Careful ! Some of your Favourite Processed Foods May Cause Cancer
As a result of modern processing techniques, many of your favourite foods- such as crisps, chocolate and even some types of sliced bread- are classified as ‘ultra-processed’, which refers to the use of chemicals to preserve food rather than more natural methods. Consuming too much of this type of food could increase your risk of developing cancer.
In fact, it doesn’t even take much – if you increase the amount of ultra-processed food in your diet by as little as 10 per cent, then your risk of developing cancer increases by 12 per cent, according to research published in the British Medical Journal.
Regardless of your diet, it may seem like avoiding ultra-processed foods is impossible, especially if you enjoy indulging in sweet or savoury treats. Thankfully, the NHS has six tips to help ensure that your diet is nutritious and flavourful while being light on ultra-processed foods.
- Base your meals on starchy carbohydrates, such as potatoes, bread, pasta, noodles and rice. Try to choose whole grains or higher fibre versions with less added fat, salt and sugar.
- Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
- Eat more oily-fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout- for their rich, natural sources of vitamin D and omega – 3,
- Cut down on saturated fats, such as those found in butter, ghee, chocolate, cheese and fatty cuts of meat. In addition, you should cut down on sugar.
- Eat less salt. If you feel that your food is somewhat bland, try using extra herbs, spices, citrus juices or vinegar.
6. Drink between six and eight glasses of water each day and avoid drinking too many fizzy drinks and alcohol.
2018 Zywave Inc All rights reserved. This publication is for informational purposes only it is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as compliance or legal advice. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice. Further, the law may have changed since first publication and the reader is cautioned accordingly.