Did I enjoy my meal, or was it cancer? Unexpected cancer-causing foods

Cancer is one of the most feared diseases in modern society, and many people are making various efforts to prevent it. But do you know that some of the foods we regularly consume can cause cancer? Among the commonly eaten foods, there are items that can increase the risk of developing cancer. So, let's learn about foods that can unexpectedly cause cancer.

☆Baked or fried foods

Grilled or fried foods can enhance flavor and texture, but caution is needed as they can also produce carcinogens. In particular, meat, fish, and fried foods cooked at high temperatures generate carcinogens called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). HCAs are formed when the surface fats and proteins of meat and fish react during high-temperature grilling or frying, which can increase the risk of cancers such as colon, stomach, and pancreatic cancer. PAHs are substances produced when carcinogens from charcoal, smoke, or exhaust gases come into contact with meat, and they are mainly found in foods cooked directly over an open flame.

 

These carcinogens are cooking methods that enhance the taste and aroma of food, but they can be harmful to health in the long run. Therefore, it is advisable to cook foods by grilling or frying at appropriate temperatures and avoid cooking at excessively high temperatures. Additionally, using various cooking methods to reduce the formation of carcinogens and maintaining healthy eating habits are important.

Processed meat

Processed meats appear on our tables in various forms, but caution is needed due to their significant impact on health. Processed meat products such as bacon, sausages, and ham are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization, primarily because of chemicals like nitrosamines found in processed meats. Nitrosamines are substances used at high temperatures to preserve meat and improve its color, and long-term consumption can increase the risk of colon and stomach cancers. These carcinogenic substances are produced during the manufacturing process of processed meats, and excessive consumption can have negative health effects.

Reducing the intake of processed meats is an important way to protect health. Whenever possible, it is advisable to substitute with fresh meats or plant-based proteins, which can reduce carcinogen intake and improve health. Fresh meats do not contain chemicals produced during processing, and plant-based proteins provide essential nutrients while being more beneficial for health.

The dangers of scratched tomatoes and sweet potatoes

Scratched tomatoes provide an environment conducive to bacterial growth, so caution is necessary. According to research, scratched tomatoes have bacterial counts more than 1.2 times higher than healthy tomatoes, which suggests that they can harbor 1.7 times more bacteria than a toilet bowl. These bacteria, if consumed over a long period, can cause various health problems such as cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly cook scratched tomatoes to eliminate bacteria. Bacteria are killed at temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius, so cooking should be adjusted accordingly.

 

Black spots on sweet potatoes can be caused by a pathogen called 'Black Spot Disease,' which contains a toxin called 'Lipo-Ma-Maron.' This toxin can cause nausea, high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and respiratory difficulties, and in severe cases, it can damage the lungs and liver. Sweet potatoes infected with Black Spot Disease can have the toxin spread throughout, so even heating these sweet potatoes does not remove the toxin. Bitter-tasting sweet potatoes should be discarded immediately, and sweet potatoes with black spots should be avoided for consumption to ensure safety.

Sesame oil and perilla seed oil

Sesame oil and perilla seed oil require caution during cooking. These oils can produce a Class 1 carcinogen called benzo[a]pyrene during heating. Benzo[a]pyrene is generated at high temperatures, and especially sesame oil and perilla seed oil can reach temperatures between 120°C and 200°C during cooking. As a result, when the temperature exceeds 160°C, the risk of carcinogen formation increases significantly. Studies have reported that the concentration of carcinogens in heated sesame oil can be problematic.

 

Therefore, when using sesame oil and perilla oil, it is safe to cook at low temperatures or use them in raw dishes. It is preferable to choose oils that are pressed raw rather than roasted and then pressed. Raw-pressed oils are relatively safer as they pose a lower risk of carcinogen formation.

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I knew that processed meats and fried or grilled foods are harmful to the body, but sesame oil and perilla oil also depend on the heating temperature.

I just found out that it can cause cancer.

How to cook using the savory sesame oil

I learned.