Foods that 'don't actually cause cancer' despite widespread myths

A healthy, balanced diet can help reduce your risk of cancerand this has been proven time and again. However, a number of myths and misconceptionshave led some to believe certain individual foods can cause or protect against cancer, which experts claim is not always true.

Cancer Research UK has clarified that no single food item can solely protect against or cause cancer. However, they do acknowledge that consistently overeating certain food groups can increase cancer risk, though it doesn't guarantee you'll develop the disease.

Experts have pointed out that some foods are wrongly accused of being in this carcinogenic group, with eggs being a prime example. They assured: "Eating eggs is unlikely to cause cancer.

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"There is not much research looking at whether eggs can cause cancer. But the studies that exist do not provide reliable evidence for a link between eggs and cancer."

Coffee, a morning essential for many, is also surrounded by unfounded claims, but Cancer Research reassures that your daily brew might actually be beneficial. Their guidance mentioned: "There's no evidence that coffee is carcinogenic.

"Instead, some recent studies suggest that drinking coffee may lower the risk of liver and womb cancers. But more research is needed to be sure."

Soy has been subject to similar allegations, due to its high concentration of isoflavones which acts like a weak form of oestrogen. This hormone has been associated with certain types of cancer. However, no study has provided "strong evidence" that consuming soy heightens a person's risk of cancer.

BPA has recently become a significant concern for many people. This chemical is present in the linings of tinned food and plastic food packaging. The myth surrounding this chemical suggests it seeps into the food it encases, rendering it carcinogenic.

Experts debunked this, saying: "Some people are worried that BPA could cause cancer, because some cell and animal studies have suggested it has cancer-causing effects. But there's no reliable evidence that BPA causes cancer in people."

The experts reassured that not many foods are carcinogenic, or cancer-causing. However, two specific food groups strongly linked with the disease are processed meat and alcohol.

Research has demonstrated that processed and red meat heighten the risk of bowel cancer. This includes deli products like ham, salami, pepperoni, hot dogs, chorizo, corned beef and bacon.

Likewise, even moderate consumption of alcohol has been proven to increase the risk of seven different types of cancer. It's the alcohol itself, irrespective of the type, that damages our cells and facilitates the absorption of harmful chemicals by some cells.

This doesn't necessarily mean that consuming alcohol or processed meat will definitely lead to cancer, but it does increase your risk.