5 Cancer-Causing Food Ingredients To Avoid

The number one way to reduce your risk of cancer through diet is to cut down on processed and red meat, as well as alcohol. Not only does processed and red meat contain cancer-causing ingredients, they are a large contributor to excess caloric intake resulting in obesity. Additionally, there are several food additives allowed in the U.S. (but prohibited in other countries) you should avoid to minimize your risk of cancer. 

Having a healthy and balanced diet can prevent cancer by helping you reach or maintain a healthy weight. If you are looking to meet with a primary care doctor to discuss your diet or other improvements to your health, but don’t yet have one, look no further! A membership with Mira includes $25 virtual care appointments to help you get your health on track.

Cancer-Causing Food Ingredients

Cancer-causing foods are labeled carcinogenic by several national and international agencies who research and review evidence on potentially carcinogenic substances. As part of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)  identifies and groups carcinogenic agents based on their risk to humans, as shown in the table below. 

Classifications of Carcinogens by the IARC