Do These Foods Cause Cancer? (You’ll Be Surprised)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 2, 2018
Man, it seems like everything these days gives us cancer.
You can’t turn on the news without seeing some report linking a food (usually a food we love) to cancer.
Over the past several months, I’ve seen stories claiming everything from coffee to processed meats to Nutella gives us cancer.
But are these reports true… or just more fake news?
Let me separate fact from fiction for you.
Coffee: California is moving forward with a warning label on coffee because of a chemical it contains called acrylamide. Does acrylamide cause cancer?
Yes, large doses of acrylamide will cause cancer in laboratory animals. But how much?
Estimates are the dose of acrylamide needed to cause cancer is between 1,000 to 100,000 times larger than what you will find in a cup of coffee.
Bottom line: Coffee is actually great for you. It enhances brain function, increases metabolic rate, is linked to lower dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes risk. Plus, coffee drinkers live longer.
Nutella: This chocolate/hazelnut spread is not the best nutritional food, but also not the worst. The risk (so the headlines state) is from a genotoxic (toxic to our genes) and carcinogenic (causes cancer) palm oil.
When industrial palm oil is heated to over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it is toxic. But the palm oil in Nutella is very similar to coconut oil (which I consider very healthy) and never reaches temperatures over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bottom Line: Yes, Nutella has a lot of sugar in it, but the palm oil is safe.
Processed meats (Bacon and hot dogs): How many years have you heard that processed meats are bad for you? There is a movement to label all red meat as bad for your health.
Nitrates (the chemicals blamed for causing cancer) were long ago proven not to cause cancer. In fact, nitrates are great for your blood pressure!
Bottom Line: Yes, when they put chemicals in lunch meats and when you cook meats at high temperatures, they can cause health problems. But generally speaking, eating meat is very safe and good for you.
Hot drinks: Very hot drinks, the headlines say, can cause cancer. But if you read the study, you also must combine very hot drinks with smoking and/or heavy drinking.
Bottom Line: Forget this one, it’s stupid.
If cancer is a concern for you, make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Avoid smoking, drinking too much, and excess sugar consumption. Throw in some exercise and you will avoid 90% of all cancers.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Ancient Wise Man's Gift Brings Modern Pain Relief
As we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas today, we remember the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While you might be hoping to find some gold in your stocking this year, it turns out that frankincense could be the REAL treasure—especially if you’re battling knee pain. Yes,...
Mailbag: Restless Legs Ruining Your Sleep? Try THIS
“What can I do to help my restless legs? They bother me in the daytime if I sit down for a while, but some nights, it keeps me up all night.” – Looking for a Leg Up on Sleep Hi Leg Up, Few things are more frustrating than being nestled all snug in your bed,...
The Simple Metabolic Health Hack You’re NOT Using
If you’re like most Americans, you don’t give much thought to your metabolism. But here’s a shocking statistic that might change your mind… One in three U.S. adults is walking around with hidden metabolic syndrome. This ticking time bomb is a cluster of conditions that can send your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type...
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...
Study Pinpoints Foods That Send Disease Risk Soaring
We’ve all heard that old saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, it’s been around for so long because it’s true. And it turns out your dinner plate could secretly stoke the fires of disease in your body. A new study revealed a shocking truth about the American diet. This time it’s not about calories...