Cancer can be linked to the food we eat or what we use. It is a general term that refers to a collection of disorders that can originate in basically any organ or tissue of the body. Cancer develops when abnormal cells proliferate without control, cross their normal limits to infiltrate neighboring body regions, and disseminate to other organs. Moreover, aside from being a genetic disease, other factors cause cancer.
Multiple carcinogens have been identified in the ingredients of the foods we consume, the cooking utensils we use, and the products we use daily. In 2022, scientists proved that certain substances are associated with abnormal cell growth and identified new risk factors for further research, which led to the expansion of the previously mentioned list.
As stated, since industrial pollution can lead to the presence of chemicals that cause cancer in a wide variety of items, even personal care products that authorities have given the green light have been scrutinized by independent researchers. Scientists have continued investigating the production process of various consumer goods, including those used in the beauty, home, and food industries.
Thus, recent studies state that these three kitchen items can be hazardous to our health and also cause cancer since they have harmful chemical content and ingredients.
1. Artificial sweeteners
When trying to reduce the amount of sugar you ingest each day, it is recommended that you drink diet soda rather than regular soda. Hence, studies conducted in March 2022 discovered there is a possible association between the consumption of artificial sweeteners, such as those found in diet beverages, and an increased likelihood of developing cancer.
As mentioned, aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame-K are three prevalent types of artificial sweeteners that were investigated for the possibility of causing cancer in a study that PLOS Medicine has released. Accordingly, some of the most typical sources of these sweeteners include diet sodas and tabletop sugar replacements. Among more than 100,000 adults in France, the researchers discovered that those who ingested the highest levels of these sugar substitutes had a 13% higher chance of getting cancer, with aspartame and acesulfame-K individually leading to a higher risk than the other two sweeteners combined.
2. Ultra-processed foods
The association between high-fat, ultra-processed food diets (think fast food, beverages, and packaged baked goods) and various health complications ought not to be a surprise. The use of ultra-processed meals has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, according to a previous study. On the other hand, a new study that was published in August of 2022 showed that there is a proven connection between these foods and colorectal cancer, particularly in men.
Compared to other kinds of ultra-processed meals, it was discovered that a larger amount of processed meat, seafood, poultry, and sodas was the primary cause of this higher risk. In addition, although the study included both male and female participants, researchers were unable to establish a correlation between ultra-processed meals and the development of colon cancer in women.
3. Nonstick cookware
Over time, nonstick cookware and health have been complicated. Synthetic chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, produce watertight clothes, cleaning products, and nonstick cookware. Several health hazards associated with nonstick pans have been linked to these substances as primary catalysts. Because they decompose slowly and linger in your body and surroundings forever, PFAS are called "forever chemicals."
Studies have linked PFAS to liver illness and cancer, but most were done on animals, limiting our understanding. Accordingly, investigating the influence of PFAS on the likelihood of cancer is complicated because many other factors can cause cancer, and revealing human beings to carcinogens for research presents many ethical issues. Until October 2022, the direct effects of PFAS on human health were little understood.
It was stated in a press release regarding the study issued by the Keck School of Medicine at USC that individuals who fell into the top 10% of those who were in contact with PFAS had 4.5 times the likelihood of developing liver cancer compared to those who were in the lowest 10% of those who were exposed to PFAS.
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