It is often said that they do not exist good and bad foodsbut it depends on its quantity and frequency of consumption. This is true to some extent for some foods, but not all: There are foods we should avoid completely. or, at the very least, reduce as much as possible. Some of them have already been directly linked to the risk of suffering from certain types of cancer.
In this regard, Nichole Andrews, a dietitian and nutritionist specializing in oncology, is known for her informative videos on the social network Tik Tok, where one of her most recent videos reached more than three million views. He talks about 10 foods he never recommends; One in particular has become famous in recent years, but it may not be as perfect as is often believed.
The vast majority of foods described by Andrews are old acquaintances: alcoholTHE processed meats or the sausages They already have enough evidence to consider reducing their consumption or, if possible, avoiding them altogether.
Food and cancer
Regarding the alcoholAndrews is aware of the debate which still persists on its alleged advantages for health in moderate quantities, but also reminds us that even just one glass of wine a day It has been linked to up to seven different types of cancer. For their part, processed meats and sausages have been found to be potentially carcinogenic. Essentially, the two food groups would belong to the same group of “ultra-processed” foods, the consumption of which has been particularly associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
For its part, we have the sweet drinkswhose caloric density based in particular on sugar contributes to weight gain and, ultimately, to an increased risk of cancer. As Andrews explains, “To ensure that we maintain good levels of body fat, we need to balance our caloric intake, and sugary soft drinks account for a lot of extra calories.” In fact, excess body fat has been linked to up to 13 different types of cancer, according to the nutritionist.
Andrews also speaks in his list of hot dogs, white sugar, processed grains and red meatall likely to be included in the previous groups: excess added sugar and ultra-processed foods.
Dangerous additions
On the other hand, name two foods in particular that can attract more attention. One of them is coffee, which although it does not increase the risk of cancer and has even been linked to better health, Andrews mentions it because of the usual “additions” to this well-known drink: sugars , excess sweeteners, caramel and other additives that only add calories. Coffee, without additives, would be a good option, as she herself points out.
The last of these foods would be plant-based or misnamed drinks. milk vegetables. Although it should be noted that These drinks do not cause cancer or increase the risk of cancer.Andrews warns to be careful with them: “I always go for cow’s milk, I always go for dairy, they’re packed with nutrients.”
However, the The problem with plant-based drinks is precisely their poverty in nutrients: Cow’s milk is rich in calcium and other nutrients, something plant-based drinks can’t match unless they’re artificially fortified. In this regard, some plant-based alternatives, such as soy drink, would be a good substitute to some extent, but they would not outperform cow’s milk.
THE soy drink It is rich in isoflavones, a cardioprotective phytonutrient. However, its taste can make some consumers sick, and it is also high in antinutrients which, while not usually problematic, can be. Other examples would be rice drinkrich in sugars but poor in nutrients, or the coconut drinklow in calories but deficient in protein, or the almond drinkrich in monounsaturated fatty acids but low in essential nutrients such as protein and carbohydrates.
The lcow’s milk, in terms of nutritional quality, would continue to be the winner in all these aspects. Plant-based drinks naturally lack calcium and vitamin D like cow’s milk, in addition to lacking iodine and having an excess of sugar compared to this animal product. While it’s true that plant-based drinks can be a good option for allergies or intolerances, or for simple hedonism, Andrews and other nutrition experts continue to recommend cow’s milk every time. that its consumption is possible.
