Foods Additives, Safety Issues
And Cancer Scare
The food we eat has a direct and indirect effect on our health. The fact that most health complications are associated with the foods we eat, has been proven through a lot of research and study. Unarguably, the link between foods and cancer is also a proven fact today.
Even cancer specialists have pointed out how some foods can trigger the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, and how it can be managed by avoiding those foods. There are many substances added to our foods for increases storage and shelf life. Some additives are included for enhancing flavor, color, and texture of foods. There is a possible role of additives in increasing the risk of cancer in the areas of greater public interest.
FOOD CONTAMINANTS AND ADDITIVES There is new range of food additives being introduced regularly. While not all food additives are termed as safe for use, clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration is the key. Only those additives cleared by the FDA can be used in our foods. Lab tests are done to determine the effect of these additives on the body and its supposed risks associated with cancer. Additives are normally present in small quantities in various foods, and some of the nutrients are likely to have certain beneficial effects too, such as vitamin E and C added to some food products in the form of preservatives.
There are other food compounds that find their way into our food supply through animal farming, agriculture use, or processing, even though they are not used directly for consumption. For instance, antibiotics and growth hormones used for animal farming and herbicides or pesticide used for plant-based foods are all additives.
Most of these compounds are known to be directly associated with cancer, while the rest may have a strong influence in increasing the risks of cancer. Cancer specialists hold that it is important to make people aware of the risks and ways to avoid certain foods that could have detrimental effects on their health.
Sometimes, unintended food contamination occurs and the primary reason is exposure to various chemicals that cause concern and may increase the risks of cancer. Examples include the use of heavy metals like mercury and cadmium. These metals can enter your food supply and may develop the food chain.
FOOD PROCESSING AND HEALTH RISKS
Food processing also tends to alter foods in ways that could lead to increased risks of cancer. For instance, refined whole grains are harmful because the process of refining lowers the fiber content and other related compounds, thus increasing health risks.
Processing of meat is another example – preservatives are added, like sodium nitrite and salt, for preventing the growth of bacteria or germs, or meat is passed through smoking process for preserving and enhancing the flavor and color.
These processes increase the potential risks of cancer. Research and clinical trials have established links between eating processed meats in large amounts with increased risks of cancer – especially colorectal cancer. This could be the result of added nitrites to the foods.
Some food processing, like canning or freezing fruits and vegetables, can help in preserving the vitamins and essential components that may reduce cancer risk.
But, that’s not important. Fresh fruits can give you better quality and quantity of nutrients than frozen or canned foods.