Foods that Cause Cancer

1. Foods containing acrylamide, such as french fries and potato chips: Acrylamide, a chemical formed when starchy foods are heated, was labeled a probable human carcinogen in 2005

2. Grapefruit: It saddens us to list a forbidden fruit, but those trying to lower their risk of breast cancer should moderate their grapefruit consumption. Women who consume a quarter of a grapefruit on a daily basis, are 30 percent more likely to develop breast cancer. Grapefruit interferes with an enzyme in the liver - allowing the gut to reabsorb more of the body's natural estrogen - resulting in a higher level of estrogen in the body.

3. Trans fats: The amount of trans fats in a person's buttocks is directly proportional to her risk for breast cancer. A word of caution.

4. Soda: While soda alone has not been linked with cancer, it has been shown to increase the risk of obesity - both the regular variety and diet. Currently obesity is responsible for 20 percent of cancer deaths in women and 14 percent in men. If that doesn't make that 12-pack less appealing, remember soda is often substituted for other drinks such as water, which lowers the risk of certain cancers, and the cancer-fighting phytochemicals in vegetable and fruit juices.

5. Processed meats: Regular consumption of processed meats is associated with cancers of the lung, colon, liver, and esophagus. Esophageal cancer is the most rapidly growing cancer in the USA.

6. Fried foods: And not simply because of the calories and acrylamide. When oil is heated and reheated, more free radicals are produced. Most importantly, avoid fried foods when eating out - where restaurants frequently reheat the oil they use, or "top-off" the old oil rather than starting fresh.

7. Foods containing the preservatives BHT, BHA: BHT has been shown to cause cancer in animals. BHA is considered a possible human carcinogen.

8. Orange peel: That is - orange peel from non-organic Florida oranges. The food dye citrus red #2, known to cause cancer in animals, is used to make the greenish appearance of Florida oranges resemble the deep orange of California oranges.

9. Refined sugar: A high intake of refined sugar, also known as a high glycemic load, is associated with cancer of the breast and upper digestive tract.

10. Smoked and pickled foods: Both smoked and pickled foods are associated with cancers of the digestive tract.