It is well known that certain foods can be carcinogenic, yet many individuals still consume them daily, increasing their risk of developing cancer. A cancer diagnosis is a long road to recovery, with debilitating cancer treatments, like immunotherapy and chemotherapy, and cancer medicines that can deplete your energy and leave you feeling incredibly weak. In order to remain as healthy as possible, you must start from the outside in—meaning consuming a balanced diet of healthy superfoods and avoiding known carcinogens. Here are the best and worst foods for cancer:

Best

1. Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals as well as antioxidants that are great for cancer prevention. In particular, it has been found that fruits and veggies protect against mouth, throat, stomach, and bowel cancer.

2. Whole grains

Whole grains, like whole grain bread, quinoa, brown rice, oats, and barley, are packed with fiber. Fiber helps you stay lean, thus preventing your risk of developing cancer, which is increased with obesity.

3. Nuts 

Nuts are loaded with nutrients and phytochemicals, which act as chemoprevention—they have the ability to hinder cancer development by preventing DNA damage. So stock up on almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, and more.

4. Beans

Beans are full of excellent compounds that are anticarcinogenic, including fiber, protease inhibitors, phytic acid, and polyphenols. They are also antioxidant, antimutagenic, and they search for and collect free radicals—keeping you healthy as can be!

Worst

1. Processed meat

Hot dogs, salami, sausages, beef jerky, and similar processed meats contain abundant preservatives and undergo curing methods that can generate carcinogenic compounds. It’s advisable to restrict or remove consumption of processed meats preserved through salting, curing, canning, or smoking.

2. Alcohol 

The liver breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, a carcinogenic substance. This compound causes DNA harm, raises oxidative stress, and disrupts immune function. This immune suppression hinders your body’s ability to detect and combat precancerous and cancerous cells effectively.

3. Deep-fried foods

Cooking starchy foods like french fries, potato chips, and onion rings at high temperatures can lead to the formation of the carcinogenic substance known as acrylamide. This compound has the potential to harm DNA, leading to cell death. Moreover, it contributes to elevated oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby raising the likelihood of developing cancer.

4. Sugary foods and refined carbohydrates

Sugary drinks, pastries, white pasta, rice, sugary cereals, and white bread are sugary foods and refined carbs, which heighten cancer risk indirectly. These items can contribute to conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity, fostering inflammation and oxidative stress—consequently heightening cancer risk due to these factors.