Certain dietary decisions can greatly raise the risk of cancer, even if no one meal directly causes it. This was highlighted by Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist with training from AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford University, in an Instagram post on June 9, in which he shared what he believes to be the worst food for cancer risk.

"Did you know that certain of the most popular foods we eat every day have been scientifically shown to raise the risk of cancer?" Dr. Sethi stated in the caption, "If you're serious about long-term health, here are some major food culprits that you must cut back on or eliminate from your diet." Let's examine his recommendations more closely:

Worst food for overall cancer risk: Ultra-processed meats

These include items like sausages, hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats. Rich in preservatives and additives like nitrates and nitrites, they have been classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organisation, the same category as tobacco.

Worst food for cancer progression: Sugary drinks

Regular consumption of sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages can spike insulin levels, lead to weight gain, and increase inflammation, all of which are known to support cancer cell growth and progression.

Worst food for inflammation: Deep-fried foods

Foods that are deep-fried in reused or heavily processed oils produce harmful compounds like acrylamide and trans fats. These not only promote inflammation but also create oxidative stress in the body, both linked to higher cancer risk.

Worst food for DNA damage: Charred or burnt meats

Cooking meats at high temperatures, especially over an open flame, can create carcinogenic compounds such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been shown to damage DNA and potentially trigger cancerous mutations.

Worst food for hormone-related cancers: Alcohol

Even moderate alcohol intake has been linked to an increased risk of breast, liver, and colorectal cancers. Alcohol can disrupt hormone levels, particularly estrogen, and also produce a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde, which damages DNA.

Worst food for chronic inflammation: Ultra-processed foods

Packaged snacks, ready-to-eat meals, instant noodles, and sugary cereals often contain high levels of refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and industrial seed oils. These ingredients can drive systemic inflammation, which is a known precursor to many chronic illnesses, including cancer.

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