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“Health begins with the mouth”, who has never heard or read this phrase? And it’s true. Everything (or almost everything) What we consume positively or negatively affects our health. One of the negative consequences of poor diet is directly or indirectly linked to cancer.
Currently, society is little concerned about health, and the relationship between food and cancer is a topic that deserves special attention.
Studies carried out by the National Cancer Institute (INCA) indicate that, in the last decade, there has been a 20% increase in incidence and it is expected that, by 2030, more than 25 million new cases will occur.
In Brazil, in 2021 there will be 625 thousand new cases of cancer (450 thousand, excluding cases of non-melanoma skin cancer). Non-melanoma skin cancer will be the most frequent (177 thousand), followed by breast and prostate cancer (66 thousand each), colon and rectum (41 thousand), lung (30 thousand) and stomach (21 thousand).
Biologist and food scientist Thiago Rocha states that sugar is dangerous to health and points out that consumption of the product in Brazil is double that recommended by the WHO.
“Sugar is considered the food that most contributes to the development of cancer worldwide. According to the WHO, the recommended daily consumption for any human being is up to 27g of sugar per day, totaling 10kg per year”, he says.
“However, the average sugar consumption among Brazilians is 54 kg per year, double that recommended by the WHO. The human pancreas does not have the capacity to process such a large amount of sugarwhich can lead to serious health problems, including an increased risk of cancer”, he added.
Furthermore, the biologist mentioned some foods that are frequently consumed and that contain significant amounts of sugar.
“For example, a salty cracker can contain up to 15g of sugar. Carton juice, which is often given to children, can contain up to 145g of sugar in just 1 liter. And a single can of soda can contain an average of 35g of sugar”, he exemplified.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many foods are associated with the process of developing cancer, which affects vital organs such as the breast, colon, rectum, prostate, esophagus and stomach. However, understanding how our food choices can impact our health is the first step towards a healthier, disease-free life.
Experts warn that certain foods contain carcinogens in their compositionand its consumption should be avoided. These include processed, smoked, cured or salted meats, such as sun-dried meat, jerky and salted fish, foods rich in saturated fats, trans fats and sausages, such as sausages, mortadella and salami.
Furthermore, the Grilled meats, due to exposure to high temperatures, can form carcinogenic substances. In the case of barbecue, the meat is impregnated with tarcoming from the coal smokethe same found in cigarette smoke and with known carcinogenic action.
According to the WHO, another factor to be considered is the body weight. Overweight people are more likely to develop cancer and other serious illnesses. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a useful tool for assessing risk, where a higher result indicates overweight and increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The National Cancer Institute (INCA) states that, however, it is not just about what to avoid, but also about what to prioritize in our diet. The secret to good health is balance. Five daily servings of fruits and vegetables are recommended. Whole grains and cereals, in addition to reducing the time that carcinogens remain in the body, bring significant health benefits. Likewise, skimmed milk and dairy products are important sources of nutrients.
According to the food guide published by (INCA),Cooked or roasted foods should be prioritized over processed foods, and preparing your own food whenever possible is a healthier choice. Additionally, adequate hydration is essential. Water plays a fundamental role in the absorption of nutrients and detoxification of the body, helping to strengthen our defenses. A glass of water or a glass of natural fruit juice is healthier than sugary drinks and soft drinks.
Curiosity
Have you ever heard the word ‘Cancer‘? Although it is more commonly used in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Portugal and Angola, in Brazil the term ‘cancer‘ to refer to this disease.
In summary, a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and lean meats, combined with moderation in the consumption of processed and industrialized foods, can play a significant role in the cancer prevention and promoting a healthy and balanced life. Remember, your health is in your hands.
