Doctor’s Advice: Limit These 3 Seasonings

The rapid development of modern life has led to significant changes in dietary habits. For Chinese people, cuisine is a top priority, and seasonings play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of dishes.

However, some reports claim that certain seasonings may negatively impact health, potentially even causing cancer. Some people believe that the high cancer rate in China is linked to the frequent use of oyster sauce. But is this really true? Let’s explore the facts!

Is the High Cancer Rate Related to Oyster Sauce?

Oyster sauce originated in Guangdong and is made from oysters, a nutrient-rich seafood, earning it the nickname "milk of the sea."

In recent years, the rising cancer rate has led to concerns about the safety of oyster sauce.

The main reason behind these suspicions is that oyster sauce contains flavor enhancers such as glutamate (MSG) and disodium inosinate, similar to MSG and seasoning powders.

Many people worry that MSG causes cancer, but research has found no scientific evidence proving that glutamate is carcinogenic.

Additionally, oyster sauce is unstable at high temperatures. It can produce harmful compounds only when heated above 120°C. However, in standard cooking, it is rare for temperatures to reach this level, so the claim that oyster sauce causes cancer is unfounded.

Factors That Increase Cancer Risk

1. Environmental Pollution and Unhealthy Lifestyles

Rapid economic growth has led to air and water pollution, which significantly increases cancer risks.

• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in the air are closely linked to lung cancer.
• Smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet are also major contributors to cancer.

Examples:

• Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.
• Alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer in the mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver.

2. Aging

Cancer develops over decades. When young, a strong immune system can destroy mutated cells.

However, as people age, their immune system weakens, making it harder to fight cancer cells, thus increasing the risk of cancer.

3. Neglecting Early Treatment

Many people ignore their health issues, delaying treatment until conditions worsen and progress into cancer.

Examples:

• Colon polyps can lead to colorectal cancer if not removed.
• Chronic hepatitis B increases the risk of liver cancer if left untreated.

4. Over-Saving and Poor Dietary Habits

Some cancer patients come from rural areas and practice excessive frugality, which may contribute to their illness:

• Consuming expired, fermented, or spoiled food.
• Eating moldy food by cutting off the moldy part and consuming the rest. (Mold contains aflatoxin, a powerful liver carcinogen.)
• Not using range hoods while cooking or wearing old clothes for years without replacing them.

These habits do not save money but rather increase cancer risk.

Doctor’s Advice: Limit These 3 Seasonings

1. Table Salt

Salt is an essential seasoning, but excessive intake can be harmful.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming less than 6g of salt per day.
• However, in China, the average salt consumption is 12g per day, twice the recommended amount.

Effects of excessive salt intake:

• Increases sodium levels, causing water retention and high blood pressure.
• Raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

2. Fermented Bean Paste (Doubanjiang)

Fermented bean paste is a popular seasoning, but its preparation process involves high amounts of oil, salt, and sugar.

• Cooking with bean paste can lead to excess calorie consumption.
• High sodium content in bean paste may negatively affect heart health.

3. Fish Sauce

Fish sauce is made from fermented seafood and is high in purines, which can increase uric acid levels, leading to gout.

Additionally, fish sauce contains ethyl ester, a compound that may have carcinogenic properties if consumed in large amounts.

Health Tip: To reduce cancer risk, limit fish sauce intake in daily meals.

Foods That May Help Prevent Cancer

1. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain glycolipids, which may inhibit cancer cell growth.

• They also boost immunity and help prevent breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

2. Kyoho Grapes (巨峰葡萄)

Kyoho grapes are rich in resveratrol, a powerful anti-cancer compound.

• Resveratrol helps slow cancer cell growth and prevent metastasis.
• Anthocyanins in grapes also support heart health and improve overall well-being.

3. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant.

• Lycopene helps neutralize free radicals and protect cells from cancer.
• Studies suggest that tomatoes may help prevent prostate, pancreatic, rectal, laryngeal, oral, lung, and breast cancer.

Conclusion

There is no scientific evidence that oyster sauce causes cancer, so there is no need for excessive concern.

However, to reduce cancer risk, it is recommended to limit the intake of salt, fermented bean paste, and fish sauce while maintaining a healthy diet rich in sweet potatoes, grapes, tomatoes, and other antioxidant-rich foods.

Prevention is better than cure—start protecting your health today!