You will be surprised to learn that you are consuming carcinogens every day without even knowing it!
In recent years, the incidence of cancer has been steadily rising. This is not only related to poor lifestyle and dietary habits but also due to the presence of many level 1 carcinogens around us. However, many people tend to overlook the risks associated with these substances.
In fact, regular exposure to carcinogens or even ingesting them can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer.
There are three common carcinogens lurking right around you, and it’s never too late to learn about them and avoid them!
1. Aflatoxin
Aflatoxin is commonly found in moldy and spoiled foods.
Aflatoxin is currently the most potent carcinogen known to affect the body. Its toxicity can be 68 times higher than arsenic, with just 1mg of aflatoxin being capable of causing cancer. Aflatoxin is often found in moldy and spoiled foods, especially those with high starch content.
Additionally, many fruits that are rotten or spoiled also harbor this toxin. However, in an effort to save money, most people tend to cut away the spoiled parts and continue to consume the rest. In reality, once food has gone moldy, the aflatoxin toxin spreads throughout, and consuming it only increases the risk of liver cancer.
2. Benzopyrene
Benzopyrene is formed through smoke released when grilling meat.
Benzopyrene is a very strong carcinogen, mainly found in automobile exhaust, fried foods, and smoked products. Particularly when cooking, it is crucial to pay attention to burnt parts of food as they can produce high levels of benzopyrene. Therefore, you should avoid overheating oil while cooking and try to minimize your consumption of grilled meat.
When grilling meat, benzopyrene is formed through smoke released during the burning process. Excessive intake of benzopyrene can adversely affect health and, in the long run, lead to cancer. Benzopyrene is responsible for various types of cancers such as lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and stomach cancer.
3. Nitrosamine
This toxin can appear in pickled foods that we ferment at home.
As for nitrosamine, this substance can be found in pickled foods that we prepare at home. The fermentation process can quickly produce nitrosamine toxins. Long-term consumption of pickled foods can also lead to esophageal cancer. This is because these foods contain high levels of nitrites, which can convert into nitrosamine compounds (carcinogenic) once in the body. Therefore, you should try to consume as much vitamin C as possible, as this vitamin can inhibit the synthesis of nitrosamine components.
Processed meat products such as sausages, bacon, and ham also contain significant levels of nitrites. While nitrites themselves are not carcinogenic, they can react with proteins in the stomach to form nitrosamine compounds (carcinogens).
