Oral Cancer Risk Could Be Raised by This Common Food

Oral Cancer Risk Could Be Raised by This Common Food

Author: Dr. Mercola August 24, 2026 Duration: 7:09
  • A study of more than 450,000 adults found that every additional 30 grams of processed meat consumed daily was associated with a 9% higher risk of gastric cancer and a 13% higher risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma
  • People who ate the most processed meat had a 46% higher risk of gastric cancer and more than double the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma compared to those who ate the least
  • Research on oral cancer found that smoked, fried, roasted, and other heavily heat-treated meats were linked to greater risk, with smoked meat emerging as the strongest independent risk factor
  • High-temperature cooking creates compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) — compounds identified as mutagenic and carcinogenic that may damage DNA and contribute to the cancer process over time
  • Replacing processed meats with minimally processed protein sources, choosing gentler cooking methods, and building meals around vegetables may help reduce long-term exposure to dietary compounds associated with cancer risk

Each week, Dr. Joseph Mercola-Take Control of Your Health offers a direct conversation about navigating the often-confusing world of wellness. Dr. Mercola brings decades of experience as a natural health advocate to these discussions, focusing on practical strategies that go beyond conventional approaches. The episodes dig into the interconnected areas of holistic health, physical fitness, and alternative methods for building resilience. You’ll hear detailed explorations of how everyday choices impact long-term vitality, with an emphasis on personal agency and evidence-informed alternatives. This isn’t about quick fixes but about understanding the underlying principles that can help you make better decisions for yourself and your family. The tone is straightforward and investigative, aiming to equip you with knowledge that is frequently overlooked. Tuning into this podcast feels like accessing a deep resource of non-mainstream health perspectives, all centered on the fundamental goal of sustainable well-being. It’s for anyone who feels that managing their health requires looking at the full picture, from nutrition and movement to the less obvious environmental factors. Dr. Mercola’s weekly insights serve as a catalyst for taking a more active, informed role in your own health journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Podcast Episodes
Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout Supplements for Exercise Performance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:49
Non-stimulant pre-workout supplements may improve exercise performance by supporting your muscles' natural energy production, blood flow, and recovery instead of relying on large doses of caffeine to keep you alert Creat…
Dehydrated Foods: Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits, and Safety Risks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:59
Dehydrated foods last longer because water removal slows spoilage, but the process also concentrates sugars, calories, salt, and other ingredients into much smaller portions Dried fruits retain fiber and plant compounds,…
The Big Health Benefits of a Short Break Away from Your Desk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:43
Spending most of your day sitting increases your risk of chronic disease and early death, but taking a five-minute walk every hour is a simple habit that helps counter many of those harmful effects Researchers found that…
The Psychology of Taking Supplements [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:49
When it comes to maintaining a nutritional supplement regimen, the decisive question is not "what's in the bottle" — it's what makes a person actually take it, day after day, long after the first burst of motivation fade…