American Institute for Cancer Research

And so, quote unquote, starving cancer, it doesn't work that way, just if you know about the metabolism.

But I think it is confusing because one of the key AICR cancer prevention recommendations is limit the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.

And I think people misinterpret that as, oh, sugar feeds cancer.

But actually, that important recommendation comes from the fact that they're trying to reduce obesity risk because overweight and obesity is linked to certain cancers.

But at the same time, walking that journey with the patient to help understand where you're coming from and why you are promoting the basics that have been around a long time, even though they don't look flashy or they don't like sound like they're going to work.

I think sort of meeting them in the middle and giving that education is really, really important.

I love to pull up the AICR recommendations.

They have this very fun graphic of the 10 things like increase physical activity, drink less sugar-sweetened beverages, don't take supplements to prevent cancer.

Probable carcinogen.

That's World Health Organization, American Institute of Cancer Research.

There's strong data on that.

And cheese is about, say, cheddar, parmesan cheese.

But what is the actual cost of this brief taste pleasure? What is the cost to the pigs, to the earth, and to our own bodies? We know that pigs have wonderful personalities, are affectionate and terrifically intelligent, and we know that to them the cost of bacon is their very lives.

When it comes to the cost of eating bacon to our physical health, we know that bacon is classified as a processed meat which has been linked to an increased risk of cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Health Organization.

The risk is associated with the processing methods, smoking, curing, salting, and the presence of nitrates and nitrites, which form carcinogenic compounds.

Processed meat consumption, including bacon, has also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline.

It's really about getting very clear on which protein options you actually choose most often.

And the American Institute for Cancer Research, also known as AICR, the recommendation is limiting red meat to 18 ounces or less per week.

Speaking of red meat, let's talk about that.

So the amount of red meat that you do eat, again, if you're someone who's a fan of hamburgers or you like a steak every now and again, the amount that is recommended is based on research that shows the connection of red meat to cancer risk.

Just FYI.

So fruits, veggies, grains, nuts, seeds, soy, lentils, legumes, beans, those are the foundation of a plant-based diet.

And that's the foundation of what's recommended by the American Institute for Cancer Research.

And as you just learned, all of those food categories, with the exception of fruit, contribute some level of protein to your diet.