Cancer occurs due to several reasons, some that cannot be explained. Sadly, there is no way to prevent it and no known cure for it. But the foods you choose to eat every day play an important role in keeping you healthy, free from diseases, and decreasing the risks of you being affected by cancer. So, being physically active with a moderate exercise routine for at least 30 minutes every day, having clean lifestyle habits, and eating the right kinds of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats, healthy monounsaturated fats, and whole grains is essential. These will keep you active and provide the necessary macro and micro-nutrients.

Besides that, did you know there are certain foods you must stay away from to remain free from illnesses? Are you surprised? Well, yes, that is indeed true. Certain cancers are associated with the foods you eat. They are:

• In the early stages, colon cancer is treatable. But it is best to stay healthy and prevent the condition at all costs. Some of the foods that increase the risk of colon cancer are white bread, sugary foods, and processed meats. So, stay away from these.
• White bread and many other bakery products use highly processed flour, the worst of its kind. While these are quite tempting, they provide no health benefits whatsoever. On the other hand, consuming highly processed flour can increase insulin levels in the body and result in diabetes, and even contribute to obesity. Both of these increase the risk of colon and kidney cancer significantly.
• Sugary foods like carbonated drinks and desserts containing refined white sugar are the worst type of foods to have. Apart from providing little nutrition, these pave the way for unnecessary weight gain and obesity. Excessive sugar in the body can cause inflammation which is an ideal breeding ground for many types of cancers.
• Processed meat like ham, salami, beef, and bacon are rich in saturated fats. Moreover, they are difficult to digest and increase saturated fat content, making people obese. And most of these processed foods contain carcinogens that irritate the lining of the colon and directly increase the risk of colon cancer.

While certain foods can induce or precipitate colon cancer, there are also foods that might help reduce the risk.

• Whole grains, oats, and brown rice are rich in fiber. So their easy absorption and quick digestion provide the right type of simple energy-giving carbohydrates for the body.
• Replacing sugary carbonated sodas and energy drinks with plain clean water and fresh juices without extra sugar is certainly a better way to maintain good health. These keep you hydrated without adding empty calories.
• Healthy monounsaturated fats that contain omega-3 fatty acids can be sourced from olives, olive oil, canola oil, walnuts, cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and tofu. These fight inflammation and help prevent colon cancer.
• Similarly, lean meats like chicken, turkey, and other poultry are safer foods than red, processed meats.

So to prevent colon cancer consider swapping unhealthy foods with healthy, wholesome, organic alternatives or a plant-based diet that is rich in nutrients.