Most of us rarely stop to consider how the small food choices we make each day could affect our health years down the line.
Convenience often wins when it comes to meals, but experts continue to examine how long-term dietary habits may influence disease risk. That is why new insights from cancer researchers continue to attract attention.
According to information from Cancer Research UK and comments shared by former cancer researcher Sasha Bondarenko, there are several common foods and drinks she personally chooses to limit or avoid, reports LADbible.
Her views are based on years spent studying cancer cells and the biological processes that can contribute to DNA damage over time.
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Foods under scrutiny
One of the biggest concerns involves processed meat. This includes products such as bacon, sausages, ham, hot dogs and deli meats. Multiple international studies have linked high consumption of processed meats to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Alcohol is another item Bondarenko prefers to avoid. Health organizations around the world have long warned that alcohol consumption is associated with several forms of cancer, including breast, liver and colorectal cancer. Research suggests that the risk generally rises with increased consumption.
How food Is cooked matters
The concern is not limited to the food itself. The way food is prepared may also play a role. Heavily charred or burnt meat can produce compounds that researchers have associated with DNA damage when foods are cooked at very high temperatures.
Bondarenko also highlights heavily browned potato products, chips and burnt toast. During intense cooking, a chemical called acrylamide can form.
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While animal studies have shown cancer-causing effects, Cancer Research UK notes that there is currently no clear evidence proving that acrylamide in food increases cancer risk in humans.
A long-term picture
Experts stress that cancer is a complex disease influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposures and overall health. No single food determines a person's fate, but long-term habits can contribute to either increasing or reducing risk over time.
For that reason, many health specialists recommend focusing on balanced eating patterns rather than worrying about individual foods in isolation.
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