Recent animal studies have indicated that acrylamide, found in starchy foods cooked at high temperatures like bread, could be a cancer-causing carcinogen, especially if the food is burnt somewhat. However, Cancer Research UK experts suggest the connection between cancer and charcoal-like toast isn’t as straightforward as some might think.
They clarified: “Good quality studies of people have found no link between eating foods high in acrylamide and cancer. It is true that animal studies have shown that acrylamide has cancer-causing effects. But these studies gave animals very high levels of acrylamide.
“We are very unlikely to eat this amount of acrylamide in our diet. So these studies are not good evidence for cancer risk in people.”
The charity assured people with a fondness for overdone toast don’t need to cut it out of their diet if they’re looking to lower their cancer risk. Rather, the experts highlighted more sinister suspects on our plates, such as alcohol, processed meats, red meat, and those high in sugar, fat, or salt.
Alcohol has been scientifically linked to an increased risk of seven different types of cancer, including bowel and breast cancer, while processed meats such as ham, bacon, corned beef, certain sausages and deli meats, along with red meats like beef, pork, lamb or goat, even in small quantities, could also heighten your risk of bowel cancer.
There’s also some evidence suggesting a connection with stomach and pancreatic cancers. However, white meats like chicken or turkey, as well as fish, have not been associated with an increased cancer risk.
Your overall diet plays a much more significant role in determining your cancer risk than just your consumption of burnt toast.
A healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins like chicken or fish is recommended.
Other common cancer food myths Cancer Research UK is eager to debunk includes those surrounding eggs, soy, coffee, and canned food.
The organisation insists that none of these foods, often thought to be linked with cancer, actually cause the disease, though it does acknowledge that further research is needed in some areas.
Likewise, certain ‘superfoods’ may not live up to all their purported benefits. The charity specifically pointed out that green tea, tomatoes, berries, and supplements do not prevent cancer on their own.