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Misconceptions about diet and cancer
There is a lot of noise around diet and cancer. Before we reveal the only two foods that have been scientifically proven to increase cancer risk, let's clear up some misconceptions.
Sugar: It's true that cancer cells use glucose as an energy source, but so do all cells in our body. Completely removing sugar from your diet would therefore be useless, because the cancer cells would then find another source of energy. What matters much more is your diet as a whole and the balance of your blood sugar levels. Whole foods containing sugar, such as fruit, should not be avoided.
Soy: This fear frightens many women, especially breast cancer survivors. Soy contains phytoestrogens, compounds similar to estrogen, but different. Consuming phytoestrogens does not increase the levels of estrogen in your body. In fact, most recent research has shown that the consumption of phytoestrogens actually reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence, even in hormone-positive cancer.
Animal meat: Unprocessed red meat eaten in moderation does not increase the risk of cancer. Processed meats pose a much higher risk. The key is in two things: how the meat is prepared and how often you eat it.
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First food: processed meats
Processed meats are not ordinary meats. They are altered, dried or smoked to extend their shelf life or enhance their flavour. These include deli meats, sausages, bacon, hot dogs, or beef jerky.
