Hunan Cancer Hospital

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(Edited by Wx)