Research indicates that cancer is a long-term reversible "project," and poor dietary habits can lead to multiple carcinogenic events. Tumors with high incidence rates, such as liver cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, lung cancer, and stomach cancer, are closely related to various unhealthy diets and lifestyles.
Liver Killer: Aflatoxin
Aflatoxin is the main culprit causing stomach cancer, liver cancer, and esophageal cancer. It is produced by *Aspergillus flavus*, which grows on moldy grains and peanuts. Epidemiological surveys have found that liver cancer is more prevalent in warm, humid regions where aflatoxin mold is prone to grow, especially in areas where corn and peanuts are consumed in large quantities.
Stomach Killer: Nitrite
Nitrite can lead to esophageal cancer and stomach cancer and is found in preserved foods. Pickled vegetables, cured meat, and sauerkraut all contain nitrites. Nitrosamine is formed when nitrates are reduced to nitrites and then combine with amines. Nitrates and nitrites are widely found in pickled vegetables, cured vegetables, cured fish, cured meat, and smoked foods.
Vegetables contain a significant amount of nitrates. When cooked and left for too long, bacteria enzymes convert nitrates into nitrites, which then react with protein breakdown products in the stomach to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. After eating these leftover dishes, people are more likely to develop stomach cancer. Other methods for preventing stomach cancer through diet include: a low-salt diet, which can reduce the intake of nitrates and nitrites. Additionally, eating more fresh vegetables and fruits is beneficial, as the rich vitamin C they contain can inhibit the combination of nitrites and amines.
Lung Killer: Kitchen Fumes
When cooking oil reaches 150°C, its glycerin generates acrolein, the main component of cooking fumes. Acrolein has a strong pungent odor and is a strong irritant to the nasal, eye, and throat mucous membranes, which can cause respiratory diseases such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, and tracheitis. Furthermore, kitchen fumes contain a carcinogen called benzopyrene. Benzopyrene can cause damage to human cell chromosomes, and long-term inhalation can induce cancerous changes in lung tissue.
Colon Killer: Fried Foods and High-Fat Diets
The Ministry of Health recently issued a notice advising people to avoid consuming starchy foods processed at high temperatures for extended periods, such as fried potato chips, french fries, and various other fried foods. These foods contain high levels of acrylamide, which is a carcinogen.