English to Greek Medical Medical (general)

Altered Foods vs. Protective Foods

Some foods (more accurately termed "nonfoods" or altered foods) have been singled out as potentially carcinogenic (cancer-causing):
• Artificial sweeteners
• Cured, pickled or salty meats. There is no conclusive evidence that meat causes cancer, yet there is growing evidence that animal fats in several altered forms may contribute to cancer. However, bacon and other cured or pickled meats contain nitrate, which has the potential to cause cancer in laboratory animals when eaten in huge doses. Salt has been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer and should be consumed in limited amounts in the form of sea salt.
• Burnt or barbecued foods. A group of carcinogenic substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be produced if foods or wood are overheated or burnt. It's advisable to use relatively low temperature methods of cooking, such as steaming, boiling, poaching, stewing, casseroling, braising, baking, stir frying or roasting.
• Non-organically grown foods
• Alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus and liver, with the risk even greater in those people who smoke. Alcohol also has been associated with the development of colon, breast and rectal cancers.
• All packaged foods that are replete with artificial ingredients, ranging from preservatives to dyes.