September 13, 2025

Processed Food Diet Raises Lung Cancer Risk

6 minutes

People who ate the most ultraprocessed foods had a 41% higher risk of developing lung cancer compared with those who ate the least
The increased risk was seen in both smokers and nonsmokers, showing that diet alone influences lung cancer development
Processed foods alter nutrient absorption, strip away protective compounds, and add toxic byproducts that fuel inflammation and immune dysfunction
Harmful chemicals from packaging and high-heat cooking further raise cancer risk and weaken your body’s defenses
Choosing whole, unprocessed foods and cutting linoleic acid in vegetable oils down to 2 grams or less daily is one of the most effective ways to protect your lungs

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14801,480 ratings

September 13, 2025

6 minutes

People who ate the most ultraprocessed foods had a 41% higher risk of developing lung cancer compared with those who ate the least
The increased risk was seen in both smokers and nonsmokers, showing that diet alone influences lung cancer development
Processed foods alter nutrient absorption, strip away protective compounds, and add toxic byproducts that fuel inflammation and immune dysfunction
Harmful chemicals from packaging and high-heat cooking further raise cancer risk and weaken your body’s defenses
Choosing whole, unprocessed foods and cutting linoleic acid in vegetable oils down to 2 grams or less daily is one of the most effective ways to protect your lungs

...more