Colon Cancer Rising: Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in today's time. Let us tell you which 7 foods you can avoid to avoid the risk of colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Prevention: Colon cancer or colorectal cancer was earlier considered a disease of the elderly. But now it is increasing rapidly among the youth as well. The colon is a part of our large intestine and cancer often starts from small polyps. Many studies show that nowadays people under the age of 50 are also falling prey to this disease in large numbers. The biggest reason for this is our food habits and lifestyle. Obesity, alcohol, oily food, and junk food are increasing the risk. However, the good thing is that this disease can be avoided by changing the right diet and some habits. Let us know the 7 foods that need to be reduced or stopped, and what can be eaten in their place.

1. Red Meat

Excessive consumption of red meat like beef, pork, and lamb increases the risk of colon cancer. Especially when it is fried, barbecued or grilled on very high flame, harmful elements are formed in it which damage the intestinal cells.

What to eat instead - Choose protein sources like fish, chicken, lentils and kidney beans. If you have to eat red meat, eat it in small quantities and boil or bake it.

2. Processed Meat

Nitrates and preservatives are added to things like bacon, sausage, ham and hot dogs. WHO has declared these as cancer foods.

What to eat instead - Use fresh chicken, fish or paneer. Add herbs and spices for taste.

3. Sweet drinks and refined carbs

Soda, packed juices and sweet tea-coffee contain a lot of sugar. Also, white bread and refined flour items also increase the sugar level in the body. Obesity and insulin resistance increase the risk of cancer.

What to eat instead - Drink water, lemonade, green tea or detox water made from fruits. Eat wheat, oats and brown rice instead of bread.

4. Junk and processed food

Packed snacks, burgers, pizza and fried food contain excess oil, salt and chemicals. They do not contain fiber and increase inflammation in the body.

What to eat instead - Homemade food, salad, dal-rice, vegetable-roti. You can eat roasted gram, makhana or popcorn for snacks.

5. Excessive alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption damages DNA and increases the risk of colon cancer.

What to drink instead:  herbal tea, coconut water, flavored sparkling water or seasonal juices.

6. High fat and full-fat dairy

The saturated fat present in fried food, butter, ghee and full cream milk increases the risk of cancer.

What to eat instead: Low-fat milk, yogurt or soy and almond milk. For fat, consume olive oil, avocado and nuts.

7. Excess salt and packaged food

Items like pickles, chips and canned soups contain excess salt and chemicals. These can damage the intestinal lining.

What to eat instead - Use lemon, herbs and spices to enhance the taste of food. Eat fresh vegetables and drink homemade soups.

Colon cancer is increasingly affecting the youth. But the good news is that this risk can be reduced to a great extent by changing the diet and choosing healthy options. Small habits like eating homemade food instead of junk food, water instead of sweet drinks and eating pulses and vegetables instead of processed meat can keep the intestine healthy for a long time.