Health And Me Desk

Indian cuisine is known for its delicious taste and varied nature. Often, pickles, papad, namkeen and preserved products form an essential part of our everyday diet. 

However, in terms of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a> prevention</span>, this is not about how much we should give up on these products. The question is about the frequency of consumption and its proportion to the diet as a whole.

<h2>Why Salt And <span rel="noindex">Preserved Foods</span> Need A Closer Look? </h2>

One of the first factors that requires revision is salt consumption. Pickles and papad may be quite salty and even if we consume them from time to time or in small quantities. 

High levels of salt in the diet have been linked to the higher risk of developing stomach <span>cancer</span>. Salt may irritate the stomach walls and promote the development of conditions which make the stomach more susceptible to other carcinogens. According to the World Health Organization, we should not consume more than 5 grams of salt a day. 

It is not about the risk of consuming a small portion of homemade pickles with lunch. What really matters is the frequent and intensive consumption of salty and preserved foods, in combination with an unhealthy diet. Processed meat is another category to look out for. Sausages, salamis, bacons, and all types of meat products that are cured or preserved increase the risk of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/the-longevity-plate-what-should-we-eat-today-to-stay-strong-tomorrow-article-156040110" data-type="tilCustomLink">colon and rectal cancers</a>.

 Among Indians, consumption of processed meat products, such as some packaged meat preparations, may also be something to take into account. The inclusion of these foods in the diet is better minimized than made a constant feature of the diet.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/protein-is-in-everything-but-is-every-source-actually-healthy-experts-explain-article-156044844" data-type="tilCustomLink">Protein Is In Everything, But Is Every Source Actually Healthy? Experts Explain</a>

<h2>When Everyday <span rel="noindex">Snacks</span> Become A Bigger Concern? </h2>

There are foods which may not be traditionally categorized as “unhealthy” but become unhealthy when consumed excessively—fried snacks, farsan, namkeen, sweets, sodas, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/can-regular-consumption-of-junk-and-processed-food-affect-fertility-article-156002758" data-type="tilCustomLink">highly processed packaged foods</a>. 

Frequent consumption can lead to an intake of excessive calories and result in gaining weight. Having too much body fat increases the risk of cancer itself.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/diabetes-diet-build-a-balanced-plate-not-just-cut-carbs-doctors-explain-article-156044146" data-type="tilCustomLink">Diabetes Diet: Build A Balanced Plate, Not Just Cut Carbs, Doctors Explain</a>

<h2>What To Put On The Plate Instead? </h2>

Can Eating Too Much Protein Raise Blood Sugar? New Study Reveals the Truth

Then, what to replace these foods with? Not expensive “superfoods”. More vegetables, fruits, pulses, beans and whole grains in the diet will protect you from <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/why-sustainable-weight-loss-requires-more-than-cutting-calories-article-154939060" data-type="tilCustomLink">cancer</a> much better than eating these unhealthy foods. As per WHO, people older than 10 years old need at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. 

It comes down to a simple point: cancer prevention is not based on fear of particular foods; it is based on making improvements in our dietary intake. We don’t need to sacrifice our food culture; we just need to add balance to it: less <span>salty foods</span>, less <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/sweetener-in-sugar-free-gum-linked-to-57-higher-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk-what-is-xylitol-article-156012495" data-type="tilCustomLink">processed foods</a>, more fiber-containing plant foods and proper servings. 

Foods constitute one of many aspects of cancer prevention, in addition to abstaining from tobacco, alcohol moderation, maintaining a healthy body weight, physical activity and regular screenings. 

It is not about making our traditional thali unpalatable. It is about making decisions that benefit us now and protect our future. 

<strong><em>By Dr Nitin Bayas, Oncologist, MOC Cancer Care, Mumbai</em></strong>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

from-pickles-to-papad-which-everyday-indian-foods-could-be-worth-rethinking-for-cancer-prevention

Cancer

Cancer Prevention

salty foods

preserved foods

snacks

how to prevent cancer

From Pickles to Papad: Which Everyday Indian Foods Could Be Worth Rethinking for Cancer Prevention?

abhayrab-rabies-vaccine-batch-found-misbranded-not-of-standard-quality-dcgi-alerts-states

Abhayrab Rabies Vaccine Batch Found Misbranded, ‘Not Of Standard Quality’: DCGI Alerts States

pm25-and-cancer-risk-practical-ways-to-protect-yourself-in-indias-polluted-cities

PM2.5 and Cancer Risk: Practical Ways to Protect Yourself in India’s Polluted Cities

Nutrition

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Indian cuisine is known for its delicious taste and varied nature. Often, pickles, papad, namkeen and preserved products form an essential part of our everyday diet. However, in terms of cancer prevention, this is not about how much we should give up on these products. The question is about the frequency of consumption and its proportion to the diet as a whole.Why Salt And Preserved Foods Need A Closer Look? One of the first factors that requires revision is salt consumption. Pickles and papad may be quite salty and even if we consume them from time to time or in small quantities. High levels of salt in the diet have been linked to the higher risk of developing stomach cancer. Salt may irritate the stomach walls and promote the development of conditions which make the stomach more susceptible to other carcinogens. According to the World Health Organization, we should not consume more than 5 grams of salt a day. It is not about the risk of consuming a small portion of homemade pickles with lunch. What really matters is the frequent and intensive consumption of salty and preserved foods, in combination with an unhealthy diet. Processed meat is another category to look out for. Sausages, salamis, bacons, and all types of meat products that are cured or preserved increase the risk of colon and rectal cancers. Among Indians, consumption of processed meat products, such as some packaged meat preparations, may also be something to take into account. The inclusion of these foods in the diet is better minimized than made a constant feature of the diet.Also read: Protein Is In Everything, But Is Every Source Actually Healthy? Experts ExplainWhen Everyday Snacks Become A Bigger Concern? There are foods which may not be traditionally categorized as “unhealthy” but become unhealthy when consumed excessively—fried snacks, farsan, namkeen, sweets, sodas, highly processed packaged foods. Frequent consumption can lead to an intake of excessive calories and result in gaining weight. Having too much body fat increases the risk of cancer itself.Also read: Diabetes Diet: Build A Balanced Plate, Not Just Cut Carbs, Doctors ExplainWhat To Put On The Plate Instead?                   Then, what to replace these foods with? Not expensive “superfoods”. More vegetables, fruits, pulses, beans and whole grains in the diet will protect you from cancer much better than eating these unhealthy foods. As per WHO, people older than 10 years old need at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. It comes down to a simple point: cancer prevention is not based on fear of particular foods; it is based on making improvements in our dietary intake. We don’t need to sacrifice our food culture; we just need to add balance to it: less salty foods, less processed foods, more fiber-containing plant foods and proper servings. Foods constitute one of many aspects of cancer prevention, in addition to abstaining from tobacco, alcohol moderation, maintaining a healthy body weight, physical activity and regular screenings. It is not about making our traditional thali unpalatable. It is about making decisions that benefit us now and protect our future. By Dr Nitin Bayas, Oncologist, MOC Cancer Care, Mumbai

from pickles to papad: which everyday indian foods could be worth rethinking for cancer prevention?

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

From Pickles to Papad: Which Everyday Indian Foods Could Be Worth Rethinking for Cancer Prevention?

Protein Is In Everything, But Is Every Source Actually Healthy? Experts Explain

Diabetes Diet: Build A Balanced Plate, Not Just Cut Carbs, Doctors Explain

JD Vance Says Robert Kennedy Jr.’s Sauerkraut, Protein Advice Helped Him Lose Weight

Health Conditions A-Z

From Pickles to Papad: Which Everyday Indian Foods Could Be Worth Rethinking for Cancer Prevention?

Abhayrab Rabies Vaccine Batch Found Misbranded, ‘Not Of Standard Quality’: DCGI Alerts States

PM2.5 and Cancer Risk: Practical Ways to Protect Yourself in India’s Polluted Cities