We are what we eat. Listening to the truth of this timeless adage is more crucial than ever with experts finding significant connections between food toxins and liver cancer.

A new research by Mexican scientists shows carcinogenic effects on human beings with a diet high in aflatoxins.  Aflatoxins are present in food such as rice, corn tortilla, chicken, eggs, and processed sauces. These scientists found that consuming such aflatoxins leads to liver and cervical cancer.

This notable research was given the National Award in Food Science and Technology given by the Mexican Coca-Cola Industry and the National Council of Science and Technology.

While some types of cancer are caused by hereditary genes, others are caused by external factors called carcinogens. Aflatoxins are common carcinogens that are typically found in chemicals used in the processing of many foods.  Looking into the presence and behavior of aflatoxins is therefore important in studying cancer and related diseases.

For this research, experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico looked into massive food samples including over ten types of chili pepper, over a hundred pounds of tortilla, rice and corn.  They studied the how aflatoxins from these types of food are retained in animal tissues.

Aflatoxins are produced by the fungi called Aspergilus flavus and A. parasiticus. These high temperature-resistant fungi appear as green molds in refrigerators.

Considering that the foods involved in this study are staple and common, researchers believe that each person takes in amounts of aflatoxins that accumulate in the body over the years. And while these toxins do not pose immediate danger, it’s important to avoid them by properly storing food, and avoiding the intake of processed goods after indicated shelf-life.

Moral of the study? Eat healthy and eat safely.