{"id":620,"date":"2024-07-24T17:45:21","date_gmt":"2024-07-24T17:45:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/?p=620"},"modified":"2024-08-14T19:28:15","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T19:28:15","slug":"processed-foods-linked-to-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/processed-foods-linked-to-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Food Additives and Ultra-Process Foods Linked to Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We see colorful and tasty food on display in the grocery store or delicious food sold in fast food restaurants that is flavorful. Little do we know that ultra-process food and food additives increase our chance of getting cancer. Certain process food are linked to cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Although fast food can be tasty and quick, over time, it increases the risk of getting cancer. Some food additives, such as food dyes, make candies more appetizing to our children, but they are often harmful to our bodies.<\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This article will discuss ultra-processed foods and top food additives, such as artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, sodium benzoate, and synthetic food dyes, especially red and yellow, that are causing ovarian and column cancers.<\/span><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/processed-foods-linked-to-cancer\/#Ultra-processed_Foods_and_Food_Additives\" >Ultra-processed Foods and Food Additives<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/processed-foods-linked-to-cancer\/#Ultra-processed_foods\" >Ultra-processed foods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/processed-foods-linked-to-cancer\/#Artificial_Sweeteners\" >Artificial Sweeteners<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/processed-foods-linked-to-cancer\/#Emulsifiers\" >Emulsifiers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/processed-foods-linked-to-cancer\/#Sodium_Benzoate_%E2%80%93_a_preservative_used_in_processed_foods\" >Sodium Benzoate &#8211; a preservative used in processed foods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/processed-foods-linked-to-cancer\/#Synthetic_Food_Dyes\" >Synthetic Food Dyes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/processed-foods-linked-to-cancer\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-628\" src=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_523905388_s-2019.jpg\" alt=\"A happy little boy and his cheerful dad are sitting together on the couch in front of the TV, eating popcorn and cheerfully cheering for their favorite football team at home in the living room.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_523905388_s-2019.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_523905388_s-2019-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_523905388_s-2019-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_523905388_s-2019-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ultra-processed_Foods_and_Food_Additives\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ultra-processed Foods and Food Additives<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ultra-processed food and artificial food additives are everywhere. Processed foods are modified raw food ingredients, adding seasoning, and ultra-processed food goes one step further by adding additives and preservatives to enhance the flavor and increase shelf life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>When I was in college, we rarely had time to prepare meals. After a long day of studying, I would rush to the only fast food place that opened at midnight and order a meal with fries, burgers, and a cup of orange juice. I would feel exhausted, which often led to me feeling greasy, but I got food so my body could continue to function.<\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The increased consumption of ultra-processed food will increase our chance of getting cancer. Artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame are associated with increased <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8946744\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">liver cancer risks.<\/span><\/a> <a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goldenagri.com.sg\/emulsifiers-101-the-great-unifiers-of-flavours-and-textures-in-gastronomy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Emulsifiers<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, the moles that mix two liquids that generally do not combine well, such as oil and water, are also added to prolong product shelf life and enhance the mouthfeel of foods. Over-consuming emulsifiers are known to increase inflammation, gut health issues, and cancer risks. Other <a href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/pesticides-in-food-that-cause-cancer\/\">food additives<\/a> that can cause cancer are sodium benzoate and food dyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-632\" src=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_95936774_s-2019.jpg\" alt=\"Potato Chips and Cola Drink\" width=\"1000\" height=\"646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_95936774_s-2019.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_95936774_s-2019-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_95936774_s-2019-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_95936774_s-2019-150x97.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ultra-processed_foods\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ultra-processed foods<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ultra-processed food and artificial sweeteners increase the chances of getting cancer. <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/journals\/eclinm\/article\/PIIS2589-5370(23)00017-2\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A study in 2024<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> found that each 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption was associated with a 2% increase in developing any cancer and an <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2023\/01\/31\/health\/ultraprocessed-foods-cancer-wellness\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">increased risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, head and neck cancer, and a type of cancer that grows in the glands that line insides of organs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>When I was a kid, my grandmother owned a convenience store where we sold packaged chips and snacks. I always get those packaged ultra-processed puff snacks or sweet strips covered with red artificial coloring. Although they were tasty, they caused me to gain weight and cellulose in my adolescent years.<\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The examples of ultra-processed foods are as<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bhf.org.uk\/informationsupport\/heart-matters-magazine\/news\/behind-the-headlines\/ultra-processed-foods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> follows<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">:<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ice cream, ham, sausages, crisps, mass-produced bread, breakfast cereals, biscuits, carbonated drinks, fruit-flavored yogurts, instant soups, and some alcoholic drinks, including whisky, gin, and rum. Candy, packaged snacks like cookies, mass-produced packaged bread, sweetened yogurt, instant soup, instant sauce, fruit drinks, pre-prepared pasta dishes, and ready-to-heat pizzas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Getting fresh ingredients and cooking at home is recommended to decrease our ultra-process food consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/food-nutrition\/ultra-processed-foods#Limiting-processed-foods-is-already-something-we-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Here is a chart<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> explaining the same food types in ultra-processed, processed, and home versions.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Ultra-processed<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Processed<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Home version<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sweetened breakfast cereals<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plain bran cereal<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oatmeal made with rolled oats and sweetened with honey<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soda<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">artificially flavored sparkling water<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbonated water with a splash of fruit juice or fruit slices<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flavored potato chips<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plain tortilla chips<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DIY pita chips<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">white bread<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whole wheat bread with minimal ingredients<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homemade whole-wheat bread<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fried chicken<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">deli rotisserie chicken<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">roast chicken from scratch<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flavored candy bar with long ingredient list<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">simple candy bar with short ingredient list<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dark chocolate squares<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">frozen, blended coffee drink<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">store-bought cold brew<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drip coffee<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mashed potato flakes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">frozen potatoes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fresh, whole potatoes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">energy drink<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sweetened fruit juice<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fresh-squeezed orange juice<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flavored granola bars with added sugar and preservatives<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">granola bars with minimal additives<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DIY granola<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">artificially flavored cheese crackers<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naturally flavored crackers<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whole grain crackers (check ingredients on label) and cheese slices<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-634\" src=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_11237431_s-2019.jpg\" alt=\"Sweetener packets in dishes and Ready for Tables\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_11237431_s-2019.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_11237431_s-2019-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_11237431_s-2019-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_11237431_s-2019-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Artificial_Sweeteners\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Artificial Sweeteners<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Some studies have suggested that artificial sweeteners are associated with obesity, linking to at<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/about-cancer\/causes-prevention\/risk\/obesity\/obesity-fact-sheet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> least 13 types of cancer.<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Aspartame is one of the artificial sweeteners that could result in an increasing chance of <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25528243\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">getting liver cancer<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Some flavored water and sparkling water contain artificial sweeteners. Sometimes, my daughter would have those flavored water, but now that we learn about the harmful impact of artificial sweeteners, we have switched to pure filtered water.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-635\" src=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_213669020_s-2019.jpg\" alt=\"Open margarine box with abstract design isolated on white background \" width=\"1000\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_213669020_s-2019.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_213669020_s-2019-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_213669020_s-2019-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_213669020_s-2019-150x120.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emulsifiers\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Emulsifiers<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Emulsifiers<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> are molecules that bind two non-mixable liquids. They can be natural or synthetic ingredients. Consuming food with emulsifiers is linked to an increase in <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/eurpub\/article\/32\/Supplement_3\/ckac129.015\/6765396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">breast cancer and overall cancer risk.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Cream puffs in the grocery store&#8217;s frozen aisle were one of my favorite snacks in high school and college. However, since learning about emulsifiers, I am careful not to eat food that contains margarine.<\/p>\n<p>When I was in my 20s, my friend and I loved baking. We would use margarine to make our favorite chocolate cookies or icy mooncakes. Little did we know margarine was harmful to our bodies.<\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Some common emulsifiers used in foods and beverages <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/nursing-and-health-professions\/emulsifying-agent\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">include<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">carrageenan<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">gelatin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">egg protein<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">whey protein<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">soy lecithin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">guar gum<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">xanthan gum<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">polysorbates<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">fatty acids from vegetable oil or animal fat<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">ammonium phosphatides<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">To limit our consumption of products with emulsifiers, be mindful of the following products:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">mayonnaise<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">margarine<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">salad dressing<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">packaged breads, and baked goods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">packaged crackers and other snacks<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">deli meats<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">dairy products (like sliced cheese)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">dairy alternative products (like soy milk)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">candy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">frosting<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">ice cream<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">chocolate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">nut butter<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">sauces<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Limiting or avoiding consuming food with emulsifiers can help lower the risk of colorectal cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-637\" src=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_378256248_s-2019.jpg\" alt=\"Top view of opened cans with Saury, mackerel, sprats, sardines, pilchard, squid, tuna over vintage pub wood table .\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_378256248_s-2019.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_378256248_s-2019-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_378256248_s-2019-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_378256248_s-2019-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sodium_Benzoate_%E2%80%93_a_preservative_used_in_processed_foods\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sodium Benzoate &#8211; a<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">preservative used in processed foods<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sodium benzoate<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> is a preservative in processed foods. When sodium benzoate mixes with vitamin C (ascorbic acid), it produces <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/diet\/what-to-know-about-sodium-benzoate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">benzene<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, which is a chemical that causes leukemia and blood cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>They are often in the canned meat and soup. I remember our family used to love buying canned eels or sardines to go with rice as our dinner. Now that we know canned food containing sodium benzoate could cause cancer, we have switched to fresh meat ever since.<\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It is best not to avoid sodium benzoate-containing food with food that contains vitamin C or multivitamins to prevent the chemical product of benzene, which can <a href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/personal_care_and_beauty-products-that-cause-cancer\/\">cause cancer<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-638\" src=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_188935066_s-2019.jpg\" alt=\"Candies with jelly and sugar. colorful array of different childs\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_188935066_s-2019.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_188935066_s-2019-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_188935066_s-2019-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_188935066_s-2019-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Synthetic_Food_Dyes\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Synthetic Food Dyes<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thedailybeast.com\/doctors-examine-the-link-between-artificial-food-dye-and-colorectal-cancer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Studies have shown<\/a> that artificial food dyes can bind to the DNA and proteins inside cells. Synthetic dyes can stimulate the body\u2019s inflammatory machinery, pose problems for colon and rectal health, and potentially lead to colon cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Since then, I have become more aware of colorful candies and additive synthetic dyes and how they can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cspinet.org\/cspi-news\/synthetic-food-dyes-rainbow-risks-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">negatively impact children (<\/a><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">increase inflammation, allergy reaction, neurobehavioral problems, and chances of colon cancer). Our family has avoided bright, colorful, tongue-dyeing lollipops or color-coated chocolates such as chocolate M&amp;Ms. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Allura Red (Red 40), Erythrosine (Red 3), and Tartrazine (Yellow 5), and Sunset Yellow (Yellow 6)<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Noteworthy synthetic dyes to avoid are Alluar Red or Red 40, Erythrosine or Red 3, Tartrazine or Yellow 5, and Sunset Yellow or Yellow 6. Research has shown that Allura Red (Red 40) and Tartrazine (Yellow 5) can cause DNA damage in colon cancer cells with increasing intake and for long periods. <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/medical-answers\/is-food-coloring-bad-3561219\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Yellow 5, 6, Red 40, and Red 3 contain<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl, which research has linked with cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Eight primary artificial food dye colors appear in foods we eat:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Blue 1, also known as Brilliant Blue<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Blue 2, also known as Indigotin and Indigo Carmine<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Citrus Red 2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Green Three, also known as Fast Green FCF or Food Green<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Red Dye 3, also known as Erythrosine<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Red 40, also known as Allura Red<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Yellow Dye 5, also known as Tartrazine<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">According to a <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2957945\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">2010 diet and nutrition study<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) make up at least 90% of the dyes used in food in the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A few examples of common foods that contain harmful dyes include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">M&amp;M\u2019s<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jet-Puffed Marshmallows<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Del Monte Fruit Cocktail<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Gatorade<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">SunnyD<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Powerade<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jell-O Instant Pudding<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jell-O Pudding Cups<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jell-O Gelatin Dessert<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kool-Aid<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Skittles<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Arby\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Brioche Bun, Chocolate Shake, and Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Vlasic Sweet Relish<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kellogg\u2019s <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Apple Jacks<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Froot Loops<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">General Mills Trix<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Post <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Honeycomb<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Quaker Oats <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Cap\u2019n Crunch<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It is wise to read the labels of products before we purchase them to see if they contain artificial food dyes or to choose products without bright colors that come from synthetic sources to avoid the consumption of synthetic food dyes in our food, which can increase our chance of colorectal cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Final Thoughts<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ultra-processed foods and food additives such as artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame, emulsifiers, food preservatives such as sodium benzoate, and synthetic food dyes are notably increasing our chance of getting cancer in various areas of our body (ovarian, liver, breast, colon, glands, and head and neck cancer).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">To protect ourselves against increasing cancer risk, we can purchase primarily unprocessed food, limit or avoid consuming processed food, and avoid food with food additives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other Posts You May Like<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/cancer-causing-products-we-use-everyday\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8 Cancer-Causing Products We Use Everyday: Identifying Hidden Risks<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/10-ways-to-prevent-cancer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 Ways to Prevent Cancer: Actionable Strategies for Health<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/cancer-causing-cleaning-products\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top Household Cancer-Causing Cleaning Products<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/pesticides-in-food-that-cause-cancer\/\">Pesticides in Food That Cause Cancer<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">5 Top Food linked to Cancer<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2026 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/August-12th-2024-3.png\" alt=\"5 top food linked to cancer\" width=\"296\" height=\"656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/August-12th-2024-3.png 700w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/August-12th-2024-3-135x300.png 135w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/August-12th-2024-3-462x1024.png 462w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/August-12th-2024-3-694x1536.png 694w, https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/August-12th-2024-3-150x332.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We see colorful and tasty food on display in the grocery store or delicious food sold in fast food restaurants that is flavorful. Little do we know that ultra-process food and food additives increase our chance of getting cancer. Certain process food are linked to cancer. Although fast food can be tasty and quick, over [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":629,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[22],"class_list":["post-620","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cancer-explorer","tag-cancer-causing-products"],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_199399958_XL-scaled.jpg",2560,1707,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_199399958_XL-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_199399958_XL-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_199399958_XL-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_199399958_XL-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_199399958_XL-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_199399958_XL-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true],"web-stories-poster-portrait":["https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_199399958_XL-640x853.jpg",640,853,true],"web-stories-publisher-logo":["https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_199399958_XL-96x96.jpg",96,96,true],"web-stories-thumbnail":["https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Depositphotos_199399958_XL-150x100.jpg",150,100,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Amy Mou","author_link":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/author\/amymou0gmail-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"We see colorful and tasty food on display in the grocery store or delicious food sold in fast food restaurants that is flavorful. Little do we know that ultra-process food and food additives increase our chance of getting cancer. Certain process food are linked to cancer. Although fast food can be tasty and quick, over&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/620","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=620"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/620\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2050,"href":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/620\/revisions\/2050"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=620"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=620"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/howcancer.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=620"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}