Among the five blessings that people desire, there is one called Gojongmyeong (考終命). It refers to the great blessing of living out one's life without illness and passing away according to one's destiny. To enjoy Gojongmyeong, we need to pay close attention to the foods we consume regularly. If we are aware of foods that increase the risk of cancer, we can avoid cancer and enjoy the five blessings.

 

Avoid refined carbohydrates

 

You should be cautious about excessive intake of refined carbohydrates. Bread, snacks, juice, and sugar are typical examples. Excessive sugar consumption can cause blood sugar levels to rise, which disrupts the hormonal balance in our bodies and weakens immunity. Refined carbohydrates have a high glycemic index, leading to obesity. The leftover energy is stored as body fat, and obesity increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, as well as diseases such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Artificial sweeteners that are widely used recently also require caution. Since research on artificial sweeteners is not sufficient, cancer patients who need to pay attention to their usual eating habits should be cautious about consuming foods containing artificial sweeteners. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the French International Agency for Research on Cancer have published research indicating that drinking carbonated beverages with artificial sweeteners daily increases the risk of early death compared to those who do not consume them.

 

Please boil or steam the meat.

It is important for cancer patients to consume protein to prevent muscle loss and fight cancer. Some research suggests that cancer patients should include at least 65% of their daily protein intake from animal sources. However, caution should be exercised regarding the 'smoky flavor' of meat. Meat cooked at high temperatures produces carcinogens such as heterocyclic amines (HCA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). These substances can potentially cause stomach and colon cancers.

 

To prevent the formation of carcinogens when grilling meat, it is best to cook the exterior of the meat thoroughly and then switch to a low heat. Grilling on a pan is recommended over direct flame grilling. Additionally, even after removing charred parts, these substances may remain, so it is advised to use a clean grill and cook on low heat. The best method is to boil or steam the meat before eating.

It is also advisable to limit excessive consumption of processed meats. Sausages, bacon, and ham are meats that have undergone curing or fermentation processes and contain N-nitroso compounds.

 

N-nitroso compounds are classified as Group 1 carcinogens, similar to tobacco, alcohol, and ultraviolet rays, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer due to their high level of evidence. They damage DNA and induce oxidative stress, increasing the risk of cancer development. It is recommended to choose lean cuts such as tenderloin, sirloin, or thigh meat, which contain less fat, rather than processed meats. Consume only one serving (150-200g) at a time, less than 1-2 times per week. Replacing pork or beef with chicken, duck, or fish is also a good option.

 

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I ate boiled pork over the weekend.

I just steam it in a steamer without any moisture.

It seems to be chewier.

 

Even when grilled, the meat still tastes good.

It's good for boiling or steaming to consider health.