Cancer is one of the key causes of death worldwide. Many factors influence the development of cancer, and among them, of course, nutrition. Our expert talks about what foods should be excluded from the diet in order to reduce oncological risks on World Health Day.
The head of the SM-Clinic Cancer Center, oncologist, hematologist, doctor of medical sciences, professor Alexander Seryakov notes that the best diet in terms of preventing cancer is the so-called Mediterranean: fish, vegetables, olives, olive oil, nuts, beans. He recommends it without hesitation to all his patients.
But among the products that provoke the risk of developing cancer, the doctor highlights, first of all, smoked meats. “The smoking process itself contributes to this: the smoke used to smoke meat products contains carcinogens in large quantities,” emphasizes Alexander Seryakov.
Also due to various additives are harmful to the body processed meat products — sausage, sausages, ham, carbonate, minced meat; questionable — red meat (beef, pork, lamb), especially cooked using high temperatures.
Preservatives, artificial additives make dangerous products such as sprats, sweet carbonated drinks, confectionery (cookies, waffles), chips, popcorn, margarine, mayonnaise, refined sugar.
“In general, it is better to avoid products that contain sweeteners, artificial colors and flavors,” the expert is convinced.
It also refers to harmful to the body alcoholic beverages — especially cheap (because they contain all those preservatives and artificial additives). However, expensive alcohol, if consumed regularly, is also harmful: it increases the risk of developing breast cancer, hepatocellular cancer, colorectal cancer, and cancer of the esophagus.
«Dairy produce, according to some studies, can also contribute to the development of cancer, but this is not yet a generally accepted point of view, ”adds the oncologist.