- Hydrogenated Oils
They are commonly used to preserve processed foods and keep them shelf-stable. But hydrogenated oils alter the structure and flexibility of cell membranes throughout the body, which can lead to a host of debilitating diseases such as cancer. Hydrogenated oils, like vegetable oil, contain trans fats. The Mayo Clinic says it’s considered to be the worst type of fat there is. It’s known to cause cancer, heart disease, and immune system problems.
2. French Fries/Potato Chips
Acrylamide is a chemical used mainly in certain industrial processes, such as in making paper, dyes, and plastics. For potatoes, frying causes the highest acrylamide formation. Both french fries and potato chips were found to have higher levels of this chemical that studies have shown increase the risk of cancer. Potatoes are also part of the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” meaning they have some of the most pesticide residue of all the fruits and vegetables.
3. Microwave Popcorn
Although only microwave-popcorn bags have been proven to contain carcinogens, the contents carry their own special set of health risks. As for the packaging: Conventional microwave-popcorn bags are lined with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also called C8. Numerous animal and human studies show that exposure to PFOA significantly increases the risk of kidney, bladder, liver, pancreas and testicular cancers. On top of that, a condition called “popcorn lung” impedes breathing. Factory workers who produced microwave popcorn developed it from inhaling diacetyl, a synthetic butter flavoring. In fact, a couple of years ago a Colorado court awarded a man a $7.2 million settlement for “popcorn lung” which is a lung condition from inhaling too much microwave popcorn.
4. Processed Meats
And when it comes to conventionally prepared red meat, for every 100 gram portion of the stuff eaten daily, the risk of colorectal cancer could increase by 17%, according to different research. Bacon, lunch meat, hot dogs, sausages, and other processed meats have been shown to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67% a study by the University of Hawaii concluded. More shocking statistics shared by the Organic Consumer’s Association reveal hot dogs commonly contain sodium nitrite, a cancer causing ingredient the USDA has been trying to ban since the 1970s.
5. Red Meat
A brand new study confirms the belief that red meat increases cancer risks. In an article from the San Diego Union Tribune detailing the study, a sugar molecule, called Neu5Gc, becomes part of your own cells when it’s consumed. Your body then attacks it, resulting in inflammation and a higher cancer risk. Medscape reveals previous studies also show an increase in breast cancer among women who consumed more red meat.