A cancer is uncontrolled proliferation of cells in our body. Anything that causes cancer is called a carcinogen. We've all known that smoking and alcohol consumption dramatically increase the risk of cancer, but what you're about to read now might come as an absolute shocker to you.
What you are going to learn is how common foods that you consume daily or quite frequently can be a cause of concern.
Popcorn, the microwavable variety
Probably the most convenient and popular of all "packed" foods, microwave popcorn is simplicity personified. Unfortunately, chemicals found in the linings of the bags release potent carcinogens in the popcorn when microwaved.
Artificial sweeteners
Though marketed as a "healthy option to the calorie-rich sugar," artificial sweeteners are wolves in sheep’s disguise. Aspartame, sucralose (your favourite Splenda or Equal), saccharine and many other such sweeteners are all linked to various kinds of cancers.
Conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables
These may contain as many as 50-60 different types of pesticides and residues of chemical fertilizers, all of which are either known, confirmed or potential carcinogens.
The chart shows a few farm products like grapes, apples, strawberries etc. that generally contain pesticides. Other foods like cabbage, bananas or tomatoes have comparitively less pesticides in them.
Refined sugars
The pure-white, crystalline table sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrups (HFCSs) are the best sources of nutrients for cancer cells and can drastically increase their proliferation. And so, many of our food-goodies, like pies, cookies, candies and other processed foods, which contain either refined sugar or HFCS, are a health hazard.