Fast Food
Pictured: In this photo illustration, fast food from a branch of McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Subway and Domino's pizza. Getty Images/Matt Cardy

Those who enjoy eating unhealthy types of food easily say that everything causes cancer to justify their way of life. However, studies have shown the certain types of edibles put us at a greater risk for developing this deadly disease. In this case, the saying “you are what you eat” holds so much truth. If you put unhealthy food inside your body, then it will deteriorate over time; but if you consume only the food that will nourish it, then you can expect to live a longer, more able life.

Unhealthy foods have different effects on the body, but scientists have observed that some are more dangerous cancer-wise. Here are five of them, so you know what to avoid at all cost.

1. Processed meat

These include sausages, luncheon meat, hotdogs, bacon and more, which contain preservatives to make them look appealing and fresh for a longer time than natural. These same chemicals are what will make one more prone to cancer. Sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite are two of such preservatives that have been shown to result in colon cancer. Instead, go for uncured meats that are produced without using nitrates. Grass-fed sources are also better.

2. Refined sugars

Refined sugars such as those used in making pies, sauces, cookies, cakes, cereals and juices usually contain high fructose corn syrup. HFCS has been linked to cancer because it is easily metabolized and spread all over the body quickly. When insulin levels in the blood rise, the greater the growth of cancer cells, so these treats should be avoided.

3. Hydrogenated oils

These oils help keep foods last longer because they change the structure of cell membranes to keep up with the storage duration requirements. The safer alternative is palm oil.

4. Charred meat

Too much high temps will damage the composition of meats and release polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as well as heterocyclic amines. That said, be sure to cook using low temperatures to prevent the food from burning or showing charred spots.

5. Soda

Soda pop is loaded with colorings, refined sugars and food chemicals. This type of drink also introduces acid to the body, which is what cancer cells thrive on. Usual soda ingredients that have been observed to be cancerous are caramel colorings and 4-methylimidazole, its derivative.

Other foods that can cancer, as per scientific researches include diet beverages and snacks, farmed salmon, microwave popcorn, refined flours, highly salted or picked food, and even alcohol. In some studies, consuming scalding hot beverage also contribute to cancer formation.